Walk on Britain’s wilder side while raising money for endangered species

Currently making their way across East Africa’s plains, a million wildebeest and zebra are lengthening limbs and grinding hooves as part of the annual great migration between Tanzania and the Serengeti. It’s one of the last few mass movements of animals on our planet.

Blocked by human development, many species have been forced to stay put, abandoning ancient routes used for thousands of years. Humans, however, still have the freedom to walk in all directions of the compass. For the most part, their only restriction is time.

Devising his own pilgrimage route across the UK, wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein has cleared his diary to lead an ambitious 25-day walk in aid of endangered species – and everyone is invited to join in.

Over the years, Goldstein has raised almost £500,000 for wildlife causes by running 25 marathons in a tiger suit, often joined by famous friends such as Springwatch presenter and environmental activist Chris Packham.

Now he plans to walk more than 1,000km from Tigerton in Scotland, to Tiger Bay in Wales as part of a charity walk named 2LegsFor4 – that’s the equivalent of a marathon every day for almost a month. He’s aiming to raise funds for a rescue vehicle to support wildlife in India’s Bandhavgarh National Park.

Broken down into 42km sections, anyone can sign up – for free – to join Goldstein along the way, raising money for any species of their choice, or simply to stretch their legs in solidarity. TV presenter Simon Reeve has already pledged his support on Instagram, writing: “2legsfor4 … it’s something wonderful, meaningful and memorable to support and get involved with.”

Here are a few of the highlights for walks starting on August 10 and ending September 5.

Historic monuments
When: August 11
Route: Carnoustie to St Andrews

The distance from Dundee to the South Pole is around 10,000 miles but the two regions will always be inextricably linked. In 1901, explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott launched the vessel RRS Discovery from the Scottish city, embarking on an epic voyage of discovery to the Antarctic continent. His ship is now a visitor attraction, paying homage to the polar links, alongside a series of penguin statues by artist Angela Hunter.

Wildlife wonders
When: August 15
Route: Newtongrange to Galashiels

Sea eagles, red squirrels, seals and otters are just a few of the species often spotted at the Scottish Borders. The region around Galashiels has several designated viewing areas. The River Tweed Trail is a good spot for observing wetland and riverbank birds, while the Gala Hill Circular is recommended for more general wildlife. Visit the Bird Gardens Scotland breeding and conservation project to see rare and endangered species from across the world.

Lakes and mountains
When: August 22
Route: Grasmere to Kendal

Bring to life the verses of a William Wordsworth sonnet by visiting his former stomping ground in the Lake District – although with plenty of hikers for company, there’s no need to wander lonely as a cloud. Start at the 19th-century poet’s home in Grasmere, described as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath found’, and continue to the lakes of Rydal and Windermere. Fuel up with a fish finger sandwich at the Eagle & Child Inn in Staveley, before ending up at the home of Kendal Mint Cake.

Iconic coastal paths
When: August 23
Route: Kendal to Lancaster

When the incoming tide creates a wave which pushes up a river and reverses its current, the result is a rare phenomenon known as a tidal bore. One of the best places to witness the roaring surge of water in the UK is at Morecambe Bay in the Arnside area which meets with the River Kent. Scenes are most dramatic during spring tides and after heavy downpours – although Goldstein is hoping not to experience the latter. After all, (big) cats aren’t fans of rain.

Winding rivers
When: September 3
Route: Monmouth to Chepstow

Discover the varied landscapes of the Welsh borders by walking a section of the 136-mile Wye Valley route, which runs from the mountains and moorland of mid-Wales to the fields and orchards of Herefordshire. From the grassy banks of Monmouth town, head into woodland, passing through villages and historic abbeys and hill forts.

How to plan your trip

For more information on signing up, pledging support or even offering the tiger a place to rest his paws each night, visit 2legsfor4.co.uk.