Published Wednesday 10 February 2016 at 12:09
Rambler Nick Burton is writing a book about his experiences of a mammoth walk from Pendle to Parliament.
He successfully completed the walk from his home in Clitheroe to the Houses of Parliament following only footpaths and bridleways and Ordnance Survey maps.
He has now decided to document his experiences in a book, which aims to raise awareness of the state of public rights of way and the need for proper investment in walking.
Accompanied by nothing more than his ruck-sack, tent and maps, the challenge, saw him walk for over 12 hours a day over two weeks to finally reach his Capital destination.
The aim was to raise awareness of the importance of our rights of way network and to encourage the Government to invest in walking as an alternative means of transport to cars.
After two weeks of walking, covering a distance of 280 miles, Nick arrived in central London on Monday 29 June 2015. He was invited into the House of Commons where he delivered his petition to ‘Get Britain Walking’ to his Ribble Valley MP, Nigel Evans.
He was also met on Vauxhall Bridge by staff from the head office of the Ramblers who cheered him on and posed for photos.
Nick, 49, from Clitheroe, has worked for Blackburn with Darwen Council for the past 13 years – delivering health walks and community cycling sessions in the borough.
The book, entitled ‘Pendle to Parliament – A Long Walk following the Footpaths of England.’ sets out to make it easier for people to get out and about in the countryside.
Nick, a married father of two, was keen to write the book to raise awareness of our footpaths network and how it can still be used as a gateway to adventure.
Nick said: “Our public rights of way network is the key to encouraging sustainable travel, tackling obesity, boosting rural economies and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the nation.”
Nick said some of the highlights included, walking through the Peak District National Park, walking the Thames Path into London and camping at the junction of two Roman Roads – the Fosse Way and Watling Street.
He added: “Along the way I was chased by several herds of cows and struggled with many nettly overgrown paths in the Midlands counties. But I suppose that was all part of the adventure.”
Councillor Phil Riley Executive Member for Regeneration said: “Nick’s efforts are commendable, we are extremely lucky here in Lancashire that we have the beautiful open countryside right on our doorsteps. Walking is a huge driver for tourism and for health, it’s also important that we protect and promote what we have got.” Nick is currently in discussions with a number of publishers to get the book into print.
You can show your support via the ‘Pendle to Parliament’ Facebook page or via Twitter @pendle2parl