Story
Cycling the Scottish coastline in October? How hard can it be?
All for the World Land Trust. James is taking on this mammoth challenge to help raise funds and awareness for the World Land Trust's incredible "Forests of Mist" Campaign, which will protect and preserve over 1031 hectares of land in Columbia's Guanacas Reserve.
Protecting threatened land is one of the most effective things we can do to help fight against climate change.
Last time James's supporters raised an incredible £8400. James has raised is target in the hope of pushing the total to a nice, round £10'000.
Part 2 Starts October 21st 2023!
Part 1 complete! Almost two years ago, in late November 2021 James embarked on the challenge of a lifetime, cycling over 2000km of UK coastline in Winter. It was far from easy! On the day he set off from Southwold, "Storm Arwen" battered the Eastern coastline, shortly followed by "Storm Barra". The ferocious winds and heavy rain set back James' schedule meaning he was forced to change his plans and cut out most of Scotland to avoid snow and ice. Later in his journey, Covid reared it's ugly head as the Omicron pandemic set in, restricting travel in Wales and making accommodation difficult. Reluctantly, James finished his journey 2 weeks early after 6 weeks on the road. The journey, despite it's challenges, was a huge success raising over £8400 to protect 67'000msq of rainforest.
Part 2: Determined to claim back those two missing weeks and with a Scottish score to settle, James is dusting off the Noble Steed, packing his panniers and heading back to Edinburgh for a 2 week special, cycling the coastline over the top of Scotland, as far as he can, wild-camping where possible, before finding a train station to head home.
***Update 28th Oct*** James's plans, once again, have been hampered by storms! This time, "Storm Babet" thrashed the East coast of Scotland on the day James left home, flooding roads causing flooding and landslides. This left James no choice but to cycle North, through the Cairngorms to Inverness and then West, across Scotland to the West coast in search of drier, safer conditions. After 8 days, he is now working his way South towards Skye and eventually his train home from Fort William on Friday 3rd Nov.
As before, he'll be cycling alone but with the inspiration and motivation of those who follow the project to spur him on.
James will attempt his journey while facing Scotland's notorious weather. Wind, rain, cold as well as reduced hours of daylight may all stand in the way of his progress.
"This journey is way bigger than me, I'll need all the support I can get along the way and I'd love to include anyone who wants to get involved!" -James
About the World Land Trust...
"World Land Trust protects the world's most biologically significant and threatened habitats acre by acre.Through a network of partner organisations around the world, WLT funds the creation of reserves and provides permanent protection for habitats and wildlife. Partnerships are developed with established and highly respected local organisations who engage support and commitment among the local community."
To keep the challenge as environmentally responsible as possible, James eats a plant-based diet and will continue this during his journey. James will also be using public transport (train) to get to the start line and return home again.
Follow James on social media, send him a message of support and encouragement, offer a garden to camp in or even a sofa for the night, brew him a coffee on the way or just wave and cheer as he goes past!
"Thank you so much to everyone who has helped so far through donating and sharing, it means the world to me and it's incredible to think what we'll be able to achieve!" -James