In the summer of 2024 I set out to walk from Edinburgh to Croydon.

Croydon, in south London, is where I grew up. I wanted to undertake this journey to delve into my past and understand something about home. The 800+ mile journey would take me through some of the places I had lived before – Galashiels, Manchester, Coventry, Guildford. It was a bit like going back in time and it helped me make some peace with the past. Plus, I saw many beautiful parts of the UK I’d never seen before.

To understand why I wanted to walk to Croydon read this and for lessons learned along the way read this. Below are some other articles I wrote as I journeyed. I’m not sure what I’ll do with the journey – maybe a book, or maybe I’ll just store the memories…

31st May 2024: I departed and set out along the John Muir Way east towards Dunbar. Read this for a few reflections on journeying sustainably – not just from an environmental perspective, but with regard to our health and relationships too.

4th June 2024: I joined the Southern Upland Way at Cocksburnpath. I’m now on my way towards Galashiels – the first ‘home’ of my journey. Interestingly, whilst I was living there, Galashiels was crowned the happiest town in Scotland. Here is something I once wrote about the nonsense of such an award.

14th June 2024: In Bellingham drying out. Resting my weary legs and blistered feet after too many days on the move. I had my first hot shower in a while – the ecstasy. Here are some reflections on an essential ingredient of home.

16th June 2024: The rain is getting me down. Still, at least its beautiful and I’m surrounded by loads of WELLBYs.

21st June 2024: Happy Solstice. Weather is clearing and I’ve been having some great days. Also been joined by my beloved. Here is a brief journey so far with pictures.

29th June 2024: I arrived in Preston, where an inspiring approach to economics has been taken with great success.

7th July 2024: I’ve been hanging out in Manchester for some days. Its time to really slow down. But it’s also time to leave again and head for Burton-Upon-Trent and then toward Coventry.

12th July 2024: A break in the weather and there I am having a surprisingly amazing day. Maybe the best of the journey. Read why here.

27th July 2024: I am no longer enjoying the journey – that is if I ever truly was. It has been tough recently and I am having my doubts about continuing. Maybe I’ll speed up the completion by taking a more direct route and getting the journey done.

29th July 2024: Still going and now along the Thames on my way towards Reading. Sublime camp spot this one.

31st July 2024: After exactly 2 months, I arrived in Croydon. And for the first time in my life I was pleased to see the place. Here is a short blog post signifying the end.

The journey about home came to its safe and happy end. Thank you to everyone that accompanied me on this journey. Here is a post I wrote several months after being back about the key lessons from the journey.