About me

The Covid restrictions made me appreciate my health and freedom, so I took early retirement in 2020, after working for over 30 years in the City, to hike and camp round the coast of Britain, in short sections to balance family life and other interests. I expect to walk over 10,000 miles, visiting as many islands as possible.

I’m inspired by the writing of Robert Macfarlane — particularly the beautifully written The Wild Places — to explore remote places, which means I’ll often head inland, particularly to avoid long stretches of road walking.

In 2022, my children bought me National Geographic’s 100 Hikes of a Lifetime, which inspired me to challenge myself further and backpack the Arctic Circle Trail on my own. I’m hoping to complete as many hikes as possible across 66 countries.

In January 2025, I climbed my first Munro — a mountain in Scotland that’s 3,000 feet or higher — with my eldest son, Cal. There are 282 Munros. I may not climb them all, but I’ll attempt those that interest me.

I’m 64 now, so I need to stay in shape until I’m 100 to complete all three challenges or perhaps be reincarnated as a mountain goat. Sir David Attenborough is, of course, my role model.

I picked up a couple of small inguinal hernias around January 2025, which did not stop me from hiking, but began to niggle if I had to scramble up a rock face. After just under a year on the NHS waiting list, I had my operation at the end of April. This means the Highlands will have to wait a few months as I focus on more gentle trails down south, making sure I’m ready for the family hike on the Mont Blanc Trail at the end of July.

It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door. You step into the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.

Bilbo Baggins

Tony

6 June 2026