I am no stranger to extended challenging adventurous expeditions. A quick perusal on this website of my previous achievements will show I have a zest for exploration, immersion in wild solitude and an insatiable curiosity for what is possible.

On the 1st May 2025, I will set off from the Mull of Galloway, the southerly point of mainland Scotland and walk to Dunnett Head, the northerly point of mainland Scotland, via the easterly point at Keith Inch (Peterhead), the westerly point at Corrachadh Mòr (Ardnamurchan) and the centre of mainland Scotland close to the eastern foot of the mountain of Schiehallion.

Expedition Purposes.

I am embarking on this unusual challenge for two purposes.

First, to raise awareness about mental health and living well (despite the presence of mental ill health). In particular, I will be raising awareness of the importance of suicide prevention.

I’m a man who lives with chronic and enduring clinical depression which can be debilitating to live with. I find immersing myself in Nature and enjoying various adventures, helps me live with the illness and enhances my sense of living a fulfilling life.

Second, to raise much needed funds for the cancer charity Odyssey.

Odyssey is close to my heart and I'm proud to be one of their Ambassadors. It is a charity which enhances the quality of life for people with cancer through imaginative programmes of challenging and dramatic activities using the outdoors. I worked for them as an instructor for a number of years and witnessed at first hand the powerful and important service they provide.

Their services in the form of wonderful, week long, residential outdoor activity courses are free for each individual. To enable this to happen, the charity requires plenty of funds, which is why I've set the ambitious fundraising target I have. I sincerely hope you are happy to make a donation by following the link to my fundraising page, through the button below.

Thank you.

Expedition Route.

I have researched a likely route using Ordnance Survey mapping. The criteria for planning the route took into account the following factors:

• It holds personal interest for me.

• It leads me through sections of Scotland I would not normally choose to walk through. For example, the ‘Flow Country’ in the far north east of Scotland.

• It leads me past many sites of historical interest, particularly prehistoric, late Iron Age settlements and Pictish symbol stones.

• It offers the opportunity to traverse high mountains if conditions are favourable.

• It offers many opportunities to meet people on the way.

• Much of it is as wild and remote as possible.

• It avoids much of the coastline which I’ve kayaked along on previous expeditions. Except the Fife Coastal Path which has been high on my tick list for many years.

• It may be physically demanding and offer considerable challenges.

• Careful route planning, sound decision making and good navigation skills will be required.

• It offers me the opportunity to fly my brand new single skin, lightweight ‘hike and fly’ paraglider whenever conditions allow.

• I think I might be walking a route which may not have been attempted before.

The route is not set in stone and similar to my kayaking adventures, I will respond to the conditions at the time, how I am feeling and and my inclinations in the moment.

Equipment.

This will be an expedition of minimal needs and requirements.

I am choosing to camp in a tarp tent because I want to experience the challenge of this experience. My walking poles will be used as supports for the shelter I create every night. With my sea kayaking skills in keeping essential items dry, I’m confident I’ll have dry clothes to don and a dry sleeping bag to climb into every night. My cooking and eating apparatus will be minimal and lightweight. Certainly enough to meet my needs to brew hot drinks and cook my dehydrated food. I will be well equipped with good winter clothing and waterproof wear. I will also carry the necessary equipment to address any emergency situations I may face.

Personal Experience.

Many people will know of me as a man who is a passionate sea kayaker. However, I’m also highly experienced in mountaineering and backpacking. In fact my first solo adventure was walking the Pennine Way from north to south in 1982 when I was nineteen years old, as part of an overall 900 mile walking expedition around northern England that year. I went on to work for Outward Bound for many years where I led groups through the mountains in Wales, the Lake District, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. I used to be an avid fell runner too.

Following Me ‘Live’.

I will be using my YB Tracker which emits a GPS location every hour while I’m walking. You can view the route HERE. You need to refresh the page to receive updates.

If You Would Like To Help.

You may wish to offer patronage assistance to my expedition by making a small donation for which I will be hugely grateful. This will help cover equipment and food costs throughout the expedition.

The items I’m requiring include a sound pair of walking boots, a new waterproof jacket, a portable wind turbine to recharge electrical items, the set of Ordnance Survey maps which cover my designated route, ongoing credits and line rental for my YellowBrick GPS tracker.

Please help me spread the word of this adventure and the reasons why I’m undertaking it. I will truly appreciate this support.

There Will Be Further Information To Come. Please Bookmark This Page And Return From Time To Time To Keep Up To Date.

Thank You For Your Interest & Support.