Finding Hildasay

How One Man Walked the UK's Coastline and Found Hope and Happiness

By: Christian Lewis

Narrated by: Christian Lewis

In his darkest depression, one idea brought Christian Lewis out of the depths - and into a new life. Finding Hildasay, read by the author, is a brutal and beautiful true story of depression, survival, walking, and the meaning of home.

‘Now I was finally out of the force of the wind, my body began to warm – the part where the real pain sets in. I’d felt it plenty of times before on this journey, but this time it was different. As I began to regain feeling in my fingers and toes, it burned so strongly that I just sat in tears of pain.’

Ex-paratrooper Christian Lewis had hit rock bottom, suffering with depression so severe he would shut himself in his bedroom for weeks. Then while surfing – his only respite – he cast his eyes along the coastline and realized it was the only place he really wanted to be.

Making an impulsive decision to set himself a challenge – walk the entire coastline of the UK – Chris gave himself a few days to rustle up a tent and walking boots, then left for good with just a tenner in his pocket and two days’ worth of food. Little did he know at the time just how long it would take to cross the finish line – and the encounters that lay ahead that would turn his life around.

Five years later, Chris has navigated the West Coast, Northern Ireland, the hard-rock cliffs of Scotland and the perimeters of the Scottish Islands . He spent three months on an uninhabited island called Hildasay, where there was no fresh water or food. It was there, the most barren his route had become, that the more pride and respect he found within himself – and the more remarkable his journey became. Happiness and hope was just around the corner.

©2023 Christian Lewis (P)2023 Macmillan Publishers International Limited

Critic reviews

"The word ‘inspiration’ is often overused; Chris really is an inspiration. I urge you to read his tale." (Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA)

Great story of a man who used his skills and natural traits to travel mostly alone on Great Britain’s west shore

Liked the story of redemption. Disliked that he stated over and over that would ask for nothing yet accepted many many months of stays in homes and meals

an epic Journey

Damn Amazing. Just hearing about where he went by foot, got my spirits high to go see Scotland and the UK. I've seen Ireland and can only imagine the beauty of its emerald Isle neighbor to the north.
He became a man with a mission and that's the most important part. When you're down in the dumps, you need to find resilience and fortitude and this journey was the perfect place.
Nature and the elements have the upper hand in everything you do and that's what makes it so humbling. Life isnt always about what other people want you to do, but what you want to do and who you become when you stop listening to them.
And Christian killed it.
I searched for great biographies and when I found this, it was spot on. Hes a really good writer and you would've never thought this was his first book. It's an in-depth look into his life and his comeback. He forged through all his pain and suffering which is incredibly commendable. I loved that he found a dog to take with him. And he found his purpose. It's a heartwarming story. I'll recommend it to everyone. Cheers to Christian and Jet.

Inspiring! A true treasure.

Chris Lewis is a modern day adventurer/hero. In spite of tremendously odds, he circumnavigates the entire coast of the UK. His wisdom and authenticity are to be recognized! Very piwerful read by his own voice. Great read, waiting for the sequel.