South African takes on his third round-island walk

Lisa Young
BBC News
Hayden Davies Hayden Davies at the finish line of the 2024 event. He is grinning and wearing a gold-coloured medal with a green ribbon around his neck. He is wearing an orange T-shirt which is printed with: Saffery Rotary Walk 2024, sunglasses and a cap. Behind him is a banner with Saffery Trust, Rotary in Guernsey and Saffery Rotary Walk logos and branding on it.Hayden Davies
Mr Davies completed the Saffery Trust Walk in 2023 and 2024

A man from South Africa is looking forward to completing his third round-island walk on Saturday.

Hayden Davies has flown to Guernsey to take part in the annual Saffery Rotary Walk which follows the 39-mile (62.8km) coastal path around the island.

Mr Davies said he loved the "great scenery and camaraderie" of the event which is dedicated to raising money for 25 of the bailiwick's charities.

Lisa Vizia, director at Saffery Trust, said walkers would experience a "truly rewarding day" that could "create real change for these deserving causes".

Difficult terrain

Mr Davies said he had visited Guernsey five times and had first taken part in the round-island challenge in 2023.

"The first time, two-thirds of the way through, I needed to sit down and gather my thoughts, but it was a lot easier the second time," he said.

He said he had met "some really nice people" during the walks but the terrain could be hard going.

The South African advised people to have the right clothing, use plasters and balm to avoid blisters and chafing and to stay hydrated.

He said he planned to take part in the walk every year and hoped his two daughters would join him - although his wife would definitely not.

"My wife thinks I'm nuts!" he laughed.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].

Related internet links