A GEOGRAPHY student from Horsebridge with a sense of adventure has made the 1,500 mile journey back to university . . . in a kayak, writes Alison Stephenson.

James Killingbeck, 21, arrived at the University of St Andrew's in Fife last Thursday, two months after he set off from his home.

The student was accompanied by fellow kayakers mum Jenny and a couple of friends on various legs of the journey but spent most of the trip as a lone traveller.

He said it had been a tremendous experience highlighting the people, he met en route as the best part of the challenge.

Carrying all his essential gear such as tent, cooking stove and mobile phone on the kayak, James 'rough camped' each night on beaches and grass patches. He also 'rested' between legs by running and climbing up the three highest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland - Mount Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis -describing it as a 'welcome contrast to kayaking.'

Coming from an enthusiastic sailing family, James, a former Kelly College student, is not new to boats and has had experience in marathon kayaking on canals but kayaking in the open sea was only something he had taken up this year.

'Last year as a family we sailed up the west coast of Scotland and it was a lot of fun.

'I thought it would be great to travel around the UK in a kayak but it ended up as a trip from home to St Andrew's. I thought it would help me in my course and give me the opportunity to meet lots of interesting people.

'At school I never really did any big expeditions and I had that itch to do one. This definitely fulfilled that itch,' he said.

James got more than he bargained for with the challenging sea conditions around The Lizard in Cornwall: 'With the cliffs being so high there is really no point where you can come into land and the tide was pushing me into the rocks,' he said. 'When I came into Mullion there was a really big swell and it was all very dramatic and nerve-racking.

'The Cornish coast was the hairiest but also the nicest — after that I have to say it got a lot easier.'

A lot of support and encouragement was given to James by fellow adventurers, fishermen and others he met.

'I had a great chat with a guy who walked from his home on the Caledonian Canal to Florence in Italy on his own.

'I heard some incredible stories and it made me more aware of the different lifestyles of people up and down the country.

'I think I now have a better understanding of things I was ignorant to before.'

Before starting his studies at St Andrews in 2007, James worked and trekked in the Falklands Islands, The Andes, New Zealand and Australia. His taste for adventure is even stronger now but before he plans his next mission, studying and earning money are the priority.

'Hopefully this is just the start,' he said. 'This trip has taught me that if you really want to do something you should go for it.'

James' journey was supporting the Marine Conservation Association which aims to improve our waters for wildlife and for people. If anyone wants to make a donation they should go to http://www.justgiving.com/jameskillingbeck">www.justgiving.com/jameskillingbeck