GOOD NEWS STORY: Sunrise to Sunset Walk - Summer Solstice Challenge 2026

In aid of Shekinah Hosted by be:unique wellbeing | Led by Paul Shannon PT

On Saturday, a group of around 40 determined walkers set off on an unforgettable challenge: the Sunrise to Sunset Walk, a 34‑mile ultramarathon route along the stunning coastline of Plymouth and the South Hams. The aim? To push personal limits, step far outside comfort zones, and raise vital funds for Shekinah – a charity supporting people experiencing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion across the region.

A Very Early Start

My alarm went off at 2:55am, and by 3:20am my friend Simon was outside ready to collect me. We arrived at Paul’s gym in Cattedown, where the atmosphere was buzzing despite the hour. Rain and fog meant we didn’t get the sunrise we hoped for, but there was something magical about walking through a sleeping city – across the Barbican, around the Hoe, and out to Devil’s Point and the RWY.

Fuel, Friendship & Determination

After a short break back at the gym, we headed out again – this time towards Saltram. Dog walkers and runners began to appear, but the paths were still quiet, and spirits were high. By this point we’d been walking for three hours, and everyone still had plenty of energy.

Next came Plymstock, where we made a very welcome stop at McDonald’s for coffee and breakfast, followed by homemade cakes at Saltram Meadow. With the number of calories we were burning, every snack felt fully justified.

From there, we continued through Oreston, Radford Park, Hooe Lake and Turnchapel, taking in some of the most peaceful and picturesque parts of the route. This stretch brought a mix of quiet moments, beautiful scenery and the first signs that the miles were beginning to catch up with us. By the time we reached Mount Batten for another short break, a few of us, myself included, were really starting to feel it. But the determination within the group was incredible. No one wanted to give up.

The Coastal Challenge

The stretch from Mount Batten to Jennycliff was tough but beautiful. I had originally set myself a 17‑mile target, having never attempted anything like this before. By the time we reached Jennycliff, I was exhausted, sore, and honestly ready to stop – but something in me wanted to push further.

I decided to extend my goal to 20 miles.

The walk from Jennycliff to Bovisand is no joke, especially when your hips and knees are screaming, but with Simon by my side offering constant emotional support (thank you, truly!), I kept going.

We reached Bovisand beach and I was just one mile short of my new target. I wanted to push on to the other side, but every step hurt. I had to be honest with myself: You’ve done enough. It’s time to stop!

The Finish Line

Some walkers finished at Jennycliff and Bovisand, while many others continued all the way to Heybrook Bay, Wembury, and eventually back to Cattedown, completing the full 34 miles in just over 12–13 hours. An unbelievable achievement.

Why We Walked

Every blister, every ache, every sore muscle was worth it. Together, we raised money for Shekinah and other Plymouth charities – helping to fund vital services that support people facing homelessness, trauma and hardship across Plymouth and Torbay.

I’m incredibly proud of what we all achieved. We’re already talking about doing it again next year. I’ll definitely be joining- but this time I’ll train properly and start taking joint supplements a year in advance!