Intrepid woman's five-year mission for marine conservation reaches Highlands
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Artist Blue Wilson is coming to Inverness for the latest stage in her amazing five-year mission to walk solo round the entire UK coastline.
And the 48-year-old from Selby, North Yorkshire is taking on the walking challenge to raise funds for marine conservation charities Surfers Against Sewage and Sea Changers – and taking on the marathon challenge part-time.
So far Blue has walked 1,760.57 miles in 103 days and has reached as far south as Oare Marshes in Kent and as far north as Inverness.
She explained: "I am taking on this challenge in stages due to other commitments and alternate between heading north from last most northerly point reached and heading south from last most southerly point reached.
"I have also walked other long distance paths and conquered a fair few summits but am now focusing solely on this.
"So far I have raised £2,411 split between the two marine charities.
"During my treks I have become increasingly aware of the perils endangering our oceans, marine life, coastal communities and climate.
"I have seen first hand some of the great work my chosen charities have done and I want to help by contributing as much as possible to their future projects."
Blue has set a fundraising target of £4000 per year per chosen charity towards a final grand total goal of £20,000 for each by the end of the full challenge.
People can donate via her Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/team/teambluewilsonwalks
Her walk is completely self funded including all travel to and from start and finish points, accommodation, sustenance and kit.
Blue said: "I use my weekends and annual leave off work to complete each stage.
"I have recently got back from nine and a half day’s walking 188.2 more miles, completing the Aberdeenshire coastline, Moray and crossing over into the Highlands."
Her next stint will be from May 27 for eight and a half days continuing north from Inverness over the Kessock Bridge round the Black Isle and up the east Highland coast.
Blue added: "Every year I hope to complete as big a section as possible until successfully completing the entire UK coastline in an estimated five years.
"I cross all rivers and estuaries by nearest bridge or path, so often it’s a long walk inland. I’ll only use a boat to get to an island and even then only if not accessible by bridge or causeway.
"I have seen and experienced some incredible things so far on my journey and made some amazing new connections with fellow coast walkers. All doing it in their own way and for their own reasons and/or fundraising.
"The thing I have found most heartwarming is the support and utter kindness and generosity of friends, family and complete strangers many of whom will see my fundraising top that I wear whilst walking and stop me to ask about my challenge and often donate money to my Just Giving total."
