Couple Sets Off on 7,300-Mile Walk Around Mainland Britain to Raise £10,000 for Air Ambulance

Two intrepid explorers from Somerset set off this October on an unsupported 7,300 mile walk around the mainland coast of Great Britain. Over a two-year journey, Zoe Langley-Wathen and Mike Langley aim to raise £10,000 for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, all while championing the message that adventure has no age limit.

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The Challenge – HeadRightOut: One Coast Any Age

Zoe and Mike are experienced long-distance walkers and passionate advocates for adventure at any age. They will begin their journey on Saturday 4th October 2025, starting at South Haven Point, Studland – the official end of the South West Coast Path, walking an􀀁clockwise around the entire coastline of mainland Britain, before finishing back at Studland. Their challenge will be en􀀁rely self-supported, with no use of ferries. Instead, they will walk up rivers and estuaries to the nearest bridge and return down the opposite side. Where bridges or causeways connect islands to the mainland, those will also be included. They say:

“We want to show that adventure has no age limit. Walking the entire coast of mainland Great Britain is a tremendous challenge, but it’s also a chance to raise vital funds for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones.”

The Team

The pair first met on the South West Coast Path in 2011 and have been walking long-distance trails together ever since. They share a passion for showing that adventure has no age limit.

Mike is aiming to become the oldest person to complete the mainland coast of Great Britain as a thru-hike – a Guinness World Record attempt.

He said:

“I’ll be 73 when we set off, and my hope is to become the oldest person to walk the coastline of mainland Great Britain in a continuous circuit. After two new hips, I know this won’t be easy – but I’m determined to prove that age doesn’t have to hold you back.”

He has climbed all 252 Welsh mountains over 600m in one continuous expedition in his 60s and has re-walked the Camino with two new hips.

Zoe, who will be 54 at the start, has already completed several National Trails, including the South West Coast Path, Offa’s Dyke and even became the first woman to walk the Wales Coast Path in 2012. An ambassador for AdventureMind, she is passionate about encouraging women in midlife to embrace adventure as a powerful tool for resilience and wellbeing. Zoe is also the author of 630 Miles Braver, her memoir about walking the South West Coast Path, and hosts the HeadRightOut podcast, which focuses on midlife women stepping beyond their comfort zones.

She says:

“As a midlife woman, I know how powerful adventure can be for building resilience and confidence. Long-distance walking has changed my life, and I want to encourage others – especially women in midlife – to see what they’re capable of when they dare to take that first step.”

What They’re Looking Forward To

Zoe and Mike are excited to meet people along the way – communities, fellow walkers, and supporters of DSAA. They also hope to speak to groups and individuals en-route, sharing their message about the power of adventure for mental health and wellbeing. Zoe, who loves photography, art, and writing, is particularly looking forward to capturing the landscapes and wildlife they encounter, while Mike relishes the challenge of covering new miles each day and never knowing what’s around the corner. Life is a great adventure for them both.

Why Fundraise for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance?

Zoe and Mike have chosen to raise money for DSAA because of the vital role the charity plays in rural communities like their own.

“What really struck us during a recent visit to the airbase was the speed at which the crew can bring the hospital to the patient, knowing the service is funded almost entirely by donations, we wanted our walk to raise awareness and funds to help keep those helicopters flying. You never know when we or a loved one might need their help.”

Stay up to date with their progress, stories, and fundraising via:

Instagram: @headrightout