Another fabulous supporter, another epic fundraiser - read on to find out how Rachael Melvin fared against the Pembrokeshire Coast Path...

On July 15th 2011 Ex-IDEALS student, Rachael Melvin, set out on a solo effort to tackle the Pembrokeshire Coast Path by foot. 186 miles of path marks the route between St.Dogmaels and Amroth; a route which passes 54 beaches, 14 harbours, 155 stiles and includes around 35,000ft of ascent and descent. Equipped with her kit bag and trusty walking gear, she set off aiming to cover the route in 12 days.

Starting at the north of the path, Rachael’s first target was Newport Sands YHA, around 16miles from St.Dogmaels. By 5pm we’d had an update via Twitter (not following us yet? Sort it out!) of “@FoEduSport Just arrived at my first youth hostel. Themes of the day: bugs, showers and horse poo. Lovely!” With the exception of a couple of blisters, Rachael had arrived safely.

The second day was expected to be the toughest day and it certainly lived up to that. Our update, thirteen hours after she set off at 7am, read “Today was just mentally and physically draining.” The route passed through bracken, nettles, heather and brambles and the miserable weather didn’t help matters. By the end of the day, Rachael was feeling the strain and blisters were causing some real knee issues.

After a bad night’s sleep the weather was no better and after trying to walk down the stairs at the YHA Rachael knew that something wasn’t right with her knees. Determined to continue on the path, she set off at 7.30am aiming to reach Pwll Caerog by mid-afternoon. Just eight miles into the day’s walk her knees were so painful walking downhill that she had no choice but to leave the path and head to the nearest village to call for help. Rachael said, “It was devastating to stop so early on day three but I had no choice, I had to make sure I was safe.” At this point Rachael was forced to take a day for recovery.

On day five, a decision needed to be made; “I had the legs planned out to cover the whole route in twelve days, I knew that there were flatter sections in the south where I’d be closer to civilisation, as well. I needed to be safe so I decided to head south and change the order I walked the legs in.” Rachael explained.
So on days five, six and seven Rachael covered the route between Dale and Pembroke; the sections of the walk which are “flatter” and pass through Milford Haven, Neyland, Pembroke Dock and Pembroke. “This decision was necessary to make sure that I was close to help, should I need it.” Rachael said.

After this Rachael went back to the north of the county to tackle through the up and downs these sections have to offer. During days eight, nine and ten Rachael passed local treasures such as Porth Gain, Whitesands Bay and the clear waters of Caerfai bay. A number of kayaking, Coasteering and climbing groups from TYF Adventure (Rachael’s former employer) were spotted around Porth Clais and St. Nons and were keen to offer their encouragement; something that was greatly appreciated!

By the end of day ten Rachael had covered 132miles of the Pembrokeshire Path. With just 54miles to go and three more sections to complete, she headed back to the south of the county and set off from Pembroke on day eleven. The planned walk for the day was 21miles and Rachael finished the day at 6pm. The highlight of the day came when Rachael arrived at her campsite to find it didn’t exist! From the comfort of our own homes it was amusing to see updates as Rachael set up her tent in the front garden of a local family in Castle Martin village!

On day twelve Rachael set off from her new friends’ garden and aimed for Manorbier YHA. The route passed by Bosherston Lily Ponds which an update on Twitter described as “stunning”. The route also passes Barafundle Bay, which falls in the National Geographic list of the Top 10 Beaches in the World - impressive! An update from Rachael by the end of the day read: “Safely at Manorbier YHA now. It was a tough day with some unexpected climbs and very few places to get water, but I’m here. One day more!”

So, the last day was here; Rachael was just 17miles away from Amroth. After a hefty YHA breakfast, she set off at 8am with just one target in mind...get to Amroth before 5pm! The final day passed by tourist areas such as Saundersfoot and Tenby - more people than Rachael had seen in a long time! The sun was shining and there was no breeze at all, this would usually be perfect weather to be by the sea but with miles to go it wasn’t ideal. Several litres of water later, and after some serious climbs through wooded areas, Rachael reached her destination.

At 3.48pm on July 27th 2011 Rachael finished the Pembrokeshire Coast Path Walk at Amroth, thirteen days after setting off from St.Dogmaels. Thanks to the support of friends, family, colleagues and some complete strangers Rachael was able to raise £406.70 for Friend of EduSport.

Here’s what she had to say; “July 15th was two years to the day from when I set off for a life-changing trip to Zambia. Whilst there I worked daily with the EduSport staff and I’ve seen what a difference they make to peoples’ lives. I wanted to do something that would be seen as a challenge, something that would encourage people to donate their pennies and I think this was the perfect challenge to do that. It was really tough and at times I wanted to give up but I battled on and finished it - with two knees as well! I cannot thank people enough for all the support and encouragement I received in person, over Twitter and through Facebook. Now to decide my next challenge!...”

Here are some defining moments from Rachael's journey