Conwy man completes 1,250 miles tour of UK for Ty Gobaith

Jul 28 2011 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

A FORMER policeman has realised his dream of walking the length of the UK – but admits walking 1,250 miles was the hardest thing he’s ever done.

It took Mike Atkins three months and three weeks to walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

But Mike, from Conwy, didn’t just take the easiest route, he also decided to scale 25 of the UK’s biggest mountains along the way.

The dad-of-five did it all in aid of Ty Gobaith and Children’s Hospices UK, and has so far raised £1,400, with many people sponsoring him along the route.

Mike, who completed his epic journey last week, said: “I wanted to see this beautiful country of ours, but away from the main roads.

“I climbed Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Ben Hope. I walked through the Western Highlands to Cape Wrath and then across the top of Scotland to Duncansby Head.”

Scotland proved to be Mike’s favourite part of the walk.

“I met some really lovely people in Scotland, and the Highlands were absolutely spectacular.

“One of my favourite nights was spent in a little bothy overlooking a beautiful beach called Sandwood Bay.

“There was a stunning sunset, and I was with a few other people. We made a fire and just looked at the view, it was gorgeous.

“The only downside to Scotland were the swarms of midges around Loch Hope, and I also got bitten by quite a few horseflies.”

Mike started the walk on March 25, and although he enjoyed a month of glorious weather, there were some very miserable times.

He said: “The worst month was June because it rained pretty much every day. Walking in the rain isn’t so bad, it’s just that your kit gets very wet and there’s no chance to get them dry.

“Going through the Pennines was hard because of this. But I never had any major mishaps, and was very pleased with my navigation skills!

“I’ve lost a stone in weight and since I’ve arrived home in Conwy my feet have swelled up for some reason.

“I’m glad to be home, but am already thinking about my next challenge. Perhaps it could be something like long distance swimming?”

To donate see justgiving.com/Michael-Atkins1