Pair walk 1,250 miles to protect whales and dolphins
Katie Monk and Indy Kiemel Greene raised more than 拢20,000 during their challenge
- Published
Two wildlife conservationists have hiked more than 1,250 miles (2,000km) across the UK to help protect whales and dolphins.
Indy Kiemel Greene, from Nottinghamshire, and Katie Monk trekked from Land鈥檚 End to John O鈥橤roats, via the Hebrides, over the course of more than four months.
The pair managed to raise in excess of 拢20,000 for the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT).
Speaking after they reached John O鈥橤roats, Mr Greene said: 鈥淚t was an amazing, amazing walk. Something we'll never, ever forget."
The pair had to contend with midges, ticks and horseflies along their journey
They set off from Land鈥檚 End on 10 May, trekking along the Pennine Way, before crossing over the Scottish islands of Bute, Mull and Harris.
Mr Greene, 19, from Edwinstowe, said he was not aware of anyone else having hiked to John O鈥橤roats via the same route through the Hebrides.
The pair battled torrential downpours, strong winds and - on the Scottish peninsula of Ardnamurchan - hundreds of ticks in their sleeping bags.
鈥淥ur legs were crawling with ticks,鈥 Mr Greene said.
鈥淲e estimated between 400 and 500 ticks just on our tent and in our sleeping bag. It took us days to get rid of them.鈥
He added: 鈥淭here were some people accusing us of calling this a holiday, but if this was a holiday, I鈥檇 want my money back.鈥
The pair were twice treated to spectacular Northern Lights displays during their journey
Miss Monk, 20, from East Lothian, said she was struck by the kindness they were both shown by strangers en route.
In Wolverhampton, the pair were provided with accommodation and dinner one night, while a canal boat carried their heavy bags through the city.
The conservationists said the money raised would help to fund HWDT's educational programmes for children in the Hebrides.
Follow 麻豆官网首页入口 Nottingham on , on , or on . Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk, external or via on 0808 100 2210.