Veteran walking entire coastline of the British Isles starts his Manx leg

Wed, 04 Oct 2023

Royal Artillery veteran, Daniel McNeil began his challenge of walking 16,000 miles around the entire coastline of the British Isles in March 2021.

Yesterday (October 3), McNeil made his way to the Isle of Man to continue his challenge by walking the Island’s coastline.

His mammoth walking challenge is in aid of armed forces charity The Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s’ Families Association (SSAFA).

McNeil said he “incredibly excited to see the beaches, the coastline, the culture and History”.

He thanked the Isle of Man Steam Packet company for helping with his travel arrangements at such short notice:

“My walking challenge does not allow me to plan too far in advance. As such, I cannot thank the Steam Packet Company enough for accommodating to my travel plans with such a short turnaround. It is greatly appreciated, and I look forward to meeting those who have helped me get across."

The veteran originally hadn’t planned for his challenge to last over a year, nor had he incorporated the British Islands on his route. However after visiting the Isle of Arran that changed:

“People told me to go to the Isle of Arran, my first island and Scotland, and I immediately became hooked. I have done the Hebrides Orkney and Shetland, including the Isle of Wight and all the other islands in between. The islands hold a unique energy that I like to call island life," McNeil said. 

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