A journalist who is aiming to walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for charity has notched up his first milestone – completing the walk of the length of Cornwall.

Former Press Association northern editor Peter Beal began the 1,150-mile journey – estimated to take three months to complete – on May 6, setting off from Land’s End.

And during the trip Peter plans to write a blog about his adventures with the help of family and friends, at www.bigwalk.org.uk.

So far the lone expedition has gone well although it has not been without incident, with the discovery of an unexploded bomb on the coastal path near Prussia Cove adding three miles to his journey on his second day.

Peter, (57), said in his blog: “I heard a huge explosion like a plane crashing and shortly afterwards came across a group of people who told me that a bomb had been discovered and detonated.

“They said that the path would be closed for at least two hours so I had to make a detour which added at least three miles to my route – in the heat.”

On much of the trip Peter is planning to camp, and he was also forced to walk further than anticipated when he found his chosen campsite had closed down and the next one with a free pitch was four miles away.

Peter’s journey has now taken him into Devon, and he will walk through the towns of Crediton, Tiverton, Wellington and Street before heading across the Somerset levels and in to Bath.

He will be staying off roads where possible, and using long distance trails such as the Pennine Way – which goes close to his home in the Derbyshire Peak District – and West Highland Way.

Peter’s walk of the length of the country is a long-held ambition, and will raise funds for motor neurone disease in memory of his friend and former colleague, Derek Smith, who lost his two-year battle with the illness in October last year.

Before the trip Peter said: “It’s a vicious and indiscriminate disease without a cure that can strike people of any age. Tragically, its victims seem to be among the most active of people.

“It’s a very worthwhile cause – now I’ve just got to hope my knees hold out.”

Money raised will go to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Donations can be made online at www.bigwalk.org.uk