A DEDICATED fundraiser has returned home after walking 2,000 miles to complete the “ferocious” Appalachian Trail for a charity close to his heart.

Ivor Wood, a 59-year-old former army major, arrived back in Clacton on November 26 after finishing the world’s longest marked footpath in six months.

The 2,189 mile hiking trail has two routes and Ivor set off on Saturday, May 21 to start his journey in Maine on the North to South route down to Georgia.

During his mammoth expedition Ivor pushed himself through mountainous terrain, extreme weather conditions, lost three stones in weight and got through three pairs of walking boots.

He said: “Overall the experience was very enjoyable, but it really was a ferocious trail with such rocky terrain to cover each day.

“The beginning was extremely tough and because of the steep mountains I was only able to cover eight to ten miles a day – but in the lower areas I could walk up to 25 miles in a day.”

Ivor carried up to 40 pounds on his back throughout the walk of essentials and clothing which became difficult in the summer months.

He said: “It was extremely hot during the summer peak and I was walking in temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees with sometimes very little water available as it only rained for five days during my whole hike.

“Even though I kept optimistic, I found it was a monstrous trail at times and each day was the equivalent of walking up Snowden twice,” he added.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

Rough - Ivor trekking through North Carolina

Despite tough conditions Ivor successfully hiked the Appalachian Trail across 14 states, running into fellow walkers along the way.

He said: “I started the trail on my own and I was walker number 69 so I knew there were lots of others behind me.

"We would pass each other along the trail and there was a great comradery between us all.”

Ivor felt determined to complete the trail after having a triple heart bypass in 2012, and he promised to give something in return to the British Heart Foundation in order to “pay them back for their kindness”.

So far he has raised £11,500 which covers the cost of his expedition and leaves £7,000 for the charity.

He said: “Now I am home, I am looking forward to what is next as I am definitely wanting to complete other trails to do in the future."