Overview

Very early in 2026 (January or February), I will set off from the muddy shoreline of the Solway Firth at Gretna Green and attempt to walk the entire length of the Scottish and English border. This is a relatively short and achievable distance of 175 kilometres (109 miles).

My aim is to follow the border line on the Scottish side as faithfully as possible.

I will backpack and camp wild, carrying my equipment and provisions with me. I anticipate the journey will take ten days.

Once again, I will use this adventure as an opportunity to raise funds for Odyssey, the cancer charity I’m proud to be an ambassador for.

Reasons

I have sea kayaked around the coastline of Scotland twice, and I have walked the length and breadth of the country, visiting the four cardinal points of the mainland. It feels right to complete a circuit of the country by walking its border with England.

I am fascinated by the history of Scotland as a nation. Exploring the border has been a project I’ve long wanted to undertake. Often referred to as the debatable lands, the country along the border was a sometimes lawless zone, controlled by the border reivers. There were many skirmishes and pitched battles between the Scots and English during the Middle Ages and it wasn’t until the mid-sixteenth century that some order was applied. I hope to gain a sense of the special historical nature of this stretch of country as I walk through it. The history ranges from prehistoric times to the present day, with cairns, burial mounds, Roman camps, battle sites, notable crossing points and of course, plenty of quirky local legends.

I enjoy a hearty adventure and this promises to be just this. There is no defined route for the length of the border and I will have to create my own path for much of the way. I’m looking forward to meeting this challenge, especially on the back of my successful Four Corners expedition in the summer of 2025.

I am keen to begin the year as I mean to live it. Actively and with purpose.

I want to continue to raise awareness of the charity Odyssey and use this opportunity to raise important funds for them.

Safety & Risk

As with all my adventuring, I take my personal safety seriously. I carry the necessary equipment for my comfort and survival. I am fully aware this adventure will occur in the heart of winter and will assess my onward progress accordingly. I will also pay close attention to my mental health given the possible rigours the winter conditions may present.

Expedition Patronage

I am always in need of new equipment or upgrading old equipment. If you wish to support my undertaking, I will be forever grateful. You can do so by making a donation by clicking the button below. Thank you!

Further details will be added as my planning for this adventure unfolds.