On Saturday 6 June, farm worker Kieran set out on an ambitious and awe-inspiring challenge: an 18-day cross-country walk on foot, travelling 320 miles from our farm in Bath all the way to our farm in Skipton.
Kieran took on this incredible challenge in support of our Challenge For Change fundraising appeal, raising vital funds so that more young people can experience life-changing support through residential experiences on our farms.
The appeal raised an incredible £138,039.88, with a further £10,145.75 through Gift Aid. Though the Challenge For Change appeal is now closed, you can still show your support for Kieran and his incredible feat by giving a general donation. Every penny we receive goes towards supporting more young people to find their turning point.
Kieran’s Route
After his departure from Jamie’s Farm HQ at Hill House Farm near Bath, Kieran passed through Jamie’s Farm sites at Lower Shockerwick, Monmouth and Hereford, before setting out on the long walk to our farm in Skipton.
Each day, he was accompanied by a different member of the Jamie’s Farm team, offering moral support, companionship, and the spirit of Jamie’s Farm to keep him going.
Latest Updates
Wed 24 June: Jamie’s Farm Skipton (8 miles)
For the very final day of Kieran’s incredible challenge Jamie and Kieran set off at 8am for the last 8 miles to Skipton. Chatting as they set off, emotions were a mix of excitement, sadness and pride. The pair were joined by Skipton farm manager Mark Carnie who brought along his drone to capture their big arrival. After the realisation they’d been making for the wrong farm(!), they negotiated the neighbours’ ditch before getting back on track. As they closed in on their destination and crossed the final field, they were greeted by a sea of banners and a welcome party of Jamie’s Farm staff, volunteers and visiting young people. Together with the team, Kieran enjoyed a barbecue feast in his honour to mark his momentous achievement, and celebrate in style.
Tue 23 June: Kelbrook
Tuesday was Kieran’s final full day of walking, and they took in what was possibly some of the most idyllic scenes on the walk yet, as they climbed up and over the moors, spotted curlews, and crossed streams lined with foxgloves (in which Coral took an obligatory dip). Kieran shared with Clare his hopes for the walk – to inspire young people to take on challenges like his. His message to them: “Just do it.” After lunch, they were reunited with Jamie and Emily, previous companions, to tackle the Pennine Way. After a hearty evening meal, Kieran and Jamie totted up the mindblowing stats of his walk – 339 miles, 33,000 ft elevation – before relaxing and contemplating the day ahead – the very final leg.
Mon 22 June: Hebden Bridge
Claire and Kieran set off from Dobcross for another hilly stint, before Claire passed the baton to Clare Deal, delivery specialist from our Skipton farm, and dog Coral. Together they explored the Moors, taking in monuments along the way, where they marked Kieran’s incredible achievement of walking 300 miles. They finished the day’s leg in Hebden Bridge, ready for a well-earned rest.
Sun 21 June: Dobcross (20 miles)
Head of Fundraising and Communications Claire took over walking duties for a 20 mile stint from Stockport to Dobcross. After a hearty breakfast at The Funky Monkey, Kieran took the lead on navigating as per usual, much to Claire’s relief. Urban scenes eventually turned into open countryside. The day ended with an unexpectedly hilly stretch, in which Claire foolishly challenged Kieran to a race – which of course, he accepted and won (comfortably).
Sat 20 June: Stockport (20 miles)
Saturday was a big mileage day, as Kev and Kieran embarked on 20 miles from Sutton to Stockport. The pair moved across hilly sheep country, and on route took the time to reflect on Kieran’s incredible motivation to keep going – Kieran thanked his mindset – in his words, to “Keep Going. Don’t stop. Go big.” Kev told him, “You’re an inspiration Kieran. Keep it up. You’re an absolute machine.”
Fri 19 June: Sutton (15.2 miles)
Hill House Farm Manager Kev took over from Doug to join Kieran for the leg from Leek to Sutton. From scaling high hills to delving deep in the undergrowth, the pair forged ahead to complete 15.2 miles in warm and sometimes challenging conditions, but the walkers kept smiling through the miles.
Thursday 18 June: Leek (24 miles)
A big day on the road, with 24 miles to cover and rising temperatures adding to the challenge. Kieran and Doug kept going step by step, pushing through the heat towards Leek. As they have travelled further north, the kindness they have been shown has really stood out. Arriving in Leek, they received the warmest welcome at The Fountain Inn, where Guy, the landlord with a link to farming, had even put up posters around the town to support Kieran’s challenge. He and the team were incredibly generous in their hospitality after a long day’s walk, which really touched everyone involved. Moments like this have meant a lot to both Kieran and Doug, showing just how much some heartfelt encouragement, especially from someone who they had previously never met before, can really lift you when you need it most.
Wednesday 17 June: Uttoxeter (14 miles)
Kieran was joined by Doug, another key member of the farming team from Hill House, as they set off on a 14-mile stretch to Uttoxeter. The pair found a steady rhythm for the day, keeping each other going as they continued their journey north. Having Doug alongside him has been a real boost, with plenty of good humour and encouragement helping the miles pass more easily.
