Army Veteran Completes Kayak The Length Of Britain

An Army veteran has completed a mammoth challenge which saw him kayak the length of Britain to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Dan Smith, from Northumberland, paddled over 900 miles to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

The Paddle of Britain challenge sailed Dan into the record books by becoming the first person to kayak the full length of Great Britain.

The 39-year old embarked on the solo challenge on the north coast of Scotland and finished on Saturday in Littlehampton after 53 days.

He covered a total of 910 miles, which he described as "one of the biggest challenges” of his life.

On average Dan covered 17.5 miles a day, with his longest recorded at 33 miles between Reading and Windsor on day 23.

His longest day in the kayak was 13 hours and 45 minutes.

After completing the challenge, Dan Smith said:

“It was a huge test for me, physically and emotionally.

"I am so happy to have successfully completed the Paddle of Britain. 

"What an amazing two months it has been. I’ve always liked a challenge but this is definitely one of the toughest things I have ever done.

"I’m looking forward to putting the kayak away for a little while now!"

Before he reached the finish line, Forces News met him along the Thames on day 46:

Dan hopes to raise £25,000 for the Royal British Legion whilst also paying thanks to the WW1 generation.