Where’s Dickie?

10th September 2023 - 30th September 2030

Where’s Dickie?

About

Hi, I’m Dickie Mackness. Recently retired and looking for a challenge, I had a crazy thought about walking around Britain, covering thousands of miles.

I set off on this mission in September 2023, the day after the TEDF Big Coastal Walk, and by February 2024, I had completed over 1,200 miles along the south coast of Britain all the way to Lands End and around Wales. However, at that point, I started to suffer from achilles tendinopathy, and had to take an enforced break. However after several months of rest and physio, I gradually built up again and by September 2025 when I returned for the 2025 TEDF Big Coastal Walk I had completed over 3,700 miles. My story is captured in this video.

I am delighted that my efforts to date have created such awareness and we have now raised almost £17,000 . The ‘Where’s Dickie?’ campaign has created several new Evie Dove Heroes including Annabelle Barnes,  Bethany Williams and Lucinda Edwards .

Your donations are hugely appreciated, and I hope that together we can create many more Evie Dove Foundation Heroes. Thank you, and “see you down that path.” Dickie x

 

Updates

  • 6th September 2025

    Big Coastal Walk 2025!

    What a send off!! Dickie joined over 260 people in Kent doing the 2025 Evie Dove Foundation Walk. We created a sea of pink t-shirts along the Royal Military Canal and Folkestone seafront, we drank Evie's Sparkles cocktails, we had bbq at the Pilot, and pizzas at Unit 1, and we met so many kind and generous people along the way, helping us raise £23k on the day in addition to the incredible £17k raised by Dickie. A day to truly warm the heart and a fitting finale to Dickie's 3700 mile trek around Britain raising awareness of the Evie Dove Foundation.

    Dickie you are a remarkable man, we will be forever grateful.
  • 5th September 2025

    Folkestone to Hythe

    A lovely 8 mile walk on very familiar territory......this is where it all began two years ago. Today Dickie was joined by his lovely daughter Jules who was also there on day one, Foundation Trustees Matt and Simon, and also Leigh, Ian and Tom came along to show their support on a beautiful late summers day.
  • 4th September 2025

    Kingsdown to Dover

    Today's companion is the lovely Callie, Evie's Auntie. A bit of a battle against the weather, in Callie's words "We managed 2.5 miles and then treated ourselves to a nice coffee as a little reward for all our hard work. So lovely to walk with you today Dickie"
  • 31st August 2025

    Margate to Ramsgate

    Dickie begins the home stretch around the coast of Kent, before joining us for the Evie Dove Foundation Big Coastal Walk on Saturday 6th September. Today he had the pleasure of the company of Evie's Dad Howard, looks like they had a great day together!
  • 30th August 2025

    Dickie makes it onto the BBC website again!

    The legend Dicke Mackness just keeps on walking! Over the summer of 2025 he has taken in his usual haunts of the Cotswolds and Nottingham, and also once again spanned the length of the country as he trod the pathways of Cornwall and Northumberland, they almost could not be further apart!!

    Thank you so much too Dickie for the awareness you have generated for Evie’s Foundation including some more incredible coverage on the BBC website

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm21kjzg1x1o?app-referrer=deep-link
  • 30th June 2025

    A classic "Where's Dickie" month!

    A well earned holiday to Greece did not stop Dickie walking, and then on his return he continued around the Suffolk & Norfolk coast, before a couple of weeks taking in the sights of his home turf in the Cotswolds! Another typical "Where's Dickie" month........ walking at home......walking the coast of Britain......and also adding in some overseas miles!!
  • 31st May 2025

    New York, New York!!!

    Another solid month of walking for Dickie ranging from the Cotswolds, to Scarborough, to the Isle of Jura in Scotland, taking him over the 3400 mile mark......that's the equivalent of walking all the way to New York!!
  • 29th April 2025

    3000 Miles!!!!!!!!!

    Wow!!!

    It's been just over a year and a half since the inaugural TEDF walk on Saturday 9th September 2023.....we started that day with 17 miles and from then on our hero Dickie Mackness just kept on walking!

    And now after over 300 days of being out there in all weather conditions, he has reached the incredible milestone of 3000 miles!

    Raising over £10,000 along the way, and creating awareness of the Evie Dove Foundation across Britain.

    We are hugely grateful Dickie to you and your family for everything you are doing x

  • 27th April 2025

    April 2025 - Forest v Man City

    A day out at Wembley for Dickie, unfortunately his beloved Forest could not get the result that all football fans wanted!

