11-07-2025
Kent man's 2,700 mile odyssey around perimeter of England
A man from Kent has recalled adventure spanning 20 years after he completed a trek of 2,700 miles (4,345km) around the perimeter of Smith, councillor of Wingham Parish Council said he and his friend Christopher Homan came up with the "crazy idea" over a few drinks in a pub during their university Smith said they decided to go on a trekking expedition in 2003, with initial plans to just trek from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Newcastle before turning it into an odyssey. "It wasn't about ticking a bucket list, it was about being able to experience exploring the country and places I had never visited before," he said.
He said some of his memorable moments included visiting the Cornish coasts, the Hull dock areas, refineries, power stations and watching migrating geese when they were at The Wash in East Anglia.
Mr Smith believed he inherited his love for exploring from his father, John Smith, who was an Antarctic explorer between the 1950s to 1960s. He said the place that held the most significance to him was Sandwich Bay in Kent, as it brought back memories of the halcyon days when he had spent during his childhood.
Mr Smith said: "My father and I used to go beachcombing when I was little and we would go fishing for cod at night."He said he had learned a lot from his expedition, which included handling tough situations calmly and with good humour."There were days it rained heavily when we were camping out. We were able to share a good laugh and just carry on," he added."I learnt to appreciate the present moment and every aspect of my surroundings because each place carries its own uniqueness."
Because of this experience, Mr Smith says he has a habit of photographing any thing he finds interesting, such as cloud formations. Mr Smith and his friend finally completed their journey back in April, with the final leg of the journey trekking back to Berwick."I felt a sense a melancholy because it was over," Mr Smith said. "I miss the experience of being on a journey and the fact I may never visit some of those places again."
