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Finding Hildasay

How One Man Walked the UK's Coastline and Found Hope and Happiness
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( 3,118 ratings, 280 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Finding Hildasay, Christian Lewis shares his extraordinary journey walking the entire coastline of the UK, accompanied by his dog Jet. After struggling with severe depression and finding solace only in surfing, Christian impulsively sets out on a challenge that takes nearly six years. From the rugged cliffs of Scotland to the uninhabited island of Hildasay, his trek becomes more than a physical journeyβ€”it’s a path to healing, self-discovery, and rediscovering hope. With a foreword by Ben Fogle, this memoir reveals how reconnecting with nature helped Christian rebuild his life step by step.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This memoir will resonate with readers interested in true stories of personal transformation, mental health, and adventurous outdoor challenges, especially those inspired by nature and resilience.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The life-affirming true story of one man's journey around Britain's coastline.

Finding Hildasay is the life-affirming story of Chris Lewis's epic journey around Britain's coastline as he battles depression and rebuilds his life.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Sunday Times Bestseller and featured on Ben Fogle's New Lives in the Wild.

Join Christian Lewis as he walks the entire coastline of the UK - his dog Jet in tow - and rebuilds his life, step by step. With a foreword from longtime supporter Ben Fogle, this is an inspiring true story of reconnecting with nature and finding hope along the way.

Ex-paratrooper Christian Lewis had hit rock bottom, suffering with depression so severe he would shut himself in his bedroom for weeks. Then while surfing - his sole respite - he cast his eyes along the coastline and realised it was the only place he really wanted to be.

Then, Chris made an impulsive decision. He set himself a challenge: to walk the entire coastline of the UK. He gave himself a few days to rustle up a tent and walking boots, then left for good with just a tenner in his pocket and two days' worth of food. Little did he know at the time just how long it would take to cross the finish line - and the encounters lying ahead would turn his life around.

Almost six years later, Chris has navigated the West Coast, Northern Ireland, the hard-rock cliffs of Scotland and the perimeters of the Scottish Islands. He spent three months on an uninhabited island called Hildasay, with beloved dog Jet. It was there, the most barren his route had become, that he found within himself the pride and respect he needed - and his journey became all the more remarkable. Happiness and hope were just around the corner...

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics praise Finding Hildasay for its profound inspiration and moving storytelling. Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA, calls Christian Lewis "an inspiration". The Observer describes the book as "exhilarating," while The Mail on Sunday highlights it as a "real journey of self-discovery."

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781035006823

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 12 October 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Pan Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 266g

Pages: 352

About the Author

On 1 August 2017, former paratrooper Christian Lewis set off from Swansea to walk the entire coastline of the UK. Christian's search for self-discovery, and to raise awareness and funds for the veterans charity SSAFA, would become a journey beyond his or anyone's expectations. From raising over a quarter of a million pounds to adopting a dog called Jet to finding love with fellow adventurer Kate, he had no idea that when he started this once-in-a-lifetime experience he would be crossing the finish line (some five and a half years later) with a fiancΓ©e, a baby and a renewed sense of purpose. His story is one of survival and hope, but it's also proof that, with the right mindset, anything is possible. Finding Hildasay is Christian's first book about his journey, which has already received worldwide attention, a BAFTA-nominated documentary and more.

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