In 2018, Mark Ashley-Miller bought a boat. There's nothing unusual in that, but there is in what happened next: he decided to sail around the coasts of Britain and Ireland, visiting every single harbour in the British Isles.
And unlike most people who have such pipe dreams, he actually did it.
The journey is now over, and we're delighted that Mark joined James Fisher on the Country Life Podcast to talk about his five years at sea, the 9,000 nautical miles (almost 10,400 'normal' miles) he's sailed, and the 300+ harbourmasters he visited in the course of his epic trip.
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As well as talking through the inspiration for his voyage, Mark talks about his favourite places on the route, the most hospitable harbourmasters, those who were rather frostier... and the one who immediately threw Mark and his crew the keys 'to go exploring' the local area before cracking open the Irish whiskey for a night of revelry.
Mark has written a book about his experiences, which is available to order now with all proceeds going to The Seafarers' Charity. You can find out more about Mark and his journey at his website or see his Instagram page.
Mark's book is available to order now.
Episode credits
Host: James Fisher
Guest: Mark Ashley-Miller
Editor and producer: Toby Keel
Music: JuliusH via Pixabay
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