PORTLAND Bill was the final destination of an epic journey for two explorers, who are now resting their weary feet – and hooves – after five months on the road.

Adam Lee and his companion Martin, a donkey, have walked the length of the country to raise money for Centrepoint, a charity for homeless young people.

Starting in Cape Wrath in the Highlands of Scotland, the pair walked 700 miles down to Portland, raising more than £4,500.

Mr Lee, 37, is a freelance photographer who lives in London. Previously he has explored Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan on foot.

He said: "Meeting new people is always a highlight.

"When I started to walk in the UK I wasn't getting the same interaction – I was just one of many walkers in hiking gear. "I needed a way to stand out – so I decided to walk with a donkey."

Mr Lee says the plan was a success and helped attract positive attention, enabling the pair to encounter "the best of human kindness".

He said: "People have continually offered us food, water and warmth – it has been a phenomenally heartwarming experience.

"We've never been refused a place to stay."

Mr Lee has been sleeping in a tent and travelling light with just three changes of clothes – plus special shoes for Martin.

He said: "During bad weather you have to really fight to find the will to keep going – but the bond between Martin and I grew stronger throughout the journey. We're friends for life now.

"Donkeys are inquisitive by nature – we couldn't stay in one place for too long because Martin would want to get back on the road.

"We will both feel a bit lost when he returns to his farm – I'm already planning our next trip together."

Mayor of Portland Cllr Charlie Flack was at the lighthouse to greet the pair along with some other locals on Saturday.

He said: "I'd like to congratulate Adam and Martin on their epic fundraising trip.

"It's people like Adam who put the 'great' in Great Britain. Without such individuals, we'd be far worse off."

To donate, search for 'Lighthouse to Lighthouse' on justgiving.com.

Read about Adam and Martin's adventures at www.adamwalks.wordpress.com.