Book Review Finding Hildasay by Christian Lewis

This book by Christian Lewis (aka "Chris Walks The UK") is part autobiography and part journal of his epic walk around the coastline of the UK.

In 2017 Chris was at a low point, both emotionally and mentally, and so he set out to follow the coastline with only a flimsy sleeping bag, a pathetic tent and just £10 in his pocket.

As an ex-paratrooper he also hoped to raise a bit of money for SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) along the way. SSAFA had previously been able to help Chris during a period when he was homeless.

This is a brilliant book. It reveals his troubled life as a child, his time served in Northern Ireland and his anguish following the separation from his daughter.

Chris attempts to follow the coastline as closely as possible, even if that means being chased by land owners or homicidal cattle. While there are a few easy stretches, the Scottish coast is a dangerous place to navigate on your own. And don't forget the Scottish islands.

This book only takes us as far as Hildasay and the Covid lock-down, so I trust there will be subsequent books to complete the story.

Chris is still walking and was last seen heading west in the direction of Cornwall with Kate, baby and of course Jet the dog.

{available from Amazon}​

If there is only one book you read this year, make it this one!

See also:-
BBC Our Lives: BBC One - Our Lives, Series 5, The Long Walk Home, Christian Lewis has been walking for four years

Points of Light: Chris Walks the UK - Points of Light

SSAFA: SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity


Can't find it at the moment, but I think there may be a Ben Fogle program coming up soon that features Chris Lewis.