Meet Our Supporters – Martyn sets out to walk the length of the UK

Meet Our Supporters – Martyn sets out to walk the length of the UK

No, this isn’t an April fool! In just a couple of days, Scottish Mountain Rescue fundraiser Martyn Culley will take his first steps from Land’s End, embarking on an incredible 1,200-mile journey north to John O’Groats. Even before setting off, Martyn has already successfully fundraised over £700!

Over the coming weeks, Martyn will trek the entire length of Great Britain, covering as many of the country’s iconic walking routes as possible. His adventure will include the Cotswold Way, Pennine Way, West Highland Way, and Great Glen Way.

We are hugely grateful to Martyn for being part of our mountain-loving community and supporting our volunteer teams. With 3 out of 5 rescues funded entirely by donations and fundraising, we rely on people like you to keep our volunteers trained, equipped, and ready to respond. If you’d like to support Martyn and help power our volunteers to save lives in the Scottish outdoors, you can donate to Martyn’s fundraiser here. 

We caught up with Martyn ahead of his journey to hear more about his challenge and his motivations for supporting Scottish Mountain Rescue.

Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

I was born in 1960. I’ve been long distance walking, camping and staying in youth hostels since a teenager.

How did your passion for the outdoors develop?

Living in a rural area in Derbyshire the great outdoors has always been on my doorstep.

Why did you decide to fundraise for Scottish Mountain Rescue?

As a member of a mountaineering club I’ve always appreciated the efforts of the volunteers and the reassurance this provides. Luckily, I’ve never had to call them!

What made you decide on your challenge?

Being semi-retired I have more time on my hands and decided on a challenge. A few years ago my son walked John O’Groats to Lands End and this inspired me.

How did you prepare mentally and physically for your challenge?

I’ve been training over winter and this has included long distances walks such as the West Highland Way and Cumbia Way where the conditions were cold and snowy. My next long distance training walk is the Cotswolds Way. These walks have given me the opportunity to ensure that I have the correct kit for the challenge ahead.

My training has also included working out at the gym to ensure total body fitness.

What route will you be taking?

I’m not going to follow the normal route but rather go end to end “my ways”. I’m looking to walk as many of the different ways in the UK as possible. This will include the South West Coast Path, Cotswolds Way, National Forest Way, The Rivers Way, Pennine Way, West Highland Way and Great Glen Way. I will try and incorporate extra ways as I do further route planning.

What is the hardest and the most rewarding thing about the fundraising?

I’ve done previous long-distance walks for charity and the hardest thing is getting the message out there. I’ve been documenting my training and this can me found on Facebook – Martyn Culley.

“The most rewarding part is raising funds for a charity that I really believe in.”

On behalf of our 26 Mountain Rescue Teams and their 850 volunteers, we want to say a huge thank you to Martyn for going the extra mile (or 1200!) to support us. We wish you every success on your journey across Britain and hope that it spurs you on to know that every step you take powers our teams in their mission to reunite lost and injured mountaineers with their families.

Donate to Martyn’s fundraiser here.

Best of luck, Martyn, and thank you to everyone who donates – you are all part of our team of lifesavers! ♥