This week, East Staffordshire had the honour of welcoming Martyn Culley, a 65-year-old from Willington, Derbyshire, who is one month into an incredible walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats. His mission? To raise funds and awareness for mountain rescue teams across England, Scotland, and Wales — all while walking over 900 miles solo.
But Martyn won’t be sticking to the traditional route — instead, he’ll be going end to end his way. With an aim to walk as many of the UK’s iconic trails as possible along the journey. This includes the South West Coast Path, The Cotswold Way, Rivers Way, The Pennine Way (Britain’s First National Trail which ends in East Staffordshire most northernly point), The West Highland Way Scotland’s long distance trail, The Great Glen Way, which will take Martyn along Loch Ness, and The National Forest Way, which covers parts of East Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
But as he continues up the country he to plans the ever changing route, and hopes to incorporate even more long-distance paths into his adventure.
We caught up with Martyn at the National Memorial Arboretum in Lichfield who are in the middle of their VE Day reflection days — a particularly poignant time for Martyn, a former Royal Marine.
Accompanied by Discover East Staffordshire and The National Forest Company, on today’s 20 mile walk, Martyn entered the East Staffordshire via the National Forest Way, the long distance walk of 74 miles in the North Midlands of England which explores the best of the National Forest including ancient woodlands, hidden valleys and the industrial heritage of the area.
He shared tales from his epic journey, and locations of his favourite bench spots along his journey (you’ll have to follow his social media for more information on his love of benches: link below), before stopping off at Indulgence Café at Barton Marina for a well-earned break.
From there, he continued on to Tucklesholme Nature Reserve, then headed to the heart of The National Forest and his evening campsite in Moria, Derbyshire — complete with a gift of Burton’s Tower Brewery India Pale Ale for some local flavour and refreshment.
Martyn’s adventure then leads him north through Derbyshire’s National Forest, into the Peak District, and onward to Scotland, with the finish line just weeks away.
You can find out more about his route here: Meet Our Supporters – Martyn sets out to walk the length of the UK – Scottish Mountain Rescue
Walking runs in the family — it’s in their soles! Martyn is, the proud dad of Sam Culley, the popular walking influencer, but is now building his own vast community of followers as he tackles this epic personal journey.
If you see Martyn en route, be sure to give him a wave (he’s always up for a photo 📸) — and help spread the word about the incredible, often life-saving work of our Mountain Rescue teams.