Gary tramped all of Edinburgh 4841 streets turning lockdown into ‘walk-down’

Starting from his home in East Craigs the 39-year-old has walked over 4000 of Edinburgh’s streets since March.

Walking 20k each day, in rain or shine, Mr Wicksted said he has “never been fitter” and is enjoying finding new parts in the city where he has always lived.

He said: “I have lived in Edinburgh my entire life and when I first started this challenge I thought I knew the city but this has opened my eyes to how much there is in Edinburgh.

Keen walker Gary Wicksted said he has never been fitter.

“It’s been really enjoyable, being in parts of the city I’ve never been to before. But it’s also been tough as I’ve walked through torrential rain and in freezing, dark, cold evenings.

“My favorite place I've walked so far is Stockbridge Colonies, it's somewhere I didn't know existed before and Dean Village is a beautiful part of the city to walk through.”

With under 700 streets to go Mr Wicksted will be sticking closer to home, abiding by lockdown rules, and completing paths in his local area.

He hopes to complete the challenge by March and said he is motivated by the thought of being the first person to complete this challenge.

Since March Gary Wicksted has been walking the paths through Edinburgh.

He said: “To be the first known person to achieve this would be unbelievable. The end is in sight as I have less than 700 streets to walk in the east and south part of the city and expect to finish by March.”

Mr Wicksted is raising money through his challenge for the Anna Burnett Trust which aims to advance art and design opportunities for young people while supporting their mental health.

He is a close friend of Anna’s family and said: “Anna was a fantastic person and influence in my life and the family has always been there for me.

“I have so many wonderful memories and can’t think of a more worthy cause to support.”

Gary Wicksted has been walked through rain and shine.

Having already smashed his fundraising target of £1000 Mr Wicksted said he is “blown away” with the support.

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