Sussex Man Swaps Social Media for Thousand-Mile Walks
April 24, 2024
Piers Ellison, a 27-year-old from Sussex, has decided to leave behind social media and smartphones to walk thousands of miles around the world. He spends most of the year trekking, often setting off with just a backpack and a paper map.
"It's exciting. You wake up not knowing what will happen by the end of the day," Piers says about his adventurous lifestyle.
This Friday, he's heading to the United States to walk the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile path that takes about four months to finish. It's not his first try; eight years ago, he had to stop after getting bitten by something, possibly a spider. Even after seeing a bear during his first attempt, he's not discouraged.
Many people have suggested he share his journeys on YouTube or social media, but he prefers to stay offline. "I don't think I'd enjoy the trip as much if I was worrying about views," he explains.
For Piers, walking has greatly helped his mental health. Disconnecting from the online world has made him feel more connected in real life. "The amount of kindness out there is amazing," he says. "People have welcomed me into their homes, even when I'm dirty and haven't showered."