Man walks 400 miles from Brighton to Cornwall for a pint

Brian Oliver walked about 15 miles a day for 28 days from his home in Prince’s Terrace, Brighton, to his brother’s pub in Falmouth, Cornwall.

The mammoth journey was the result of a challenge made during lockdown, in which Brian and his brother Michael, landlord of the Sea View Inn, discussed raising money for a worthy cause.

Despite reaching state pension age this year, Brian completed the challenge in aid of Go Beyond, a charity which helps disadvantaged children enjoy countryside holidays.

After walking 411 miles in total, he finished by marching up the final 111 steps of Jacob’s Ladder in Falmouth on June 29.

Brian Oliver (right) with his pint after walking 400 miles from Brighton to Cornwall

“It was a long way for a pint – I didn’t allow myself any on the way – but it was definitely an adventure I’d do again, maybe on different paths next time,” he said.

“It also helped me to shed a good few pounds and I’m now at my lowest weight in many years, so I’d better not be drinking too many pints, or it’ll soon go back on.”

Brian, a semi-retired journalist, said walking was the perfect way to see the world and forget about the negative aspects of life.

“I walk a lot all over the country and I find it very sad that so many people, especially young people, never get the chance to see how beautiful Britain is,” he said.

“People complain all the time about life in Britain - politics, rail strikes and endless bad news – but our landscape is the match of anywhere in the world, and there are 140,000 miles of footpaths to walk and take it all in.”

Brian Oliver

The keen walker, who camped along the route, said he was grateful for all the support along the way.

“I’ve walked in seven counties and have been on at least 30 bus rides,” he said. “When my journey strayed beyond the bus routes, Ive had to hitch a lift four times, but it all worked out.

“And Go Beyond owns its own places in the countryside in Cornwall, Devon and Derbyshire and it gives holidays that can change a child’s life.

“The kids need the best care and professional leaders for their adventures, so it’s an expensive week for them. If I can raise enough for a couple of children to have a great holiday, my long walk will have been worth it.”

Brian is currently £400 short of his target of £2,200. Donations can be made through JustGiving.