Lindsey Bell, better known as Linzi Walks, has made a name for herself as an adventurer and outdoor advocate. From completing the fastest known time for walking around the coastline of Great Britain in 2024 to her latest challenge—hiking 300 mountains in 200 days—she is proving that the outdoors is a powerful force for transformation, healing and connection.
Speaking at Outdoor and Social
In March, Lindsey was a featured speaker at the Outdoor and Social trade training event in Edale, Peak District. She captivated the audience with stories of her adventures, sharing insights into her journey as a “wild wellness warrior woman” and how the outdoors has shaped her life.
Rediscovering the Outdoors
Linzi’s love for the outdoors reignited during the COVID-19 pandemic. She explained: “My love of the outdoors began the day I could walk but rocketed when COVID hit. After mastering a creative 100-hour week and not much else, followed by the loss of some beautiful souls in a short window of time, I was reminded just how precious life is.
“I rediscovered nature, striding miles every day like a big kid in the best playground ever! I was home again, wearing a smile that Colgate would be proud of! The world felt limitless, connected, and safe, yet it challenged me in so many beautiful ways, and I loved it! My hiking inspired me to turn my bucket list into my ‘live it now’ list.”
The Camino Frances Experience
Before tackling Great Britain’s coastline, Lindsey completed a 100km section of the Camino Frances in 2019, hiking from Sarria to Santiago with her mother.
“The Camino paths originate as religious pilgrim routes to discover our ‘way’ in life. Whether you are religious or just a believer in being kind and thankful like myself, the ‘Camino’ paths are life-changing adventures that awaken our ability to live in the moment, appreciate the here and now, and feel deeply connected.”
This experience cemented her passion for long-distance walking and the outdoor community, which she describes as a “flowing stream of well-being warriors who enrich daily life.”
Walking the Coastline of Great Britain
Linzi started her epic hike around Great Britain on March 1, 2024, walking clockwise around the coast—a staggering 6,136-mile journey that she completed on December 23. Along the way, she added an extra challenge, summiting the National Three Peaks: Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis.
To make the journey more interactive, Linzi organized live events at each peak, allowing over 700 people to join her at various stages of the walk.
“I love the balance of meeting people organically in nature and being part of the diverse outdoor community—whether it’s hikers, ultra-runners, climbers, or sailors. I knew that by putting the live beacon on, people would come out and walk for a mile or more, and that’s exactly what happened.”
Raising Funds for Mental Health and Conservation
Linzi’s journey was about more than just personal achievement; it was also a mission to support mental health and environmental conservation. She raised over £14,850 for Mind, a mental health charity providing essential support for those struggling with addiction and depression and the National Trails UK, which maintains over 6,000 miles of trails and promotes access to green spaces.
“For every pound donated, 82 pence goes directly to supporting people—being there at the end of a phone, the end of an email. The rest goes into running the charity and maintaining our trails.”
The Next Challenge: 300 Mountains in 200 Days
Resting after her record-breaking walk? Not a chance. Linzi is already preparing for her next monumental challenge—hiking 300 mountains in 200 days, culminating in a Guinness World Record attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro.
She said: “It is made up from 10 separate adventures that will take me to Scotland, Wales, then from Canterbury through to France, through Switzerland, then through into Italy, and then it will fly me back into the UK, to take me up to the Lake District. And then I fly over to Tanzania, where the 300th mountain will be to hike Kilimanjaro in 24 hours with six other souls to set a new Guinness World Record. “
Preparing for Kilimanjaro
To conquer the 6,100-meter-high Kilimanjaro in a single day, Linzi and her team have undergone altitude training at the Altitude Centre.
“They put an oxygen mask over your face, and you step onto a treadmill with a heart monitor. They then deplete the oxygen to simulate conditions at high altitude. At the summit of Kili, you have 50% less oxygen, so they determine at what point altitude becomes a problem for each of us individually.”
To prepare, the team will sleep in altitude tents six weeks before the climb, gradually reducing their oxygen intake.
“This will help our red blood cells adapt so that when we land in Kilimanjaro, we are already acclimatized and won’t suffer from altitude sickness.”
What’s Next?
After completing this monumental challenge in October, what’s next for Linzi Walks?
“Who knows? Maybe I’ll rest for a day! But I will always be out in nature. You don’t have to be tackling big challenges—just stepping outside, whether it’s walking, painting, or listening to music in nature, dramatically improves mental health.”
A Final Thought
Linzi Walks is more than just an adventurer—she’s a movement. Through her walks, fundraising efforts, and upcoming challenges, she continues to inspire thousands. Her journey proves that adventure is not just about physical endurance but about connection, healing, and proving that the outdoors truly equals better mental health. With every step she takes, she’s not just walking—she’s paving the way for others to find their own adventure. And for Linzi, the best part? She’s just getting started.
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