Setting out on 1,000th walk
Derek Harwood has walked the length and breadth of the UK - and in a few weeks’ time he will be completing his 1,000th walk. To celebrate, the 67-year-old is using the event to raise funds for the Myton Hospices. He said: “My mum bought me an AA book of 205 walks from John O’Groats to Land’s End and it became my ambition to do them all. Then I just carried on.”
A member of the Kenilworth-based Midland Hill Walkers, Mr Harwood sometimes walks with a group but he often goes out alone - and he has logged every single walk so others can follow in his footsteps.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said: “My favourite walk is in Rhossilli on the Gower peninsular. It’s about seven miles long and has a bit of everything - views, a very long beach with a wreck, a pretty village, two rocky outcrops and lots of sand dunes to clamber over.
“Once when I was near John O’Groats, I came to some rapids and was able to watch a whole load of salmon leaping. That was amazing.”
Mr Harwood is inviting people to join him on his 1,000th walk, which will be a five-mile route on Sunday April 7, starting at the Old School lay-by on the A445 in Bubbenhall at 11am. To sponsor him, visit www.mytonhospice.org/fundraising/your_fundraising_pages