The End
The End

The End

32km from Muxía to Finisterre, approximately 6290km in total. I’ll add up my daily distances once I’m settled at home and see what total that comes to.

Day 196

05/11/2022 – 32km

Although I knew it was my last day, it felt the same as any other as I made my way down along the coast. Although I did have a good cry listening to The Breaking of the Fellowship from the Lord of the Rings soundtrack.

There was a surprise when I reached Finisterre. I knew my dad and his partner were going to try and meet me, but my mum was also there, which I really didn’t expect. Despite the crowds I did feel quite emotional.

So there we go. It’s over. 196 days after walking away from the Black Sea coast I’ve run out of land. 6290km, approximately 8.5 million steps (according to my phone).

There are too many people to thank that I can’t name them all. Thanks to Dylan for putting all of his information online, meaning I had almost no planning to do. Thanks to all the great people I met along the way, and those who came out to meet me. Thanks to everyone who’s been following along, leaving comments and sending me messages. Thanks to my girlfriend, for being very understanding and patient.

Now the next thing is to relax and celebrate, which might be a challenge (it doesn’t come naturally to me).

On to a new chapter.

17 Comments

  1. Congrats Ben. Loved following along on your experience. I’d love to chat and pick your brain on a few things for the TEAR data, but of course all of that can wait until you’ve settled in. Get some rest! (but not too much)

  2. Lina

    I will not say; do not weep, for not all tears are an evil. I am so proud of you. Though I look forward to the team being complete once again, I know that endings always have a melancholic quality. Listen to the triumphant horns, the incredibly sad, yet hopeful strings in this song that we love so much. And know, even though it sounds trite, that this is not just an end.

    All my love,
    Lina

  3. Anonymous

    Wow congratulations Ben. It was been fun following along with you on your trip- thanks for the effort you put into documenting your journey.. I will miss reading your blogs. Say hi to your Mom and Dad. So nice they could meet you.

    Carol and Dave

  4. Celina

    Ben! Unglaublich was du geleistet hast! Es war nicht immer einfach, aber du es durchgezogen und nicht aufgeben. Genieß jetzt ein bisschen Ruhe, bevor du in dein nächstes Abenteuer startest 🙂

    Wir sind stolz auf dich! Danke, dass du uns bei der Reise mitgenommen hast.

    Liebe Grüße aus Leipzig,
    Lukas & Celina

  5. Anonymous

    Dear Ben, congratulations on a fantastic accomplishment, but mostly THANK YOU for sharing this with us by way of this blog and the wonderfully vivid narrative, photos and sketches.
    I confess I feel a little sad today as for the past 196 days I have lived vicariously through you on this epic hike. It’s been wonderful as I could reminisce your previous three days as I do my wanderings here on Vancouver Island. Plus it lead me to more research of many interesting locales you passed through.
    Although tempted to comment many times prior I didn’t for fear of taking me from the zone I’ve been in from day one.

    Thank you once again, and may I be one of the first to put my order in for an autographed copy of what surely most be published, “Hikes with Ben” along with your enchanting narrative, beautiful photos and sketches.

    Love to both you & Lina,

    Mervyn & Marilyn

  6. Mervyn

    Dear Ben, congratulations on a fantastic accomplishment, but mostly THANK YOU for sharing this with us by way of this blog and the wonderfully vivid narrative, photos and sketches.
    I confess I feel a little sad today as for the past 196 days I have lived vicariously through you on this epic hike. It’s been wonderful as I could reminisce your previous three days as I do my wanderings here on Vancouver Island. Plus it lead me to more research of many interesting locales you passed through.
    Although tempted to comment many times prior I didn’t for fear of taking me from the zone I’ve been in from day one.

    Thank you once again, and may I be one of the first to put my order in for an autographed copy of what surely most be published, “Hikes with Ben” along with your enchanting narrative, beautiful photos and sketches.

    Love to both you & Lina,

    Mervyn & Marilyn

  7. Steve Pogue

    CONGRATULATIONS Ben. what an achievement… an inspiration to everybody, I think.

    you may not even remember me I met you at the hostel Nomado in Varna, Bulgaria, the night before you began your trip.. the old guy from Canada, that’s me! I only made one comment to you during your trip a long time ago, but I’ve been following you closely.

    I am presently in Guatemala.

    have you another walk planned, or are you moving on to something else all together?..

    it would be nice if we could keep in touch.

    congratulations again… I’m delighted for you. all the best. Steve

    1. Hi Steve, yes of course I remember meeting you just before I started. I hope your travels have been going well.

      No other long walk planned currently. Soon I need to try and find a job in Bern (Switzerland) as that’s where my girlfriend has just started a new job.

      I’ll send you an email so that we can keep in touch that way.

  8. Till (Bambam)

    Congratulations, Ben! Amazing achievement. Hope the transition to post trail life won’t be too bad. I’ll definitely pick your (and Dylan’s) brain again in a few months.

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