THE FARTHEST FLUNG

It’d be hard to live further away than Nona Parry. She’s based more than 11,000 miles away in Auckland, New Zealand. She started 2021 in London, but continued her 1000-mile mission after moving Down Under, putting in a couple of miles en route at Changi Airport in Singapore.

To find the farthest flung domestic challenger, turn to Michelle Howden, living on Unst – the northernmost inhabited island in the Shetlands and the UK. Here, she gets to enjoy golden beaches, puffins and minke whales.

Says Michelle: ‘I’m not originally from Unst. I accompanied my husband John, and our son, on an 18-month posting to RAF Saxa Vord on the island and loved it so much that we vowed to return once John retired.

In 2013 we purchased a house here, returning twice a year until finally retiring in July 2020. For such a small island, there’s lots to explore. One of my favourite walks is to Hermaness (a headland), which is most spectacular during the puffin season. Another is Skeo Taing beach, where you could think you were on a tropical island – the beaches are golden and there are so many colours in the sea. And Ham Beach at Muness is where we were lucky enough to spot otters and minke whales.

‘My younger brother, who lived near Falkirk, sadly lost his short but very brave battle with cancer in August. When we go down to Falkirk, I walk with my 84-year-old dad and my brother’s dog Junior. We talk as we walk, which is helpful to both of us.

‘It feels great to be part of the #walk1000miles community and see everyone’s achievements. It’s been so great for my fitness but even better, especially living on an island, it means I don’t feel isolated.’