Paul’s 2025 Summer Walk – The King Alfred’s Way for Mental Health

This August, Paul Castle will take on a powerful new walking challenge: the King Alfred’s Way, a 360km loop through the ancient landscapes of the South of England. Over the course of 15 days, Paul will be navigating this historic route on foot, raising money and awareness for a cause that lies close to his heart—mental health.

Following the success of his previous walking adventures, Paul is once again stepping forward with both boots and purpose. But this time, his challenge is more personal than ever. In 2025, he walks not just for the physical achievement, but to give back to Big Moose, a remarkable charity that has helped him through difficult times and continues to change lives across the UK.

Support Paul’s journey and help make a difference:
👉 https://justgiving.com/page/paulcastle

A Trail Steeped in History—And Meaning

The King Alfred’s Way is a largely off-road trail that loops through the former kingdom of Wessex. Beginning and ending in Winchester, it winds through Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire, weaving together chalk downs, ancient hill forts, cathedral towns, and wooded tracks.

Traditionally known as a bikepacking route, it’s rarely walked in full—making Paul’s undertaking even more ambitious. Over 15 days, he’ll face varied terrain, changing weather, and the physical toll of covering over 20km a day on foot.

But for Paul, it’s not just about the steps or the scenery. “The trail is as much about the journey as the destination,” he says. “It’s about what you carry with you, and what you leave behind.”

Why Big Moose? A Mission That Matters

Paul has chosen to support Big Moose, a Cardiff-based mental health charity making a big impact in individual lives. Their focus is threefold: improving mental health, helping people in crisis, and preventing suicide.

What sets Big Moose apart is their relentless optimism and proactive approach. From counselling sessions to community outreach, they work to ensure that no one feels alone or helpless, particularly during their darkest moments.

“They’ve helped me more than I can say,” Paul shares. “Their message—to leave the world better than we found it—resonates so strongly with me, and I know first-hand how much good they do.”

This walk, then, is Paul’s way of giving something back. Every pound raised will go towards funding therapy, crisis support, and suicide prevention services—work that quite literally saves lives. Over 15 days, Paul will carry not just a backpack, but the weight of a cause that means everything to him. And he won’t be walking alone—not truly. He’ll be accompanied by the encouragement of friends, family, colleagues.