A SOLO walker who is trekking around the British coastline for charity was due to stop off in Helensburgh this week.

Beth Wickes’ 6,000-mile adventure in aid of the RNLI, Mountain Rescue England and Wales and the Association of Lowland Search and Rescue started in October 2018 and will see her visit every lifeboat station in the UK.

Beth, who left London at the start of the challenge and gave up her home in the west midlands, putting all her possessions into storage, is now more than a third of the way through her journey and says she is relishing the experience.

She told the Advertiser: “I was at cross-roads in life after graduating from university in 2018 and decided that there will probably never be a better time for me to do this, so that was my main motivation.

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“The deciding factor was wondering whether I might regret not doing it when I’m on my death-bed and my answer was yes.

“It’s been wonderful seeing parts of the country I’ve never been to before and looking back and seeing my progress.

“Physically, on the whole, I’m finding it OK, probably because I’m pacing myself, not overdoing the mileage and making sure I have a rest day every fourth day.

“However, mentally it’s far more challenging; I underestimated how much admin work is involved in a journey like this and how exhausting it is.

“Unlike some charity walkers I do not have a supportive partner or team in the background helping me with all the jobs that aren’t obvious, I have to do pretty much everything myself.

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“That’s in addition to the mental strain of constantly moving “home” and complications around not having a fixed address, such as accessing products and health care.

“Because I don’t research areas other than route planning I don’t have any preconceptions, so I’m looking forward to seeing what Helensburgh is like. It’s also the start of the John Muir Way which I’m excited about walking.”

While Beth’s efforts are certain to be welcomed by her chosen charities, it is the response by members of the public on her travels which has pleasantly surprised her.

“I’ve had an amazing reaction so far,” she added.

“People have been so kind, offering me their spare rooms, food, clothes washing facilities and transport for me and my rucksack.

“The kindness of strangers is alive and well all around us.

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“Before I started I had this romantic idea that I’d explore the areas I arrive in, but this hasn’t been the case at all.

“What I’ve found is that after I’ve walked for hours the last thing I want to do is walk any more, especially on the days when I’m carrying almost 15kg.”

Beth is hoping to raise £20,000 and has received more than £1,000 in donations so far.

To donate, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BethFootForward.