Claire Davis’s journey of discovery

Round & About

Fleet author celebrated the launch of her new book last month telling of a journey in more ways than one

Braver Than You Think, Cycling to Self-Discovery, From Land’s End to John O’Groats tells the story of how, at a mid-life low point, Claire set off for Scotland, ill-prepared, unsupported and alone. 

“To this day, I find it hard to explain why I did it,” Claire admits. “But I craved space and silence, and dreamed of filling my lungs with fresh air.” 

It turned out to be a 1,200 mile journey over 26 days not only to better physical fitness and mental health, but also to empowerment and self-discovery. 

“It was such a fantastic experience that I wanted to share it with others. Firstly, I wanted people to know that cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats isn’t just for fitness freaks: if I could do it, unfit as I was, anyone could, given enough time.” 

And Claire stresses that her book isn’t just for cyclists. “I also wanted to share – particularly with women in mid-life or older – how empowering it can be to step out of your comfort zone, and how healing it can be to spend time alone in nature. 

“I learned to see myself anew, through the eyes of people who knew nothing about me. To put it another way, if people call you brave often enough, you start to believe it.”