Coastal trek a world away takes 13 years for friends to complete

Alex Elson and Sandra Fairchild after the walk. Photo / Supplied

A New Zealand woman has completed a 13-year project to walk Britain's longest coastal walk.

Alex Elson and Sandra Fairchild began the 1017km South West Coast Path over a decade ago while they both lived in Britain.

Shortly after starting the walk and deciding to complete it in sections, Elson added an extra hurdle by moving to New Zealand.

She promised Fairchild she would travel back every year to do new portions until it was done - and other than a two-year gap when she first arrived here in 2001 she kept her word.

At 58, Elson said she was the determined sort and when she made a promise she followed through. The walk took 13 years "while some people probably do it in six weeks".

"It's a huge achievement, I am really happy. There were so many logistical issues to get over."

The Whitianga-based vet said organising accommodation and synchronising her holiday with her friend were difficult.

The two friends met 17 years ago and realised they both loved walking.

"Then we decided to do the whole thing and started from the beginning."

She said the track had spectacular views and went through fishing villages. They met all sorts while walking, including a couple of New Zealanders and in true Kiwi style "it turned out we knew some of the same people", said Elson.

Each trip back was for a week or two and they would cover about 16km each day, she said.

New Zealand walks were now on the agenda but as she got older she said she might do it differently.

"I really want to do the Routeburn Track but I might do it the luxury way ... with someone carrying my pack," she laughed.

She and her British friend are considering another walk there, this time around 160km.