A Cockermouth man has completed what he believes is the UK’s rudest walk – travelling 526km and raising cash for charity.
James Forrest, 39, hiked 11 marathons in 11 days from his home to visit his brother in the Worcestershire hamlet of Lickey End and decided to visit the rudest places in the land.
He visited a woodland in Lancashire called Nanny’s Breast, a waterway in Cheshire named Bottoms Reservoir – and couldn’t resist a quick detour to Cock Head Farm in Disley, near Stockport.
James’ favourite finds included Willey Lane in Cockerham, Butt’s Fold in Cockermouth and Windybottom Farm in Marple.
His rude ramble also took in several funny pubs including The Cock In Treacle in Macclesfield, Doffocker Inn in Bolton and Game Cock Inn in Lancashire.
“It was a very, very long way to walk just for a childish joke,” said James, who used the Marvellous Map of Great British Place Names to plan his double entendre-themed trek.
“But it was an epic adventure. Ultimately, I like to think my journey was a celebration of the very best of British eccentricity and quirkiness.”
The idea for the adventure came to James, a keen hiker and ambassador for the outdoor brand inov-8, when his brother moved house. “There was a certain poetry to it, with me living in Cockermouth and my brother moving to near Lickey End – and some silly banter led to a bet that I wouldn’t do it. I hate losing so I ended up going for it, just to prove my brother wrong. I reckon I might just have completed the UK’s rudest hike.”
Humphrey Butler, founder of Marvellous Maps, added: “Britain is a brilliant place for adventures of all kinds, and one of the stand-out reasons for that – aside from the amazing scenery and people you meet along the way – is the sheer number and variety of ridiculous place names.
“As James has shown with his fantastic project, there are hundreds of funny, rude-sounding and curious place names all across Britain to keep us amused as we go on our travels – and like the best things in life, they’re free to enjoy!”
James’ hike, which took place from October 26 to November 5, has raised money for Baggy Trousers UK, a charity tackling testicular cancer.
Lee Procter, of inov-8, the sports brand which supported James’ walk, added: “James raised crucial awareness for something of huge importance.
“He might be the butt of a few jokes in the days to come, but we’re all super-proud of his achievement.”
To donate to James’ fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/page/rudest-walk-uk
