Andy Devaney
Stu Skinner, better known as the “Forrest Gump of hikers,” is just four climbs away from finishing one of Britain’s most eccentric – and moving – adventures.
His Postcards from the Peaks challenge has seen him lug a 26-kilogram Royal Mail postbox, while wearing flip flops, up the highest point of every UK National Park.
And no, that’s not a typo. A postbox. In flip flops.
But for Skinner, the spectacle is the sideshow. The real mission is tackling loneliness through walking, connection, and conversation – one summit and one handwritten postcard at a time.
The weight he carries
Each peak has been a pit stop to post a card to someone who might need a reminder that they’re not forgotten. So far, nearly 1,000 postcards have been sent, over 250 people have joined him on the trails, and schoolchildren have swapped postcards across the country, proving that connection can travel across oceans as easily as mountains.
“I never planned to end up with a 26 kg postbox,” Stu Skinner said. “But in a moment of loneliness, with eviction looming and no clear plan, it felt like exactly what I needed to carry – physically and emotionally.”
For him, the challenge isn’t just charity. It’s personal. Skinner has lost several friends to suicide and addiction.
“This is how I honour them – by walking, connecting and reminding people they’re not alone.”
Flip flops, flat tyres, and stubborn hope
The journey hasn’t exactly been smooth. He’s battled a serious Achilles injury, van breakdowns, and nights sleeping on the roadside. Yet his message remains simple and stubborn: loneliness may be everywhere, but so is the chance for connection.
“Loneliness can feel like climbing a mountain alone,” he said. “But connection makes it easier. I’ll be walking in flip flops with a postbox, so no one needs to worry about pace.”
Raising more than eyebrows
With just four peaks left, Skinner is calling for public support to help raise funds for the Head Outside Awards – a national initiative celebrating people who use the outdoors to improve mental health.
Donations and online postcards are welcome from anyone, anywhere, at www.postcardsfrompeaks.com. You can give money, send a message, or even join him for the last few climbs – though you may want sturdier footwear.
Stu Skinner may be nearly at the end of his 15-peak odyssey, but the postbox he hauls has already delivered something far bigger: a reminder that connection, however small, can change lives.
