West Yorkshire teenager Ben Murgatroyd does things a little differently.
Feeling at a loose end after finishing his A-Levels, the 17-year-old decided to embark on a solo length-of-Britain walk.
Ben spent the whole of August making his 874-mile trek from John O'Groats to Lands End, raising hundreds of pounds for charity along the way.
Today, enjoying a well-earned rest back home in Dewsbury, he said: "It was hard-going at times, I have to admit – the mental fatigue was toughest to deal with, despite the aching feet, blisters and all the rain.
"I'd still do it again, though – but I'd probably take someone with me for company!"
Ben, a former Heckmondwike Grammar School pupil who is about to start at Leeds Metropolitan University, averaged nearly 30 miles a day during the walk.
He stayed in youth hostels most nights, occasionally treating himself to the comparative luxury of a bed and breakfast.
His pre-planned route took him through cities such as Carlisle, Manchester and Bristol – and also allowed his family to spring a surprise on him at Earby, near Skipton.
"I was walking along when I heard a car pulling up," said Ben.
"Quite often people would stop and offer me lifts and I always had to turn them down.
"I was about to say 'thanks, but no' again when I realised my mum, dad and one of my sisters were in the car.
"It was amazing to see them – they'd even brought a picnic with them, which was obviously very much appreciated!"
Ben said texts and phone calls from family, pals and girlfriend Katie Russ helped keep his spirits up while he was on the road.
The money he raised is going to Tearfund, a Christian relief and development charity. For details on how to contribute, e-mail Ben on magicmurg@hotmail.co.uk.


Extracts from Ben's diary
August 3, Evanton, total miles 37
Got a fairly early start this morning - 7.30 as I knew I had 37 miles to do.
Started tentatively with my knee (injury problems day before), soon to realise prayers had been answered and it was fine!
Started to rain early doors, got harder and then eased off after a while.
Woman's dog had a right go at me as I was stretching off and having a break in Evelix! Wouldn't stop the whole time!
Got drenched with rain between 1 and 2 o'clock. Real mental struggle after Alness.
Seemed to be ages to the Bunkhouse.
Received wrong directions from local which added on nearly half an hour! At last reached the bunkhouse at 7:45.

August 11, Stirling, total miles 28
Got up at 7.30, watched Tom Daley diving in the Olympics, then a stunning comeback from Rebecca Adlington in the swimming. Eventually set off at 9.30.
Called in at pharmacy in Comrie, picked up some blister plasters. Needed to use two by the afternoon. Absolutely great for blisters – no rubbing or pain at all after that!
Reached youth hostel about 7 and met up with mum and dad who were coming to see me for 3 days. Had tea, then bed at 11.

August 19, Wheelock Heath, total miles 32
Woke up at 6.45. Had bagels for breakfast. No road signs in the centre of Manchester, so wondered around aimlessly for ages!
In the end made way out of city, only to get lost and walk a mile out of the way to come a mile back!
Frustrating morning to say the least!
Not bad though – only first time I got properly lost all journey! Shin seemed to be healed praise God.
After 20 miles feet were very sore. Last 12 therefore dragged. More stops required for recovery.
Chucked it down at 6.30, got here 7.20. Made me feel very welcome.
Nice bath and lovely to talk to Jeremy (brother) for a while. Bed at 12.

August 31, Land's End, total miles 27
Got up bright and early at 4.30 after 4 and a half hours of sleep.
Wanted to get to Land's End as early as possible to enjoy the afternoon/evening. Set off 5.30.
Got to Penzance youth hostel (where I was staying overnight), so thought might as well leave big backpack there so I didn't have to carry 13kg for the last 9 miles! Without bag was able to go at a much quicker pace. Nearly 4mph for last 2 hours, which was the pace I started the journey on a month ago.
Amazing feeling as coming over the last hill and could see 'Welcome to Land's End' sign. Smiling all the way down the hill.
Phoned Katie and parents and couldn't believe I'd actually finished! Almost speechless by that point!
Photos and gift shop followed by donor kebab back at Penzance. Watched MOTD. Bed at 11.30. JOURNEY FINISHED!!!
Praise the Lord, He'd brought me through!