    The small matter of an FA Cup semi-final did not however mean a day off for Dickie, just a nice stroll around Wembley Way!
  • 8th April 2025

    April 2025 Hadrians Wall

    Hadrians Wall has been walked from end to end!! Congratulations Dickie, setitng off on a 12 day walk from Bowness on Solway all the way to Wallsend, 112 miles covered in total, the weather was fabulous, and the achilles stood up to this sterner test, a real sign of the fitness Dickie has built up. Fantastic effort Dickie, looking forward to seeing where you crop up next!!

    And more amazing news, Dickie has now raised over £10,000 for The Evie Dove Foundation! Absolutely incredible!
  • 31st March 2025

    January to March 2025....heading towards 3000 miles!

    And he just keeps on going!!!! 70 days of walking since the start of 2025 has seen Dickie take in South Wales, Liverpool, a long stretch of the River Thames towpath all the way from Marlow to the Thames Barrier, the Cotswolds, the Lake District and round the coast up to Blackpool.

    It's hard to believe at times that all the while we carry on with our everyday lives, this incredible man is out there walking and walking and walking, spreading the word about Evie's Foundation, raising funds to help create new heroes, and meeting some wonderful people along the way like Lian in Formby who is now going to put on a Mad Hatters Tea Party in the summer for the Foundation, so wonderful!!!

    And in terms of spreading awareness, it does not get much better than this!!!!!!......
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz6dxnxqgw6o
  • 21st December 2024

    December 2024 - Thames Pathway and a Party in Sandwich!

    And thats a wrap for 2024........Dickie has continued on his daily path throughout a cold and wet December........including a visit to Sandwich in Kent for the TEDF Christmas Charity Ball. We love this photo of Dickie with Phil Judge our wonderful friend and auctioneer, and of course the teddy so kindly donated to the raffle by Adrienne & James Godden.

    Signing off with a few words from our hero..........." I have been in great form walking north towards bridge number one (wherever that is?!) and then hopefully if flood water has abated, continued along the Thames from Oxford to London.

    2300 miles walked and now flu bug has entered my life! Its perfect timing as chilling with family and its not too bad. I have been walking, partying and going to Forest where I got very cold. Will get back on that path asap. Have a lovely time over Christmas, and a very Happy New Year"
  • 30th November 2024

    November 2024 - Britain's Rivers and some dancing too!!

    And there we go…….Dickie has smashed through the 2000 mile barrier!! Amazing!!!

    It has been another month of almost constant walking which has seen Dickie walking locally in the Cotswolds and along a collection of Britain’s rivers…..the Trent in Nottingham, the Tyne in Newcastle, and the (flooded) Thames in Berkshire!

    We even saw him sneak in a few miles at the 02 Arena, and chuck some shapes at ‘Mama Mia’ all the while of course sporting his electric pink Evie Dove Foundation top……as the man himself says “We never give up”

    Thank you Dickie, for all you are doing. Over £8k raised now is incredible!
  • 28th October 2024

    October 2024 - Scotland!

    Dickie is well and truly back!!.........the 'Where's Dickie?' campaign has now gone north of the border to bonny Scotland...........and already in little over a couple of weeks Dickie has walked over 100 miles, taking him to over 1900 miles overall covering Gretna Green, Dumfries & Galloway, Troon, Glen Nevis, Fort William, Loch Ness, Inverness & Edinburgh.......not to mention getting marooned on the Isle of Skye during Storm Ashley!!

    "I can't believe its been a year since banging my head and twisting ankles in Cornwall. I was overdoing it with mileage, so now its far more enjoyable......"

    Great to hear you are enjoying it out there Dickie.......See you doon that path!!!
  • 27th September 2024

    August to Mid October 2024

    So good to have the amazing Dickie Mackness out and about again…… over the last six weeks Dickie has been walking almost every day averaging around 6 miles a day, covering terrain in the Cotswolds, The Wirral, plus in true ‘Where’s Dickie’ style he managed a sneaky detour to Ibiza too!!

    More recently in Nottingham he has kept walking at the same time as looking after his mum - we are delighted to hear that she is doing well and is back home after a fall and a spell in hospital. We all send her our love........it is very clear to see where her son gets his determination from!!

    Congratulations Dickie on some really solid miles, great to see you go past the 1,800 mile mark, in Dickies own words "Just worked out I've walked the equivalent distance in the last year to Moscow, or Athens or Izmir or Rabat! See you down that path!!!"

