Epic 6,000-Mile UK Coast Walk: Couple Nearing Finish Line Enjoys A Cuppa With Newquay Lifeboat Crew

Photo: Antony & Sally enjoying a ‘brew with the crew’ at Newquay RNLI in the last week of their 12-month charity walk. Credit: Fiona Morris.

Antony and Sally Brown from St Blazey Gate in Cornwall are nearing the end of an extraordinary 12-month, 6,000-mile walk around the entire coastline of mainland Britain.

Their journey, which began last May, aims to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The couple visited Newquay lifeboat station on Friday lunchtime (17 May) to enjoy a “brew with the crew” in celebration of their fundraising efforts.

From Bude to Newquay and Beyond

The Browns embarked on their journey from Bude RNLI last May, traveling clockwise around the coast. With only five days and three lifeboat stations left, they are on the verge of completing their trek back in Bude, having already raised more than £10,000 for the charity that saves lives at sea.

After a late-night call on Thursday to investigate an object in the water at East Pentire, some of Newquay’s RNLI volunteers returned to the boathouse at 2 pm on Friday to welcome Antony and Sally. The couple had walked from St Agnes that morning, arriving in glorious sunshine to a warm reception.

Photo: Antony & Sally enjoying a well-earned break at Newquay Harbour, with just three lifeboat stations remaining on their 6,000-mile coastal walk in aid of the RNLI. – Credit: RNLI/Ann-Marie Dale

Walking for a Cause

Antony and Sally, who will arrive back in Bude on Wednesday (22 May), the day before Sally’s 60th birthday, shared their inspiration for the walk. “We walked the Cornish coast path in 2015 and loved it, which inspired us to walk further!” said Antony. “We’re proud to fundraise for the charity which does such vital work, and the welcome we’ve received from lifeboat crews around the UK has been one of the highlights of the walk. We call ourselves ‘gap-year grandparents!’ The kids had gap-years, so this is ours!”

A Journey of Admiration and Support

Newquay RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, Andy Hobkinson, expressed his admiration for the Browns’ challenge. “Since Antony and Sally left Yorkshire en route to Cornwall in early February, I have been on board with them, contacting lifeboat stations to encourage support and arrange welcomes from crews. I walked the South West Coast Path 25 years ago, so I have nothing but admiration for the challenge that Antony and Sally have been undertaking, walking ten times that distance to support the dedicated crews of the RNLI.”

Support and Follow the Journey

Supporters can donate to Antony and Sally’s walk in aid of the RNLI at JustGiving and follow their progress on Facebook.

Antony and Sally’s remarkable journey is not only a testament to their endurance but also a heartfelt tribute to the lifesaving work of the RNLI. As they approach the final stretch of their walk, their story continues to inspire and garner support for a vital cause.