Midlife couple to walk the entire coastline of mainland Britain – 7,300 miles on foot for Air Ambulance charity
Start: Saturday 4 October 2025
Location: South Haven Point, Studland, Dorset (end of the South West Coast Path)
Direction: Anticlockwise from Poole
Route: The entire mainland coast of Great Britain on foot, finishing back at South Haven Point, Studland. We will save the final 630 miles of the South West Coast Path until last.
The short story
We are Zoe Langley-Wathen and Mike Langley from South Somerset, setting out on our biggest challenge yet – a continuous walk around the mainland coast of Great Britain. We will be on foot for approximately two years, sharing an honest, age-inclusive story of adventure as a powerful tool for resilience and wellbeing. We are also the newest members of the Páramo brand ambassador team, and as long-time users of the brand, we are proud to carry their messages of comfort, safety, sustainability and ethical manufacture along with us.
Mike (73 at the start) aims to become the oldest person to complete the mainland GB coast as a thru-hike. Zoe (54) is also an ambassador for AdventureMind and the first woman to walk the Wales Coast Path. Together we want to show that any age can take on bold things with care, community and plenty of the HeadRightOut spirit I have advocated for since founding HeadRightOut in 2019.
Why we are walking
Adventure | Resilience | Encouragement
HeadRightOut exists to help people – especially women in midlife and beyond – stretch comfort zones in the outdoors and discover what else is possible when they face their fears. This walk is our living, breathing campaign for:
- Wellbeing: sharing the positive power of adventure for mental health.
- Age-inclusivity: tackling stereotypes by doing, not just saying.
- Community: inviting people to follow, meet us on route and support local causes.
We are fundraising for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and championing the mission of AdventureMind to promote the powerful benefits of adventure to our mental health and wellbeing.
The route and rhythm
- Around 7,300 miles of shoreline tracks, promenades, sea walls, cliffs, mountains, lanes and beaches.
- A Dorset launch, setting off anticlockwise from South Haven Point, Studland on the western side of Poole Harbour and heading eastwards, finishing back at South Haven Point, Studland.
- No ferries. Islands included only where connected to the mainland by bridges or causeways.
- Logistics: unsupported, camping and simple stays, with resupply drops.
- Tracking: we do not share live tracking publicly. Family and close friends may follow our live breadcrumb map. We will update an online map regularly so you can see where we have walked and roughly where we are.
“This isn’t just a walk, it is a statement that midlife is not the end of the adventurous road, and that gap years can be for anyone.
Zoe Langley-Wathen
Who are we?
Zoe Langley-Wathen – writer, speaker and host of the HeadRightOut podcast. Author of 630 Miles Braver – Midlifing on the South West Coast Path (2025). First woman to walk the Wales Coast Path (2012). AdventureMind ambassador and long-distance walker since 2011.
Mike Langley – lifelong outdoorsman and long-distance walker who is always happiest in the hills . At 61, Mike climbed all 252 mountains in Wales over 600 metres in a six-week period. At 73, he is attempting to become the oldest person to complete the coastal circuit of Great Britain as a thru-hike (continuous in intent with days off and short breaks). He is the proud owner of two new hips, walking 600 miles on the Camino de Santiago in 2024 … just seven months after his second hip replacement!
“This isn’t just a walk,” says Zoe. “It is a statement that midlife is not the end of the adventurous road, and that gap years can be for anyone. We will be walking to promote AdventureMind’s message of the powerful benefits of adventure on mental health and wellbeing, and to support the vital work of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.”
Ways to get involved
- Donate: Support Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
Donate to DSAA - Sponsor or partner: Product or service support. Alternatively, you may wish to offer financial backing to help us keep HeadRightOut the podcast running while we’re away. We deliver meaningful, story-led content and in-person value.
Enquire about sponsoring or partnering - Host us en route: While we are self-sufficient, often a patch of grass, a hot shower, a meal or a laundry stop goes a long way to revive a tired long-distance walker!
Offer a stay or resupply - Walk a mile with us: We will share simple meet-up points as we go on Instagram and Facebook.
- Subscribe to the newsletter to hear about updates to the walk and future books.
- Book a talk: Festivals, libraries, bookshops, clubs and workplaces.
Speaking enquiries
Supporters and kit
We are grateful to our early supporters and collaborators: Páramo (brand ambassadors), Osprey (packs), ZOLEO (satellite communicator), Pacerpoles (ergonomic walking poles), Taunton Leisure (general outdoor kit, footwear resupplies and extensive knowledge), Hilleberg (all-season tent), NEBO (power banks, head torches and handheld torch).
If your brand shares our values of age-inclusive adventure and social good, we would love to talk.
Zoe and Mike, proudly Páramo Ambassadors, supported by Páramo Outdoor Clothing
Follow the story
We will post regular updates, photos, short videos and “Coastcards from the Coast Path,” including:
- Weekly themes: #Paramonday, #FieldGateFriday plus more fun to come
- Behind the scenes: camp life, route and kit choices, wins, wobbles and weather
- Community spotlights: people we meet, places we stay and local causes
FAQs
When do you start?
Saturday 4 October 2025 at South Haven Point, Studland. Photocall time 11 am to 12 noon.
How long will it take?
Approximately two years, depending on weather, seasons, health and logistics.
How many miles will you walk per day?
We have estimated around 12 miles per day for England and Wales and 8 miles per day for Scotland. We are also allowing only 8 miles per day for the South West Coast Path, which will be the final leg of our journey. We anticipate more people joining us, as this is within our home territory, so we want to allow even more time to enjoy this stretch and to walk and talk with others.
Can I join you for a day?
Yes. We will share safe, accessible meet-ups here and on social media as we approach each area. Alternatively, DM on Instagram or Facebook, or email to enquire about meeting up with us.
How can I support you?
Donate to DSAA, become a partner or sponsor, host us en route or book a talk.
Will you be trackable?
Yes, but not live. We will share breadcrumb map images from our ZOLEO satellite communicator so you can follow along with our progress.
What is a thru-hike?
A long-distance walk completed as one continuous journey in intent, with rest days and short breaks allowed for family events, appointments and the odd bit of sightseeing if we spot something fascinating, tempting us to visit.
What about safety?
We plan conservatively, choose season-appropriate kit and use satellite messaging for check-ins and updates.
Media and press
- Key facts sheet: distances, start and finish, route notes, charity info and contact.
- Downloadable images and logos (web and print).
- Interview Zoe and Mike – remote or en route.
Press contact: onecoast@headrightout.com
Press kit and images
Useful links:
- DSAA fundraiser: https://www.dsairambulance.org.uk/fundraisers/one-coast-any-age
- AdventureMind: http://www.adventuremind.org