Dan McNiell, 27, is a young veteran on a massive mission. After suffering from medical problems, addiction and depression, he set off with nothing but his boots and a tent to walk the whole coastline of the UK. He wanted to raise funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, who had helped him when he was discharged from the Army.
With over 11,000 miles in front of him, he hoped to clear out the cobwebs of his life and find inner peace along the way. Walking is known to have health benefits, both physical and mental. As Dan trudged from his home in Dumfriesshire, little by little, he felt his mood lighten and his back straighten.
Dan said:
“Walking is amazing, it’s like a meditation. And the coastline soothes your soul. It’s just all so beautiful.”
Just two months into his epic journey, Dan met Charlotte. It quickly became apparent that they made a great couple and Charlotte quit her job and pulled on her walking boots.
Dan said,
“I never expected to meet a partner on the way. I started the journey to get away from people and to be in my own solitude, but I was open to the idea of someone joining me for a walk for maybe a day or two.”
Dan and Charlotte have walked their way around the coast of Scotland and the majority of England in just two years.
Dan said:
“I’m really surprising myself by how fast we are going. It took ages with all the inlets and islands around Scotland, but now we seem to be flying!”
“This walk has restored my faith in humanity. Everywhere we walk, people are kind and want to help. We have been offered beds for the night, walking equipment, meals. It’s just the most extraordinary thing!”
Dan and Charlotte, who are currently just passing Plymouth, estimate that they will be at Land’s End around 20 May and completing their gruelling challenge in the next seven months. So far, they have raised over £15,000 for SSAFA.
Dan has an inspirational Instagram account where he posts stunning photography, nuggets of walker’s wisdom and the odd poem to lift the soul @DanWalksUK
If you would like to help Dan and Charlotte hit their fundraising target please visit : https://justgiving.com/fundraising/danwalksuk
