On 13th September I will set off with my dog Squirrel to walk the entire 296 mile Cornish section of the South West Coast Path. We will head southwards from our home in Newquay. Once we reach Plymouth, we will hitch a lift to Marsland Mouth in the far north of the county, from where we will follow the coast path back to Newquay. This unusual route begins and ends in Newquay, so avoiding the temptation to head for home half-way through my trek!

This walk will be the greatest challenge of my life and maybe even Squirrel's too (but who knows - he's a rescue dog...)! 

Squirrel is going to wear butterfly wings the whole way! Don't worry, they are small, dog friendly, and don't bother him at all. 

We haven't done any training and are going to avoid eating out. My backpack will contain water and food for Squirrel and me, plus camping gear. It's going to fluctuate between 14kg and 24kg, depending on how recently I've picked up supplies...

Who knows how long this walk will take or how many tears and blisters it will entail, but we will keep going until it's done! So, fingers crossed for a late start to winter storms. I estimate we can walk between 5 - 10 miles a day... but hopefully more than that as we both get into our stride. 

The money raised is going to the Cornwall Branch of Butterfly Conservation where I am lucky enough to work as their volunteer coordinator. The funds will go to essential conservation work on habitats to help protect the rarest of Cornwall's butterflies!

I have made the first donation of £10. Can you match it?! It's the cost of two pints down the pub...! Will you buy Cornwall's threatened butterflies a pint or two?

Artwork by Immy Joyce @thecatwhoquacks

If you would like to see updates of our journey on Facebook, visit  @ButterflyConservationCornwall 

Butterfly Conservation is the UK charity dedicated to saving butterflies and moths. Butterflies and moths are key indicators of the health of our environment. They connect us to nature and contribute to our wellbeing. We improve landscapes for butterflies and moths, creating a better environment for us all. Find out more at www.butterfly-conservation.org