Linzi Bell, a determined explorer from Brightlingsea, Essex, has embarked on a remarkable journey to become the first person to walk the entire British coastline on foot. Starting her 306-day challenge in Greenwich on 1 March, she has already covered an impressive distance, passing through 16 counties along the way.
Before beginning her epic 7,178-mile trek, Linzi Bell reached out to Guinness World Records with hopes of setting a new world record by completing the coastal walk without the use of any ferries. In addition to her personal goal, she is also raising funds for the mental health charity Mind and National Trails, which maintains trails across England and Wales.
Throughout her expedition, the 46-year-old explorer has been deeply touched by the generosity and kindness of the people she has encountered. Many individuals have offered her a safe place to stay for the night, emphasizing the strong sense of community that exists along the British coastline.
While this may be her most ambitious challenge to date, Linzi Bell is no stranger to hiking adventures. Following the lockdowns of the coronavirus pandemic, she began hiking more frequently and has previously walked from France to Spain. However, her current endeavor is by far the most demanding, equivalent to walking more than 270 marathons.
Linzi Bell’s motivation to support Mind stems from her belief in the healing power of nature on mental health. Having witnessed the transformative effects of spending time outdoors on individuals struggling with addiction and depression, she is committed to helping others discover the therapeutic benefits of nature.
As she looks ahead to completing her coastal walk, Linzi Bell anticipates a celebratory “hometown hike” in Brightlingsea on 21 December, followed by a return to Greenwich on New Year’s Eve. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all those seeking to challenge themselves and make a positive impact on the world around them.