From almost running out of rations and enduring subzero temperatures to sleeping under the stars and embracing the great outdoors – it is an experience Jordan Simnett will never forget.
The 36-year-old is known as The Bearded Adventurer across his social channels and has racked up hundreds of followers during his travels.
An avid camper since the age of three, Mr Simnett, of Gorleston, near Great Yarmouth, explained how the outdoors is where he belongs best and why wild camping is in his blood.
He said: “I’ve always wanted to learn bushcraft and I’m slowly picking it up and learning new things each day.
“My grandad used to say to me ‘leave no trace’ and therefore, since being a child, I’ve learnt the method of leave things as you found them too.”
He is currently training to become a team leader in teaching bushcraft and, so far, has taught himself how to erect tarpaulin for shelter complete with a hammock, make spears and fires, saw for wood, and forage for mushrooms.
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Sometimes taking his trusted guitar with him, he has also cooked up culinary delights including steak and chips.
And while all of these achievements may have pushed Mr Simnett to places he never knew possible, his reason for doing so is a cause close to his heart.
Mr Simnett has been fundraising for Norwich-based charity, Dawn’s New Horizon, which supports male and female victims of domestic violence.
“I struggle with mental health myself and Dawn’s New Horizon put me into counselling with a lovely lady who worked with me and helped me massively,” he added.
“So, I decided to walk the 93-mile Angles Way from Gorleston to Thetford, while wild camping along the way.
“I’ve wanted to do this walk for a few years now and I thought if I’m going to do it then I could do it for charity. There are so many I could have chosen but with Dawn’s going out of their way to help me, I thought I’d give back.”
Mr Simnett spent five days at the end of March walking the trek despite the horrific wet and windy weather and overnight subzero temperatures.
He set off on Sunday March 26 with a backpack weighing 17kg, containing all that he needed for the walk and wild camping, including much-needed coffee, ration packs of food, a sleeping bag and tarpaulin.
The walk was something of an adventure to say the least. He camped out every night, cooked himself hot food, and braved cold temperatures.
Each day, he woke at around 5am and walked around 20 miles, carrying his heavy backpack and experiencing a range of weather conditions including rain, sleet, hail, wind and thunder.
“Just like life, I had obstacles to overcome,” he said.
“During the walk I had moments when I wondered what on Earth I was doing, and then later the same day I’d feel excited because I was having such an epic adventure.”
In fact, Mr Simnett ended up walking 103 miles in the end as he dropped his phone – twice – so had to turn back and retrace his steps. Luckily, he found it both times but it accounted for some of the extra miles.
He was amazed by the support he received, and said to his followers: “Many of you have been amazing showing your support, encouragement and donations.
“It’s been quite overwhelming. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I’ll be forever grateful.”
His aim was to raise £600, a target he has almost doubled.
- You can follow TheBearded_Adventurer on both Instagram and YouTube.
- To donate visit the GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/7cace35f
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