    And the donations are rolling in, thank you to every single one of you for your support.
  • 11th August 2024

    August 2024 Update - Dickie is on the move!!

    Fantastic news, Dickie has been gradually building up his walking again, doing short daily local walks around the Cotswolds and today (11th August 2024), eleven months on from when this crazy mission began Dickie passed through the 1,500 mile mark.

    Congratulations Dickie, we are truly grateful for every step you take for Evie's Foundation.
  • 26th February 2024
    Our hero Dickie is unfortunately suffering from ‘Achilles Tendinopathy’.

    Those 1,200 miles in all weather conditions have sadly taken their toll.

    “Good morning everyone! I’m having some major issues with ankles. Ive just got home to rest up and work and what I’m going to do. I can’t continue at the moment as even walking to the bathroom feels like I’m climbing Everest!

    It’s very frustrating as I know from a weather and seasonal point of view, I’ve most likely done the hard part. I’m not a quitter but walking a few miles in pain doesn’t feel quite right!”

    We all want you to rest up Dickie and get back to full health. Whatever is next we are looking forward to giving you a hero’s welcome at the Evie Dove Foundation Fundraising Walk in September 2025

    Thank you so much for all you have done for Evie’s Foundation……we will absolutely ‘see you down that path’…x
  • 23rd February 2024

    20th February 2024 – 23rd February 2024

    And just like that…….he is back in Wales…..is everyone keeping up??

    Some gentle rehab walks this week, taking in Aberystwyth, Caernarfon, Bangor, Llanfairechan, Conwy Castle, Llandudno and Rhos on Sea. Picture below of “Dusty Van feeling regal”!

    15 miles covered, taking Dickie through the 1200 mile mark!!

    “Ankles still a bit sore but happy I’ve reduced the mileages and they like the breaks and sit downs and level walks. It’s a bit tedious but no other options to get better! Sticking rigidly to rehab program and trying not to overdo the walking. See you down that path!! “
  • 19th February 2024

    13th February 2024 – 19th February 2024

    A good start this week, 20 miles thorugh Rhosneigr and Llanryyddland Church Bay, however sore achilles unfortunately means a return home for Dickie and a visit to the chiropractors

    “I’ve just seen the sports injury physio lady. She said that when I sprained my ankle back in Cornwall before my fall, that I’d stretched the tendon. She gave me exercises to do with an elasticated band and other stuff! BUT no need to stop infact don’t stop but seriously reduce the mileages and slowly build up the distances. Even starting with a couple of miles am and rest then another couple of miles pm. The idea being that I don’t reach a point where my ankles are painful. It will be frustrating but at least I can continue even though the mileage overall will be compromised. I’ll also just have to choose carefully my walking location to be as level as possible. This works as I’ve see on my maps that there are many long beaches coming up along North Wales and further North.”

    Our hero is undeterred, and on Saturday started carefully building up the miles again, with some short walks back home in Gloucestershire. Take care Dickie, and please make sure you build back up steadily x.
  • 9th February 2024

    1st February 2024 – 9th February 2024

    North Wales and a visit to good friend Arthur lifts Dickies spirits!!

    117 miles walked, taking in Mablethorpe, Treardurr, Holyhead Peninsula, Anglesey, Menai, Beaumaris, Penmon Point, Benllech, Red Wharf Bay, Moefre, Newborough Coastal Wildlife Peninsula

    A summary from the great man himself…….”Some shocking weather but no one around and sometimes that suits me. I never forget the reason why I’m doing this so I just get on with it. I’m happy and I’ve been walking for 5 months can you believe?!”

    We can’t believe it Dickie, you keep going and making us smile no matter what the conditions!!!

    Weather – the wettest day experienced so far!!!!
  • 31st January 2024

    29th January 2024- 31st January 2024

    Once again in true ‘Where’s Dickie?’ style, one day he was in Wales…………………and then he suddenly popped up in…………Skegness!!!!!!!!!

    We love this video entitled……..”the long flat path to Grimsby”……..a reminder that this wonderful man is out there day in day out, walking for hours and hours, on his own, all in support of Evie’s Foundation…..we are so incredibly grateful Dickie!!

    And he even managed to fit in visit to his favourite team Nottingham Forest…………..it turns out he was the star player!!!!

    This quick east coast detour took in Skegness, Anderby Creek and Gibraltar Point

    26 miles walked in two days – that’s an East Coast Marathon!!

