Celebrating Martyn Culley’s 500th mile in the National Forest

For most people, the classic 1,215-mile end-to-end route from England to Scotland would be challenge enough. But not for Martyn. His journey is far from direct – he’s weaving his way across the country via as many named long-distance paths as possible, embracing remote, rugged, and scenic countryside along the way.

Martyn’s footsteps brought him through the heart of the Midlands on one of his favourite routes – the National Forest Way. Winding for 75 miles through former industrial landscapes now transformed into green spaces, the NFW links the ancient forests of Needwood in Staffordshire with Charnwood in Leicestershire. It’s a route full of history, regeneration, and natural beauty – and for Martyn, it’s also deeply personal.

“Today’s ‘Way’ is very special to me,” said the 64-year-old retired postmaster, who is raising money for Mountain Rescue. “I grew up around here and still live locally. My dad worked at Willington power station and I remember when everything around here was grey and grim. Now the air is clean, the countryside is thriving – it’s so good to be back.”

Martyn left Land’s End on April 1st and expects to finish his journey by the end of July, covering more than 1,500 miles in total. His route includes the Cotswold Way, Monarch’s Way, and Millennium Way – with the challenging Pennine Way, St Cuthbert’s Way, and Cape Wrath Trail still to come.

He’s walking around 20 miles a day, wild camping when he can, and carrying a 15kg backpack – with a few blisters and a worn-out pair of boots to show for it. “One day I pushed nearly 30 miles – just so I could stay at a brewery!” he laughed.

Martyn’s walk is raising funds for Mountain Rescue – an organisation close to his heart since his teenage years spent youth hostelling and hiking. “These are the areas Mountain Rescue teams serve – remote places where they truly save lives,” he said. His fundraising target is £15,000 and he’s already passed the halfway mark. You can support him here.

To mark National Walking Month, we’re celebrating stories like Martyn’s during our annual National Forest Walking Festival (16–26 May), with more than 80 guided walks across our beautiful and varied landscapes. Find out more and get involved: Walking Festival details.

As Martyn disappears into the distance down a blossom-lined path near Swadlincote, we wish him well for the miles ahead. Whether you call him a fool or an adventurer – one thing’s for certain: he’s an inspiration.