It's been five years since I set off on my 850 mile coastal walk

CREATED BY DAVINA FARRER Published: 19/05/2026 @ 09:01AM #FiveYearsOfAdventure #CovidEased #BackpackAdventure #SeaToMyRight #WalkingJourney

Today marks five years since I began one of my biggest adventures. On 17th May 2021, as Covid restrictions eased, I didn't slowly return to normal; instead, I strapped on a backpack, with the sea to my right, and started walking ...

Five years on, I still can't believe I completed the challenging 850-mile coastal walk along the stunning British coastline

At the time, life had thrown quite a lot at me. Divorce, losing my mum, business struggles during Covid, being scammed, and generally feeling like I needed to reconnect with myself rather than just keep ploughing on.

Looking back now, I honestly think the walk arrived
in my life exactly when I needed it most!

What I thought would take around nine and a half weeks actually took nearly eleven. Around 850 miles later, with plenty of blisters, soaking wet camping days and winds that occasionally made me question my sanity, I finally reached Poole in Dorset.

The funny thing is, the physical challenge became the least important part of the journey. What really stayed with me were the people. Complete strangers stopping for chats, people donating to my charity fundraising, offering encouragement, sharing stories and reminding me how kind human beings can actually be when we slow down long enough to connect.

Some of my colleagues even joined me for parts of the walk, and a few of those friendships became lifelong.

There was something incredibly freeing about walking solo for long stretches, too. Just me, my thoughts, the sound of the sea, and the occasional battle with a tent that clearly had other ideas in high winds. You learn to be resourceful very quickly when your home is a rucksack and your schedule depends entirely on the weather, the hills, and whether your feet are staging a protest that morning.

The walk also taught me something powerful
about business and freedom!

Because I had built an income that worked around my life, I was able to take that time out properly. My bills were still paid, money was still coming in, and I could be fully present in the experience rather than worrying every five minutes about what was happening back home.

Most importantly, though, I found myself again. I realised I was happier in my own skin than I had been for years. I didn't need to be the fastest walker or have everything perfectly planned. I just needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

And apparently, once you've walked 850 miles, your brain starts thinking, “Well ... what's next?” So the following year, I set off to walk the Wales Coast Path too.

Clearly, I hadn't suffered enough blisters the first time.

Until next time ...

DAVINA FARRER

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About Davina Farrer ...
I’ve always believed life is too short to sit still and wait for “someday.” From travelling the world in my twenties to taking on challenges like long-distance coastal walks, I’ve built a life around adventure, freedom, and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way. After becoming a mum, I wanted a way to be present for my family while still creating an income and future for myself. That led me to build a flexible, residual income business that fits around real life - not the other way round. Today, I help others do the same, showing them how to reduce their bills and create more choice with their time. For me, it’s not just about money - it’s about freedom. Freedom to travel, take on new challenges, and be there for the moments that matter most. If you’re looking for a way to create more flexibility, more income, and more life in your days, you’re in the right place.

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