THROUGHOUT April, May and June, kindhearted walker Ian Orrell (60) will take on the challenge of his life.

Ian Orrell, of Higher Lane, Whitefield, is walking 874 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats in a bid to raise £6,000 for the Emmaus homeslessness charity.

In this regular diary, the retired teacher tells of his adventure.

Once off the busy A528 from Shrewsbury my route took me along quiet Shropshire lanes on a perfectly sunlit morning.

A sun hat was quickly donned and my amble brought me eventually to Clive with its splendid sandstone church and spire that can be seen for miles around being set on a hill.

I could not find any link in the church with Clive of India - perhaps there is none.

The Shropshire folk are very generous for on passing a house with five barking but obviously friendly dogs, their owner asked: "Where are you walking to?"

I replied "John O'Groats" whereupon he immediately invited me into his house for a cup of tea or coffee.

We must have talked for 30 minutes about all manner of things especially Emmaus and he is the only person I have met so far who has heard a cuckoo this year.

Emmaus was left £20 better off at the end of the cuppa.

How refreshing to meet such kind and interested people.

The next day was very different for lots of reasons as I walked from Whitchurch to Higher Burwardsley.

1. I discovered a place called Chemistry 2. I was carrying a full pack- the first time for a while.

3. I followed a trail for almost half the day. The scenery was very pleasant especially the sectioin by the canal but those stiles!

There were so many that it became too much of a stylish walk and was killing on my knees so I resorted to the road again.

4. I found a form of transport that is slower than me - the barge.

I can appreciate the thrill of chugging along the canals in good weather and operating the many locks- you need patience and time.

5. I had to cross a field with a frisky alpaca in it. Now what is the protocol for this?

Horses, cows, sheep, donkeys and even bulls I can cope with but alpacas this was a new experience.

As it happened it galloped across to the far stile where it then watched me climb it.

The Peckforton Hills are quite splendid and the view from the top was breathtaking.

My overnight stay was at The Pheasant Inn and this inn must surely rank amongst the best for views, accommodation and good food.

I can certainly recommend it.

My next night's stay had to be booked because of a serious injury to my friends wife at whose house I was going to stay I opted to stay in Hartford. It will be the last time.

The walk from The Pheasant to Beeston Castle was delightful but a map reading error on my part forced a change of route on me and I proceeded through Eaton, Little Budworth bordering Oulton Park and finally Whitegates.

On Saturday, I met up with four of my cousins to walk a section from Wincham to Tabley Brook. After that it was boring main-road walking to gain the maximum distance in shortest possible time.

I was just feeling quite low when round the corner in Altrincham who should appear but my wife, Sue, my daughter, Helen and her partner, Andrew.

My spirits soared; I dumped my rucksack and we walked to Sale.

How nice it was though to sleep in one's own bed again!

To sponsor Ian, visit the link below.

Read parts three and four by clicking the links below.