Tuesday 16 June: After over a week of walking, it was time for Kieran to take a well deserved rest day. Despite being offered a trip to the cinema and even a go on a segway, when asked what he’d like to do on his day off, his immediate answer was to go on a walk! Jill, however managed to persuade him otherwise, resulting in a trip to Go Ape. The pair had a day full of lots of fun and laughter up in the trees on the ropes. With morale high, Kieran is feeling ready to set of for the next leg of his journey.
Monday 15 June: For the next leg of Kieran’s journey (Wolverhampton to Rugeley), he was joined by fellow farmer, Nia. Their day began with a visit to one of our partner schools, Priory Park Community School in Dudley, with Jake, to see in person how Jamie’s Farm has made a difference to their young people. It was a truly uplifting encounter. After a rousing welcome from the students, they learned that every child at the school has the chance to visit Jamie’s Farm, and now the school is incorporating elements of our programme into school life. Post visit, Kieran and Nia hopped back on route. Despite being made to traverse muddy bogs and the M6 bridge, spirits remained high and Kieran even threw in a few of his new signature moves – a very slick heel spin!
Sunday 14 June: Today, Kieran and his fellow comrades hit the halfway point of his incredible challenge! Walking from Bromsgrove to Wolverhampton, he started the day with Jack before being joined at lunchtime by co-CEO Jake, who gave them a warm welcome to the West Midlands – where he grew up. The route brought some of the toughest moments so far. Long canal tunnels, dark and wet, tested resilience. At one point, a planned path had to be abandoned completely to avoid some particularly hostile cattle. The day ended on a special note: a beautiful home cooked meal at Jake’s parents house, courtesy of Jake’s mum (widely known as a brilliant cook!). As we reach the halfway point of Kieran’s journey, we’re thrilled to have hit 30% of our fundraising target. A huge thank you to everyone who has donated and encouraged Kieran along the way, its making a real difference and helping him carry him all the way to Skipton.
Saturday 13 June: The route from Worcester to Bromsgrove brought a welcome lift, with improving weather and Jack joining Kieran for the day. Tish and Peter walked with them for a while before Kieran and Jack struck out on their own. Somewhere along the way, Kieran unveiled what may become his trademark move – a heel spin mid walk! After a long day, spirits remained high, helped by a very comfortable hotel at the end. A well-earned rest before the next push.
Friday 12 June: A meaningful shift today as Kieran walked from Ledbury to Worcester alongside Tish and Peter. For the first time, he covered longer stretches on his own, with Tish and Peter catching up with him along the route. There was space for reflection as well as some brilliant conversation. Tish spent time talking with Kieran about what’s driving him and how Jamie’s Farm has shaped his journey.
Thursday 11 June: Today, Kieran set off from Hoarwithy Bridge heading towards Ledbury on what turned into a big day on the road. He was joined by Octavia, along with Mud the terrier – who quickly took up Kieran’s generous offer of being carried stretches along the way! With plenty of snacks keeping everyone going, it was a long but upbeat day. Good company, good humour and a four-legged companion made this a memorable leg, and a real boost as Kieran continues north.
Wednesday 10 June: Kieran set of with the wonderful Emily and Marguerite for day 5 of his trek up to Jamie’s Farm Skipton. The team left our Hereford farm in high spirits with the sun shining for them as they began the walk to Hoarwithy. Despite the intermittent rain showers they were still able to enjoy the beautiful views of the Hereford countryside and a well-deserved lunch break at the pub!
Tuesday 9 June: Kieran was accompanied by Ianto, farm manager at our Hereford farm, as he embarked on the next leg of his epic journey – Duffield’s Farm to Lower Wernddu Farm (Jamie’s Farm Hereford). Despite tackling some wet weather and climbing over far to many stiles, the intrepid duo still managed to enjoy some spectacular views and even reached an elevation of 3000 feet!
Monday 8 June: This morning Kieran was joined by Bronny, Horse Specialist from our Monmouth Farm, and dog Podders, for his day 3 trek from Chepstow to Duffield’s Farm. After leaving the town behind, the intrepid team discovered a Giant’s Cave, the Eagle’s Nest viewpoint and took in spectacular views of the Wye River, before trekking up the steep hill to Duffield’s, where they received a warm welcome from the team.
Sunday 7 June: Kieran set off from Chipping Sodbury, accompanied by other Jamie’s Farm’ers Alice, Sarah and later, Elly. After a couple of wrong turns(!), traversing a golf course, and negotiating fields of Belted Galloway cows, the team got back on track, and reached the exciting point of crossing the Severn Bridge before ending the day’s walking in Chepstow.
Saturday 6 June: And he’s off! An enthusiastic crowd of staff, friends and family waved Kieran and Jamie off from Hill House Farm. 20 minutes later they chalked up their first stop at Jamie’s Farm, Lower Shockerwick. Next, it’s off towards Chipping Sodbury where they will end day 1.
Wed 3 June: Kieran’s all packed and ready to go. Everyone here at Hill House are busily making signs to show Kieran our support. We’re all so excited for Saturday!
