Adventure seeking boys walk 630-miles for the RNLI

Will Curzon and Ethan Clack from South Devon, wanted to use their summer holidays to ‘do some good’ and support the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea. While their friends were having a well-deserved rest, the boys were challenging themselves physically and mentally as they made their way along the gruelling route.

Will set it as his mission to complete the challenge this year after finishing his GCSE’s, and with a bit of persuasion, encouraged his friends Ethan and Oslo to also take part.

On Saturday 29 June, they all set off on their big adventure from Minehead. Walking along England’s southwest peninsula, they passed through the four counties of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset.

Met with miles of steep climbs through North Devon and Cornwall, the rugged cliff edges around Portland and the sandy beaches of Dorset, they even managed to stop off at a few lifeboat stations along the way.

Unfortunately, due to other commitments, Oslo’s adventure came to an end in Newquay, but Will and Ethan continued, determined to reach the finish line at Poole Harbour in Dorset. On Tuesday 6 August they finished the 630-mile hike, after just 39 days.

The idea of walking the South West Coast Path came from a love of adventure after the boys had previously completed the Two Moors Way, Devon’s Coast to Coast, and various Ten Tors, Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) and Scouting expeditions.

The route is considered a challenge for long-distance hikers and usually takes around 45-55 days to complete. Ethan said his most memorable part was setting off in Minehead, being completely unaware of the challenges and experiences yet to come.

Ethan said:

‘My motivation during this adventure was the thought of having an accomplishment to look back on later in life. It’s difficult trying to pick out a particular section of the path that I disliked as I enjoyed all of it. Every single section is completely unique so there is always something new to see!

‘The RNLI was my charity of choice as it is one that is close to me and is currently helping me to become a qualified lifeguard. We are lucky enough to live in an area by the coast where the RNLI plays a big role in the safety of our beaches and waters.

‘Walking the coast path which runs for 630 miles along the sea and past multiple lifeboat stations makes our charity of choice a fitting one for our amazing adventure!’

Will speaks of the physical and mental challenges he endured and finding the strength to get to the finish line.

‘One of the biggest issues was pushing on despite blisters and spells of plantar fasciitis. Everyone's feet suffered, but I was in agony around the halfway point and really had to push deep to carry on completing 20+ miles each day.

‘For me the best parts have to be walking around areas I’d already walked before - be it near home or on holiday - as the familiarity was in a way comforting and motivating.’

With donations pouring in, the boys have now collectively raised over their target of £2,500 in aid of the RNLI.

The coast paths around the UK and Ireland are some of the most beautiful in the world and everyone should have the opportunity to make the most of them. Always check the weather forecast and tide times when planning your own adventure and make sure you don’t get caught out by the conditions.

The RNLI recommend taking care and being wary of all edges around the sea and waterside. Slips and falls happen in all locations, not just high cliff edges. Try to stick to marked pathways and always take a means of calling for help.

Tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back as they can raise the alarm with the coastguard if you are overdue. If you or someone else is in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.

To donate to the fundraiser visit: Fundraiser by Oslo Bastin : Walking for Lives at Sea (gofundme.com) and to follow along with their adventure on Instagram go to: @oslo.ethan.will_swcp'.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Ellie Wainwright, RNLI Media Communications Placement, on [email protected] or 07854513319 Alternatively you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202336789.

RNLI online

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.