The Walking Man is no different than any other person who enjoys walking.

He often comes into my shoe repair shop in Hove to ask questions about his walking boots.

One day, he took off his boots to show me a little red mark he had on his toe and said he got it after walking only 80 miles.

I asked him if he was trying to prove something by walking with a full pack on his back.

He replied: "You have a hobby. Well, this is mine. I just like being out in all weathers."

Fair enough, I said.

-D M Manville, Brighton