Tyrone man gets ready to walk the Wild Atlantic Way in 40 days

Barry Conway has been walking 40 miles a day in preparation for the ‘Walking the Way’ challenge which he hopes will start on July 20 at Muff, Co Donegal - Coronavirus restrictions permitting.

He said: “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for quite a while. I like to push myself to the limits and I’m in the middle now of starting up my own business to do movitional speaking.”

The 42-year-old father-of-one is on the look out for a camper van and a few trusted volunteers to help him during his 40-day journey.

He chose STEPS to raise money for because he feels mental health is something which impacts a lot of people in the district.

Barry has been preparing for the challenge since last September, working out in the gym and getting expert advice on what foods he should be eating.

He has been steadily building up his mileage in recent months, such as walking from Cookstown to Draperstown and back over the mountain roads.

Barry reckons he will wear a few pairs of shoes out on his challenge by the time in ends on August 28 in Kinsale, Co Cork.

Inspiring people who don’t come from a sporting background into taking on personal challenges, or just helping them achieve their life goals is what motivates him.

Walking up to 40 miles a day has taken its toll, he admits to having “a few niggles but it’s just part and parcel of the whole thing.” He has clocked up over 320 miles in the last two weeks. If he is prevented by the pandemic rules into cancelling the walk, he will move it to a later date. If you would like to support him on his marathon trek through nine counties along Ireland's spectacular coastal route, contact him on telephone 07500678354, email [email protected]

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