On a trip like this there needs to be discipline but also an element of winging it, adapting to any surprises the road springs up.

I camp a lot but, if anything like my previous journeys, also stay in churches, police and fire stations, schools, town halls, temples, monasteries, barns and, when appropriate, with generous families. I also use hostels and the odd hotel, especially when I’m stinky.

Am I trying to break any records? Am I, pah! I’m a chubby 50- something with munchkin legs and a hernia: besides what I’m doing has been done much faster by at least half a dozen others, albeit using very diverse routes.

What sets these world walkers and runners apart is they are all serious athletes, endurance smashing legends: I am not an athlete of any sort, my only strengths: an optimistic nature, a mulish ‘I’ve started so I’ll finish’ obstinacy and feet as gnarly as the Gruffalo – this will have to do.

(Special thanks to Tom Denniss and Tony Mangan, both formidable endurance athletes, World Runners’ Association stalwarts, sources of invaluable visa tips and all round good eggs – and the legendary Rosie Swale Pope, Karl Bushby, Tom Turcich and Savannah (the latter who have just finished the longest dog walk ever!) for inspiration and blazing the way. Endurance stars all – God Speed to the lot of you).

For details about my fundraising efforts on the world walk, please refer to the Charities page.