Finding Hildasay, is Christian Lewis’ honest account of his struggle with mental health and PTSD following his time in the armed forces. He had found himself to be a father/ person he no longer wanted to be, therefore deciding that he needed to change. He made the decision to embark on a journey in which he didn’t know what was going to happen, by setting out to walk the entirety of the coast of the British Isles.
Lewis raises the profile of the unseen mental health and physical battles faced by veterans. In doing so, he not only shares his own story but also raises awareness and vital funds for SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association), a charity dedicated to supporting those who have served in the armed forces.
A standout aspect of the book is the depiction of Lewis’ bond with his loyal lurcher, Jet. Their relationship, though silent on one side, becomes a key part of his emotional survival. It’s a touching reminder of the profound comfort and companionship that animals can offer during life’s darkest moments.
This first book of Lewis’ journey follows him from his home in Swansea around the coast of Wales and northwards to an unexpected period of isolation on the remote, uninhabited Shetland Island of Hildasay during the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported by the warmth and generosity many local communities, Lewis crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally moving. His writing is humble and accessible—he’s not a polished author, but a regular person whose story resonates with realism and honesty.
Finding Hildasay is more than a travel memoir; it’s a testament to resilience, the power of human and animal connection, and the profound transformations that can come from simply putting one foot in front of the other.
Rhiannon
Buy it here: Finding Hildasay: How One Man Walked the UK’s Coastline and Found Hope and Happiness a book by CHRISTIAN LEWIS.