Verwood man set to tackle Land's End to John o' Groats walk

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https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/ ... oats-walk/

THE saying ‘take a hike’ is being taken to the extreme by a Verwood postman planning to walk more than 1,200 miles across the length of Britain for a Dorset charity.

Elliott Wright hopes to walk between Britain’s extremities starting from Land's End in Cornwall up to John o' Groats in Scotland, all in aid of mental health charity Dorset Mind.

The 24-year-old says he was inspired to tackle the mammoth trek after struggling to remain indoors during lockdown and watching online videos of people going on thrill hikes across America.

He told the Echo: “About a year ago I got really inspired by these thrill hike videos, people who would go on these four month long hikes with camping and everything. I wanted to go and try it but coming out of lockdown there was no hope of me going.

“That’s what made me start thinking what I could do in this country and that’s when I found out about the Land's End to John o' Groats trail. Then I got obsessed with the idea of doing it.



“During and even after lockdown me and a lot of other people had plans taken away from us. It put me in a place where I was a bit lost about what I could do with myself so it came at the perfect time.”

Elliott already has a one up on the challenge thanks to his job as a postman, however he has started going on hikes during the weekend to get used to different terrains as well as using a compass to prepare for walking in areas with low phone signal.

He hopes to walk an average of 25 miles a day during the roughly two-and-a-half-month adventure.

Despite not yet starting the challenge, Elliott has already raised close to £400 for Mind – born out of his belief that walking was having a positive impact on his state of mind.

“I do think getting out into nature is a good thing for your mental health, they go hand in hand,” said Elliott.

Bournemouth Echo: Verwood postman Elliott Wright who is set to tackle a hike from Land's End to John o' Groats

“So I thought why not do this for a charity that I like. I’ve known people close to me suffer from mental health issues and I think my generation is far more aware of it.

“I’ve seen what good Mind does for people, so it was a no brainer for me.”

Elliott says he does not have a target total in mind for his fundraising but said getting at least £2,000 would be “amazing”.

Beginning his walk on April 25, Elliott’s progress will be documented on Instagram which can be found by searching @elliottwalks. You can also visit justgiving.com/fundraising/elliottwalks to see the fundraising page.