June 30th: Worth Matravers to Poole Harbour
- Phil Brown
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Day 31. So finally, the last day of my epic walk around the South West Coast Path in just 31 days. Reflecting on this journey, it has been far more challenging - both physically and emotionally - than I ever could have anticipated. Over the course of this month, I have walked well over 640 miles and climbed over 115,000 feet and all across some of the most iconic and fantastic landscapes that the English coastline has to offer.
Today, I set off from Worth Matravers, accompanied by my dear friends Clive and Rachel, to complete the final 15 miles to South Haven Point, the official end of the path. It was the most beautiful day with clear blue skies from start to finish, stretching endlessly overhead. The scenery along the path did not disappoint, and I enjoyed those last few photo opportunities, capturing the vistas that had become the backdrop to my journey.
Looking ahead to Swanage Bay, Old Harry's Rocks and South Haven Point
Most days of the walk, as the end of the day neared, I would usually be approaching a headland and wondering if I would see my destination town or village over the next hill. However, today was different. As we walked around the long, flat headland at Old Harry's Rocks, the view opened up before me, and I could see the end from about five miles away. The long sweeping beach from Studland to South Haven.
Memories of the past month came flooding into my head, I started to feel very emotional. I had done it, 21 miles a day climbing on average 4000ft every day. I had walked with friends and family, creating lasting bonds, and I had also spent significant time walking alone, with just my thoughts. Throughout this journey, I crossed paths with countless people, complete strangers, and had shared my story many many times. Every time I was greeted with love, understanding and generosity.
Even today at a restaurant/bar along the way, the staff shouted us our drinks and passed around a collection tin, bringing us £50 for the fundraiser as we were leaving!
Below, around the table, Sandra, Rachel, me, Steve and Clive. With Tim and Viv also there at the finish line.
The unwavering support from my family and friends has been extraordinary. Anna would love how our children, Alex and Max, have worked so hard to make the walk happen and to spread the word via social media, how it has brought us closer together through our loss.
The money we have raised for Sue Ryder, at the time I'm writing this, is over £25,000 including gift aid. I hope this money will ensure other families, during what is undoubtably the hardest time of their lives, can experience Sue Ryder's exceptional and vital care. Hopefully, we can raise a little more now that I have actually finished the walk!
For me, now is the hardest part of my personal journey. The end of the walk marked the start of the rest of my life, a life that was supposed to be lived with the love of my life.
Something I've learnt recently is how loved and supported I am by so many, and I can't thank everyone enough for donating, getting involved and remembering Anna with me like they have... But now I'm here, facing the rest of my life head-on. The rest of my life without my beautiful, funny, clever, courageous. kind, caring and lifelong love Anna.
So proud of you dad! 👏👏👏 YOU DID IT!
Wonderful to see your updates and to follow your progress on an incredible walk. The words “Well done” would be inadequate … so I’ll simply say “You’re amazing”