    Weather – better than Wales!!
  • 28th January 2024

    21st January 2024 – 28th January 2024

    A bout of flu can’t keep this great man down for long………….after a short break he is back and walking again!!

    Amazing news………drum roll please………this week Dickie passed the 1000 mile mark!!!!! Simply incredible!!!

    Big thank you to Jules (and of course Dongy) for keeping Dickie company in the Black Mountains this week, and to everyone who has donated so far – Dickie has now raised over £6k!

    The miles this week have taken Dickie to Pandy, Hay on Wye, Kington, Knighton and Llantony Abbey.

    65 miles walked!!

    Weather – beautiful winter conditions to mark the 1000 mile landmark!
  • 10th January 2024

    4th January 2024 – 10th January 2024

    In true ‘Where’s Dickie?’ style, the Cotswold Way is complete and now he is heading back towards…………. Wales!!………….Taking in Weston Super Mare, Chepstow, Wye Valley, Monmouth and Pandy

    63 miles walked!

    Weather – cold, frosty and sunny!!!
  • 3rd January 2024

    Christmas & New Year – 14th December 2023 – 3rd January 2024

    While we were all relaxing, eating and celebrating, Dickie was still ‘walking down that path’! And quite a path it was too – 125 miles along the Cotswold Way!

    Hazelton, Lower Swell, Chipping Camden, Stanton, Belas Knap, Cleve Hill, Seven Springs, Painswick, Kings Stanlea Middleyard, Wooton-under-Edge, Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Bath!!

    Big thank you to Mike, Harry, Jules and other friends who kept Dickie company on the Cotswold Way.

    125 miles walked!

    Weather – wet & muddy, it’s that time of year!!
  • 12th December 2023

    Week Eleven – 4th December – 12th December 2023

    A big Cornish pre Christmas push!!

    Padstow, Wadebridge, Polzeath, Rock, Lizard Point, St Ives, Gwithian, Portreath, Penzance, Merazion, Mousehole, Lands End, Minack Theatre, Sennen, Newquay, Watergate Bay

    93 miles walked!

    Weather – getting pretty cold and wet at times!
  • 1st December 2023

    Week Ten – 28th November – 1st December 2023

    Headed back to the South Cost Path – Somerset!!

    “I’m walking at a slightly slower pace for safety as some of the paths are muddy and slippery. There’s been a number of path closures to negotiate so I never quite know how my day will pan out. I’m always looking at my sailing and meteorological apps to see where the better weather is and which direction the wind is going.“

    Wachet, Minehead, Porlock Quay, Hinkley Power Station, Burnham-on Sea, Weston Super Mare

    46 miles walked!

    Weather – first sub zero temperatures!
  • 23rd November 2023

    Week Nine – 21st – 23rd November 2023

    “Back in Pembrokeshire for a few days. Weather filthy, but quite a good forecast for the next few days!”

    A big thank you to Jane for keeping Dickie company

    “The gods were with me today. I avoided the last headland before Cardigan as the paths were muddy steep and dangerous. So I walked inland and then had some issues with a diversion of coast path through boggy fields for the final couple of miles. I was ten minutes late for the bus and not sure where the bus actually stopped. I found the bus at a stop that was also ten minutes late. I felt as if I’d won the lottery!!“

    Newport, Pwllgwaelod, Cardigan, Aberporth

    45 miles walked!

    Weather – winter is gradually on its way!!
  • 16th November 2023

    Week Eight – Back on that Path!!! – 8th – 16th November 2023

    Wonderful to have you back Dickie – fit and well again!!!

    A change of scenery – The Pembrokeshire Coast

    A big thank you to Paul for keeping Dickie company

    Tenby, Pendine, Stackpole Quay, Freshwater West, Angle, Dale, St Davids, Newgale – Pembrokeshire Coastal Path completed from Pendine Sands to St Davids!

    105 miles walked!

    Weather – very windy at times – check out the video!!!
  • 22nd October 2023

    Week Seven – 22nd October 2023

    Having a well earned break after Cornwall took its toll – a real reminder of just how big a challenge Dickie has taken on

    “I just had appointment with my sports injury back chap. Both ankles sprained recommended need 2 weeks of rest. BUT he wouldn’t do any work to my back that doesn’t feel right at all after the fall.”

