Yahoo Sports Walker completes 6,600 mile trek around Britain's coastline... and had to trespass hundreds of times
A walker who has spent nearly six years on an epic trek around the coast of Britain has finally completed his journey – but had to trespass hundreds of times while doing it.
Photographer Quintin Lake started the 6,600 mile hike five-and-a-half years ago but was faced with numerous signs saying “keep out” along the way.
However, the 45-year-old ignored the warnings so that he wouldn’t have to make lengthy diversions on the clockwise journey, according to The Times.
While he avoided any gardens of homes close to the coast, Lake nevertheless trespassed across large estates that house properties set further back.
Lake left London from St Paul's on 17 April 2015, and set off around the coast of Britain clockwise – returning to the same spot via Essex and along the River Thames.
Travelling around 16 miles each day, he camped in rough terrain, conquered some of the most dangerous routes, and documented the beauty of the British coast.
As he rounded the corner of St Paul's Cathedral with supporters, fans and loved ones broke out into applause.
The walks were carried out in nine-week spells, with Lake returning home to Cheltenham in between stints to earn money.
The government has previously announced its plan for the world’s longest coastal footpath, which would be some 2,700 miles long.
However, the plan has reportedly been undermined by wealthy landowners, who have told Natural England they don’t want people walking along their estates, which cross onto the path route.
Instead, walkers face the kind of lengthy diversions that Lake chose to ignore for his own journey.
Lake, who was greeted by supporters, friends and family as he completed his walk, described his experience as “spiritual”.
He said: "I have been basically alone for the best part of the five years. I have been walking about one third of the time – that's about 445 days.”
Commenting on the pictures he took of the stunning scenery along his route, Lake added: "As a photographer if your work touches people enough to make them come out to and welcome you that's the best thing you can hope for.
"Britain is an even more beautiful island than I imagined when I began and much wilder than I thought.”
Lake has now hinted that he is in discussions with a book publisher about his incredible journey.
