Customer Spotlight - Robin - The South West Costal Path Walk

When I first mentioned to Georgie that I planned to complete the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path, in one go over 34 days, she showed an unusual level of interest. I shared with her that my two biggest concerns were, keeping the weight in my rucksack below 12kg, and of course looking after my feet over such a long distance, especially as we would be mostly wild camping. 

In typical Georgie fashion, she dismissed my concerns, and said she had a single answer for both problems. "Tell me more" I said, "One pair of Perilla walking socks will be all you need" she said. Usually, I am never one to doubt Georgie, but one pair of socks for 31 days, covering 630 miles, with only a couple of opportunities to wash them sounded very unlikely. Georgie proceeded to tell me how in a working week in the stables, and on the farm how long a pair of Perilla socks lasted her, and I began to take an interest. I duly ordered a pair of Alpaca Walking socks in a natural undyed fawn, that I thought would suit a walk in the SW of England.

Needless to say, Georgie was spot on. With my great friend JJ, we left Minehead on Monday 25th August, and 630 miles later on Saturday 27th September, 34 days later, we arrived as South Haven Point in Poole. I didn't quite manage with just one pair of Perilla walking socks, (totally my fault for not taking advantage of washing facilities on the way) and at the 430 mile point, typical of the highest levels of customer service that Perilla provide, a second pair was despatched by courier to an agreed collection point. These were again Alpaca walking socks, this time in a very smart sedge green. Of course, these managed the remaining 200 miles with ease.

The SWCP was the longest distance I had walked in one go, and it covered some of the most beautiful coastal scenery, in the world, let alone the UK. The elevation gain is the equivalent of four times the height of Everest, and combined with 20 + miles a day, makes it a considerable physical challenge. We met many wonderful people on the walk and were the recipients of much kindness and encouragement along the way. We also met a lot of fellow walkers, 99% of whom were aiming to complete the SWCP in sections, over many years. We were lucky to have the time, the fitness, and dare I say the best kit (socks included) to complete it in one go.

I have walked long distances all my adult life, and the boot/sock combination is of great importance. Why had I never tried Perilla Alpaca walking socks before? They are a genuine revelation, and I will never go back to merino, lambswool, cotton or any combination of the three. When I did get home, I followed the very straight forward care advice on the Perilla website, and the Alpaca walking socks in fawn, are back in an "as new" condition.

I heard today that the King Charles III England Coast Path has just opened. On account of it being 2,700 miles, I have ordered two new pairs of Perilla Alpaca walking socks ...... just in case!