Head Chef at Salcombe Harbour Hotel has successfully completed a 180-mile walk along the South West Coastal Path for the Room to Reward charity.

His challenge took place over five days, beginning on Monday, November 13 and finishing in Salcombe on Friday, November 17, during which time he walked a length of the coast of South England.

All donations will go towards this hospitality charity which matches unsold hotel rooms with charity volunteers who deserve a few days of rest and relaxation. He raised in the region of £3000.

Along the way, Jamie Gulliford enjoyed numerous stunning views of the Jurassic coast but also encountered a few challenges, including blisters, high winds and almost crossing a firing range.

Jamie was supported by the following hotels who each donated an unsold room to give him somewhere to stay – Christchurch Harbour Hotel, the Riviera Hotel in Weymouth, the Bull Hotel in Bridport, Sidmouth Harbour Hotel and the Imperial Hotel in Torquay.

Jamie said: “Although this journey was hard it really was an enjoyable week and I am amazed how far I was able to push myself.

“The scenery is stunning. I was amazed by the change in coast line as the days went on - no day was the same terrain. Day three was, without a doubt, the biggest challenge. Between Lyme Regis and Seaton there was sign that said beyond this point is hard and there is no other path, it will take you 3 – 4 hours to get through. It was long and tough, but I did it in 2:30!

“It was a great feeling coming into Salcombe, I could literally feel myself picking up the speed and wanting to get back to see my friends and family. It was great to see Adam from Room to Reward who had made it down to see me and talk about the week.

“I had such an amazing sponsor team and thank them all from the bottom of my heart – the hotels who donated their rooms, BB Food Service, Lucozade, AG Bar, Triform, Rex Down, Salcombe Brew, Bays Brewery and especially my dad, Kev Gulliford – the best support driver ever!”

Room to Reward is the first charity initiative of its kind. Hotels donate their unsold rooms, via the scheme, to provide nominated charity workers and volunteers a complimentary break, giving charities the means to motivate, thank and contribute to the well-being of these invaluable individuals.

Adam Terpening, Charity Director of Room to Reward said: “We are extremely grateful to Jamie for his extraordinary effort to raise awareness and funds for our charity.

“His achievement will enable us to recognise more and more Hidden Heroes who do so much and expect nothing in return. Being able to recognise their incredible staff and volunteers has proven invaluable to our charity partners. We in turn would like to thank Jamie and everyone who made this event possible.”