Elliott Wright, from Verwood, has spent the past five months planning an epic walk that will see him follow the route from Land’s End to John O’ Groats, all in aid of the charity MIND.

Elliott said: “When Covid hit, I was just finishing at uni and had big plans, all of which had to be put on hold. I felt lost, as did a lot of other young people, and looked for a place to put my energy.”

For Elliott, that meant spending lots of time exercising outside. He realised that this was having a positive impact on his state of mind and, in a bid to further direct his focus, decided to take on the walking challenge.

While the challenge was the initial goal, Elliott said: “I really believe in exercise and being in the outdoors as a way to create better mental health, so I thought it would be a good idea to use those things to raise money for MIND.”

Elliott, who is a postman, said his job has helped him achieve the fitness levels he requires to complete the challenge, during which he aims to walk an average of 25 miles per day.
He plans to wild camp most of the way, with an occasional stop at a campsite so he can shower and recharge his battery packs. He will carry all the equipment he needs, stopping along the way to replenish his food and water supplies.

Elliott will begin his walk on 25 April and anticipates that he will complete his challenge in around two-and-a-half months. His route will include five of the UK’s most popular trails, including the South west Coast Path, the Penine Way and the West Highland Way, interspersed with local trails. Only around five per cent of the route will be road walking.

Elliott said: “Planning for my walk has really helped me by giving me something to put my energy into. I hope to be able to help others, either by inspiring them to take up their own challenges, or through any money raised.”

You can follow Elliott’s journey on Instagram @Elliottwalks, and donate at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/elliottwalks