Hiking Into 30: One Woman, One Backpack, 630 Miles for Heroes 🎒🥾💛🇬🇧

Jun 30, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025

Emily-Jane Harding

🎉 Help Me Turn 30 by Giving Back – One Step at a Time 🎉

Hi, I’m Emily-Jane (also known as Em-J) – a passionate hiker, a retained firefighter, and someone who loves a good challenge (especially on my birthday!). For my 30th in 2025, I’m taking on the biggest adventure of my life: walking the full 630 miles of the South West Coast Path – solo and unsupported, carrying everything I need on my back.

🌊 About the Challenge:
The South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail, stretching from Minehead in Somerset to South Haven Point in Dorset, and winding through four stunning counties – Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset. It’s not just long; it’s tough – the total elevation is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest four times!

Why this trail? It holds a special place in my heart. I’ve loved the parts I’ve already walked (Newquay to Penzance was a dream), and Minehead brings back fond childhood memories. So when I was hiking the Cumbria Way for my 29th, this felt like the perfect next step to mark the big 3-0.

💛 Why I’m Doing This:
Originally, this was just a personal milestone. But the more I talked about it, the more I realised it could mean something more. I want to use this journey to give back—to support causes that matter deeply to me and to make every mile count.

I’m fundraising for three incredible charities:

- The Fire Fighters Charity: As a retained firefighter, this one is close to home. They provide physical, emotional, and social support to fire service personnel and their families during difficult times.

- The Veterans Foundation: Through my full-time work, I’ve seen the life-changing impact of this charity. They support veterans, serving military members, and their families, especially those in hardship.

- The South West Coast Path Association: Since I’ll be spending so much time on the trail, I want to give back. This charity maintains and protects the path so more people can enjoy its beauty.

A Huge Thanks to My Sponsors:
☕ TrueStart Coffee, who are keeping me going with their incredible coffee throughout this journey!
💆‍♀️ Louise from LTJ Sports Massage Therapy who has sorted out my niggles and got me into Tip Top condition for the hike!
🥘 Base Camp Food, who are keeping me fulled with some very tasty meals!

🌟 How You Can Help:
Whether you can donate a little or a lot, every pound makes a difference. Your support will not only keep me going when the blisters hit, but more importantly, it’ll make a real impact on lives across the UK.

👉 Follow my journey on Instagram @emilyjaneharding, where I’ll be sharing updates, training hikes, behind-the-scenes stories, and (hopefully) stunning views from the trail.

Let’s make my 30th birthday unforgettable – for all the right reasons. 💛

Supporting

South West Coast Path Association

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For over half a century we have been championing the South West Coast Path to make it one of the world’s greatest trails. Since its designation as a National Trail in 1973, we have been working to establish, improve and protect the 630 mile route to make your experience on the Path the best it can be.

Fire Fighters Charity

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The Fire Fighters Charity offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community, empowering individuals to achieve mental, physical and social wellbeing throughout their lives.