Aiden Desmond, a Maths teacher at Jack Hunt Academy, is no stranger to endurance challenges. Back in 2023, he completed the 630-mile South West Coast Path in just 53 days. The experience left him inspired and eager for more. So, in April 2025, he set off on his next great adventure: walking the length of Britain from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

Aiden left home on 7 April, reached John O’Groats by the 9th, and began the long journey south. After months of walking through some of the most varied landscapes in the UK, he finally arrived at Land’s End on the morning of 29 July. By the end, he had officially recorded an astonishing 1,383 miles on foot.

For someone living in one of the flattest parts of the country, the climbs through Scotland and the Lake District proved to be some of the greatest challenges. One moment that stood out was crossing the Corrieyairack Pass on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, an experience etched into both his memory and his legs.

When asked about highlights, Aiden struggled to single out a favourite. Each day offered something new: coastlines, forests, lochs, mountains, dales, farmland, canals, disused railways, bustling towns, quiet moors, and wide-open heathland. He and his walking companions loved discovering new places, learning their histories, and above all, experiencing the generosity and kindness of strangers they met along the way.

Although the challenge itself was a huge motivator, what kept Aiden going was the excitement of the unknown. Every day was different, with no rush to reach the destination. The freedom to slow down, appreciate the landscape, and connect with people along the way became the heart of the journey.

As a teacher, Aiden hopes his students take inspiration from his adventure. “Walking is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to explore the natural world,” he often says. “It’s accessible to almost everyone, and it’s brilliant for both physical and mental health.” He also points out that even just a short walk outside Peterborough is enough to find yourself surrounded by nature.

So, what’s next for Aiden? He isn’t finished yet. With a taste for long-distance walking, he has his sights set on another challenge, this time abroad. A multi-day trek in another country, he says, would be the ultimate next adventure.