    “I arranged to see a doctor this afternoon.
    I’m not feeling great head wise. Ringy ears and head ache that isn’t really feeling any better. It’s been a week since the fall.……”

    “Doc Ned is going to get back to me with x-ray result that hopefully will confirm that I haven’t fractured my neck!
    He said that I was lucky to be alive. I have to agree with him on this point!! Concussion is causing excruciatingly bad headache and I’ve been ordered to rest.“

    “……..its a relief to have no fractures or breaks. I’m wishing concussion head ache and dizziness would go away though!“
  • 21st October 2023

    Week Six – 14th – 21st October 2023

    Mount Baton Plymouth to Tregantle Fort

    “After taking a slight tumble and missing a couple of buses, Tom and Fiona gave me a ride back to Cremyll for the ferry. They live in Torpoint the opposite direction. HUGE THANKYOU !!!……Ankle slightly twisted but its ok. All good and the Harveys giving me a 7 mile ride away from where they live is so kind.

    Tregantle Fort to Looe

    Looe to Polperro

    “I got to Polperro today but fell flat on my face (literally!) in between Looe and Polperro. Luckily my head hit the path by two sharp rocks so could have been worse. Shocking headache and a bit of a mess. Looks like I’ve been in a bar room brawl!”

    Polperro to Fowey

    Fowey to St Austell

    “Rona recognised me on the Fowey Ferry. ‘ Aren’t you the chap walking around Britain?’ Hooray I’m infamous!!“

    47 miles walked!

    Weather – pretty good considering it is mid October!
  • 13th October 2023

    Week Five – 7th – 13th October 2023

    Babbacombe to Starcross

    Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton

    Sidmouth to Seaton

    Briport to Lyme Regis

    Salcombe to Noss Mayo

    Warren Point to Plymouth

    76 miles walked!

    Weather – unseasonably mild!

    The van is wrapped – thank you so much to Signworx in Ashford Kent for doing this completely free of charge, we are so grateful!

    “ In the adventure ’round the UK, Dickie plays his part

    With the Evie Dove Foundation at heart

    “Where’s Dickie?” we holler, as people scan the van

    Bongy the dog joins, in this wild and wacky plan”
  • 6th October 2023

    Week Four – 30th September – 6th October 2023

    Lulworth Cove to Swanage

    Bridport to Weymouth

    Salcombe to Slapton Sands

    Strete to Dartmouth

    Paignton to Dartmouth

    Paignton to Babbacombe

    91 miles walked!

    Weather – pretty good for this time of year!

    An interview on Boom Radio – Thank you so much David Lloyd
  • 26th September 2023

    Week Three – 23rd – 26th September 2023

    “It’s kind to put some coin in, but please put in a note

    If I fall into the sea, I’m never going to float!

    So before offloading coin, have a little think

    Putting in your notes, will help me not sink!”

    Lymington to Christchurch

    Christchurch to Swanage

    Around Portland to Weymouth Old Town

    Weymouth to Lulworth Cove

    56 miles walked!

    Weather – Like Summer!
  • 23rd September 2023

    Week Two – 16th – 22nd September 2023

    “Give us a wave, give us a toot,

    Say hello, and please donate your loot!”

    Eastbourne to Newhaven

    Newhaven to Hove

    Hove to Littlehampton

    Littlehampton to Chichester

    East Wittering to West Itchenor

    Isle of Wight – Ryde to Yarmouth
    2 x trains
    1 x bus
    1 x hovercraft
    1 x pair of legs!
    1 x ferry
    2 x more trains
    1 x car ride

    94 miles walked!

    Weather – getting wet and windy!
  • 13th September 2023

    Week One - 10th - 13th September 2023

    Hythe to Dungeness, with Evie's mum and dad Katie & Howard, and fellow Foundation trustee Matt

    “We’re walking to the Dungeness Power Station,

    Then we’ll walk around the nation

    We’re doing this for the Evie Dove Foundation

    So please give us a donation!"

    Dungeness to Winchelsea - now going solo!

    Winchelsea to Bexhill

    Bexhill to Eastbourne

    53 miles walked!

    Weather - beautiful and sunny!
  • 9th September 2023

    Evie Dove Foundation Big Coastal Walk - 9th September 2023

    The 'Where's Dickie' tour of Britain begins!

    Dickie, daughter Jules, and dog ‘Bongy, join 250 other people walking 17 miles along the beautiful Kent coastline of Hythe, Sandgate and Folkestone to raise funds for the Evie Dove Foundation.

    17 miles walked!

    Weather - Hottest day of the year!