Enjoyable experience: Roger Barrett recently completed the path in just 17 days ​

A MILFORD HAVEN man who is registered blind recently walked the entire Pembrokeshire Coast Path and is now challenging people of all abilities to follow in his footsteps.

70-year-old Roger Barrett completed the 186-mile National Trail in just 17 days over a period of three months, walking eight to 16 miles a day with the help of Peter Royle, a Voluntary Activity Leader for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Roger was diagnosed with the hereditary degenerative eye disease retinata pigmentosa 30 years ago. However, he was not about to let his impaired vision stop him from conquering all the ascents, descents, twists and turns the Coast Path provides.

He said: “Overall it was a very enjoyable experience and I’d thoroughly recommend that everyone have a go at it, even if you do it in short stages.

“I talk to people who say it’s always something they’ve fancied doing – I’ve shown that with help it’s possible for anyone to do it and hopefully others will now think it’s a good idea.

“The National Park volunteers are very generous with their time and energy and their willingness to take people out to enjoy the countryside and support them.”

The trip was arranged after Roger had been put in touch with the National Park Authority’s Walkability Project Co-ordinator Paul Casson, who put a call out for volunteers to accompany him on his walk. Peter initially volunteered to help out as part of a team but ended up completing the entire Coast Path.

The pair started their journey in June, setting off from Amroth in the south towards the north so the sun was behind them, which made it easier for Roger. The dynamic duo even returned to walk on the Castlemartin Range in August to make sure they had completed every section of the Path.

Peter, who has volunteered with the National Park Authority for nearly ten years, added: “It was great fun walking with Roger. It took us a while to work out how we were going to do it and there were a few teething problems. I realised if we came to a gate and I hadn’t told him in advance, he would keep walking and I would end up wedged between him and the gate.

“I’m rather glad I got involved as it’s the first time I’ve walked the entire Coast Path and it’s nice to have done it with a purpose.

“One of the main messages I hope people take from the walk is that the Coast Path is for everyone, don’t let any disability or restriction stop you enjoying the Path.”