Where to start? Literally. I wanted to walk End to End ever since I walked the Coast to Coast in 2022, but I’d not really thought about how or when or in which direction. I was completely in the dark as to how to go about this. This was my first solo long-distance hike, so I could, in fact, do it anyway I wanted. All I knew was that I wanted to incorporate as many long-distance walks and mountains into my one big major hike, but where to start?

Skimming through the cicerone End to End book I’d ordered online, I quickly realised that it still wasn’t quite the route I wanted to take, and so from then on, I decided I’d map my own. Starting with the John o Groats trail in Scotland ending in Inverness. Why? To avoid the midges, of course. My mum says they always bite (I agree), but earlier on in the year, they are babies and have milk teeth. Come august, they are full on vampires with fangs. So that’s how I decided I was going southbound. Yes, the sun will be in my eyes (if it’s out), but avoiding the blood suckers wins me over every time.

Next up was to follow the Great Glen way to Fortwilliam. Then the West Highland Way to Milngavie. Sound pretty straight forward so far, yes? The tricky part starts now, how to I map a route from Milngavie to the start of the Pennine way? Os maps, of course! I love technology these days, but dont worry, I also love the traditional map and compass! So from Jedburgh onwards, it’s plane sailing, the Pennine Way, my home for the next 16 days.

We hit Ennerdale, and again, the trusted OS maps help me find a scenic route to Prestatyn.

Joining the Offa’s Dyke, deviding wales from England I’ll then head to Chepstow and finally hit the Southwest Coastal path all the way to Lands End. Ta da! Route planned, now the itinary to do.