A WALKING fanatic believes he is the first blind man to trek 192 miles coast to coast across northern England.

Dick Groves walked from St Bees in west Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in north Yorkshire over 15 days, a route which usually takes a fast walker 12 days.

The 65-year-old, who was accompanied by five others, said: “I’ve always been a fanatical long distance walker, but having lost my sight seven years ago, it’s become extremely difficult.

“But I’ve always wanted to go out and walk, and coast to coast was the ultimate challenge.

“As far as I know, it’s never been done by a blind person.”

The vice president of the Bromley District Talking News said: “I was totally exhausted after the first two days and all but gave up.

“It was particularly difficult with rocks and scrambling sections.”

Before his challenge, Mr Groves, of South View, Bromley, studied the walking techniques of Erik Weihenmayer, the only blind person to reach the top of Mount Everest.

As well as having two trekking poles, Mr Groves was led by the sound of catbells, which were attached to the boots of the lead walker in the group.

He said: “Most blind people hold on to someone’s elbow, but I didn’t.

“My legs are smashed to pieces but I’m elated. I’m still on a high.

“It shows blind people can get out and push the boundaries.

“Maybe it’ll encourage other visually impaired people to try things they couldn’t normally do.”