Two university pals have walked the 2,700-mile perimeter of England – but it’s taken them more than 20 years.
Like most wacky ideas, it was born over a few pints in the pub while Martin Smith and Christopher Homan were studying.

“We only meant to walk from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Newcastle, where we were both post-graduates,” said Martin, 59, who is a parish councillor in Wingham, near Canterbury.
“That was in 2003, but it just grew from there in a kind of mission creep where we would complete various legs of the journey most years, when work and family commitments allowed.”
The pair completed the route in 54 stages, always wild camping no matter the weather, eventually finishing the mammoth journey back in Berwick in April.
Martin, a dad-of-two who is passionate about nature, says it was a life-affirming experience they will never forget.
“We were often in some uncomfortable situations, especially in poor weather. Washing was a bit of a luxury and we suffered with things like blisters, but we got through it with humour,” he said.

He and fellow trekker, Christopher, who lives in Great Barford in Bedfordshire, now have many happy memories of their epic journey.
“People ask what part of the walk I liked the most, but that is hard to say because all landscapes have unique qualities, in their natural beauty, history, industrial power, or because of the people,” said Martin.
“For example, to walk alongside a power station is as impressive as a cliff face.”
A geophysicist who previously worked in the oil industry, Martin says that one of their toughest stages was a 41-mile trek into Grimsby, when a deep frost had frozen their packs.
Other special memories were arriving at Tower Bridge in London and having a tot of rum on HMS Victory in Portsmouth, at the spot where Nelson had fallen.

“The most ups and downs were on the Southwest Coastal Path,” he recalls.
“The wettest experience was over St Bees Head in the dark last year, and the sunniest was over the Cheviot Hills.
“Now I look back and wonder how we always found the energy to get up and moving again on mornings following a long trek or a night in a flooded tent.
“Our principal morning priority was getting to the nearest café for a bacon and egg sandwich and some builders’ tea.
“What I can say is that one develops a resilience that comes not only from the physicality of engaging with landscapes but also from the thought processes at work in the mind.


“We met so many kind people along the way – many keen to know more about our adventures and always eager to divulge some interesting local knowledge.
“I have endured numerous blisters, rain and shine, and the ravages of time are starting to show, but it was all magnificently worthwhile.”
Martin is now studying for a Master of Laws and using his passion for the environment to restore a polluted river in Wingham.
His walking adventures have also inspired him to write a book of poems.