About John Merrill: the journey of a lifetime

Beyond the incredible distance, some moments stand out as truly defining. Turning right at Land's End marked the official start of the British coastline walk. Being piped into Scotland by the Junior World Champion was an unforgettable welcome. Meeting the press at John o' Groats, who had travelled from London, was a memorable culmination. Later, being welcomed back to London at St. Paul's Cathedral and walking live onto national television were humbling experiences.

During the walk, I climbed the three highest peaks: Snowdon (England & Wales), Scafell Pike (England), and Ben Nevis (Scotland and Britain's highest). On each occasion, I left the coast, walked up to 34 miles and back, climbing the peak, and returning to where I had left the coast. As a result, I completed the longest Three Peaks Walk – 1,300 miles. Simultaneously, I accomplished the longest Land's End to John o' Groats walk – 4,200 miles. And walking twice from Land's End to John o' Groats in a year – 5,800 miles.

And yes, I wore out three pairs of boots along the way!

What message or feeling do I hope people take away after learning about my incredible journey? Go alone with no preconceptions. Just let the landscape unfold, and experience joy around the corner.

The beauty of walking is in its simplicity and the unexpected wonders it reveals. Each step is an invitation to connect with nature, to find peace in solitude, and to discover the boundless joy that awaits when you open yourself to the journey.

Having previously undertaken a 1,000-mile walk connecting the Inner and Outer Hebrides, followed by another 1,000-mile journey linking the Orkney and Shetland Islands, the idea of walking the entire British coastline began to germinate. To complete my island and coast walks, I walked 1,600 miles in Ireland, from Cape Clear Island to Malin Head, and around all the islands off the west coast.

Before fully committing to the British coastline, I needed to complete a 2,000-mile walk without a rest day. This I did, linking all the National Parks in England and Wales, walking all the National Trails, and climbing the highest peaks – a total of 2,200 miles. I finished at Filey, the end of the Cleveland Way, and walked 150 miles home to the Peak District.

Finally, I completed a 1,600-mile Land's End to John o' Groats walk as part of my training. It took 16 months of meticulous planning to work out the route. These journeys paved the way for the ultimate challenge: the 7,000-mile British coastline.