John Gribbin, 60, and Eamon Donnelly, 59, have completed a walking journey of more than 500 miles from Essex, England, to Blackwatertown in County Armagh. The pair, lifelong friends, walked nearly 40 days, covering about 30 kilometres per day using public footpaths and rights of way.

Gribbin, originally from Blackwatertown and now living in Essex, and Donnelly, originally from Keady and now living in Austria, carried backpacks and tents. They set out six weeks before their arrival in Blackwatertown.

The walkers encountered both extreme heat in England and heavy rain in Scotland. Gribbin spent 24 hours in hospital receiving fluids after becoming dehydrated during high temperatures. He said doctors gave him a clean bill of health and he rejoined the route.

Both men said they were motivated by the experiences of young relatives who had been ill. Donnelly previously walked from Austria to Armagh in 2017 in memory of his mother, who had dementia.

The pair finished earlier than initially planned. On arrival in Blackwatertown, they were met by family, friends, and local residents. Gribbin's sister Frances Barrett and Donnelly's brother Kieran Donnelly were among those waiting.

Gribbin said the turnout was overwhelming and that encouragement from people at home and along the route made the experience unforgettable. Donnelly described feeling relief and a sense of achievement, and said the wet weather in Scotland was memorable but he adapted.

Kieran Donnelly said he was proud of his brother, noting that most people would not walk 30 kilometres a day for nearly 40 days. Barrett called the task epic and mammoth, and said seeing them cross the finish line was a special moment.

Donnelly said he might consider another long walk in the future, but not for some time.