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Simon Stockman Fundraiser

Simon is walking from

Land's End to John O'Groats

Simon Stockman is set to walk the full distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats in a remarkable effort to raise money for the school and support its students.

The epic journey, which stretches the length of Great Britain, will see Simon cover hundreds of miles through towns, villages and countryside across England and Scotland. The challenge is expected to take weeks of dedication, resilience and determination.

The journey

Simon plans to leave Land’s End on Sunday 10th May and follow the South West Coastal Path to Barnstaple. He will cross Exmoor and Bridgewater, cross the Levels and up the Severn estuary to cross into Chepstow. He will then follow the Offas Dyke Path to Knighton, Wenlock Edge to Telford, into the Peak District and through the Manifold Valley to Buxton. He will walk over Mam tor to start the Pennine Way. He will then be taking the Saint Cuthbert Trail from Kirk Yetholme to the coast path and then follow that around to Edinburgh. He will then join the John Muir way to Loch Lomond, West Highland Way, the Great Glen and finally the John O’Groats trail.

Why is Simon raising money for Rutherford?

Simon said he wanted to take on the walk to give back to Rutherford School and help provide opportunities and resources for pupils. His Sister, Lisa, works at Rutherford School, so he has seen first hand the wonderful work the staff do to support our students.

“Rutherford School does incredible work for its students and community,” he said. “I wanted to do something meaningful that would not only challenge me personally but also raise awareness and support for the school.”

17th May 2026

27th May

Have arrived at Abbott’s Bromley, the other Bromley and home of the famous Horn Dance, in the Goats Head pub where the lovely Tammy has allowed me to pitch the tent in the beer garden. I tried at the church but the vicars out, so from sacred to profane I’m on a barstool rather than a pew.

4th June

Simon has walked from Much Wenlock to Shropshire Union Canal over the past few days. He is at currently at Wheaton Aston, heading to Cannock Chase and Uttoxter and then to the White Peak District.

He has had sun and showers, but he is doing well after a rare night in a house to be fed and watered. Big thank you Sam and Lizzie. Back to the tent now.

8th June

Update from Simon: I’m in Edale, after a very rainy night and equally sodden morning, I’ve walked from Haily and JJs garden who kindly let me stay when there seemed no where else. Thank you lovely people.

People continue to be lovely, almost no road walking for a couple of weeks. Edale is the start of the Pennine way, and I shall start out tomorrow morning, currently dehydrating in the Nag’s Head pub, the gateway to the Pennines , the sun has come out, my tent is up and in a campsite for a change. Having a shower in a bit, not sure when I’ll get one again. Thanks to everyone for being lovely, random acts of kindness – from cups of tea from the cycle hire on the Monsal trail, to donations to the school, all appreciated, you know who you are!

13th June

Message from Simon:

Hi 👋🏼 I’m now about half way to John O Groats 👏🏻In the Buck Inn in Malham on Saturday 13th June. I walked up to Malham cove as that’s a good place to start from on Sunday. Lister Arms Pub has Northern Soul on but I just missed the Morris dancers. Met my sister here and then had a well needed rest day and chance to dry all my wet kit after continuous rain before returning on Sunday to resume my walk up the Pennine way, then towards Scotland. Bumped into Jonathan who I’ve already met on this walk, a big thank you to him and all of you for your continued support and donations.

19th June

It has been wet..

Have traversed Cross Fell, in biblical wind and rain, hit like shots.

Got to Greggs Hut and largely dried out with a fire and good company.

Unfortunately lost John at Alston and am heading towards Haltwhistle and Hadrian’s wall alone tomorrow, been great to have his company for the past few days. Stopped now at Lintley Halt on the South Tyne railway sheltering from drizzle.

20th June

Made it to Haltwhistle by South Tyne Railway path.

I slept without the tent last night sheltered from rain by the tireless work of voluntary train people.

Fully supplied and watered in Haltwhistle. Brief stop for beer and phone charging at Milecastle Inn, before Hadrian’s wall and back to PW.

Mountain bothies are a great thing, heading to one today near the wall.

Then may make it to another before crossing the Cheviots.

Hard walking coming up.

Happy Solstice, if you don’t hear anything from me for two or three days, that’s normal

I’m passed the middle of nowhere and out the other side for a while.

sending thanks to all for help and donations along the way.

28th June

A message from Lisa, Simon’s sister, who works at Rutherford School:
I went up to meet him this weekend in Dunbar. He has made it to Scotland. He’s doing an amazing job. His back and feet are suffering, but he had a rest day with me and has set off again on good form. He is now on the John Muir Way before joining the West Highland Way and finally the John O Groats trail over the last few weeks.

5th July

Had two nights in bothies along Loch Lomond and only been rained on during the day. No more bothies and it’s still raining. Heading towards Bridge of Ochrey. Stopped in Tyndrum for a curry.

A big thank you to everyone, not too far to go 👍🏼

11th July

In Invamoriston about 30 miles away from Inverness, been walking with James on and off, another end to ender so I’ll see him every now and then till Johm O’Groat’s. Don’t want to tempt fate but two nights without rain and reasonable weather today. Loch Ness to my right for navigation.

Thanks for good luck videos and to all who have supported me

19th July

We are very pleased to share that Simon is very nearly at John O’Groats and hopes to be there by the end of the week.

26th July

After a grueling 70 days, Simon finally reached John O Groats on 26th July. He walked through sunshine and storms, camped in caves and received no end of support from strangers. Simon, we cannot thank you enough for this selfless challenge all in aid of Rutherford School students. An amazing £2300 was raised and there is still time to donate.