A TREKKER walked past some of Newport’s most iconic landmarks today as he reached the end of an epic walk covering almost 870 miles around Wales’ stunning coastline.

From sandy beaches to rugged cliffs, National Trust Wales’s volunteer Bob Smith has walked for nearly two months while helping to commemorate 50 years of caring for the coast.

Since taking the first steps in Flint on June 8, Mr Smith has been carrying a specially carved trident inspired by Neptune, the Roman God of the sea, to celebrate safeguarding 100 miles of the Welsh coast through the Trust’s Neptune Coastline Campaign.

He has walked the equivalent of two-and-a-half times the height of Mount Everest.

One step in every 10 has been taken on coastline cared for by the National Trust and he has raised more than £700, which will go towards the cost of maintaining special coastal places.

Today, the chief walker arrived in Newport before heading to his final destination in Chepstow.

Mr Smith was welcomed by well-wishers and refreshments at Tredegar House, before making his way to the Newport Transporter Bridge that he then crossed before heading to Redwick.

He said: “The trek has been an enormous challenge but an incredible experience at the same time.

“Wales’s coast plays host to some of the most incredible scenery, with an abundance of flora and nature that make our coastal spots so unique.

“My favourite stretches of coast so far have been Anglesey, for the variety of landscape you can cover in one day, and Pembrokeshire, for the dramatic cliffs.

“Lots of people have joined me along the way, and I’ve been overwhelmed by people’s kindness and generosity, we have raised over £700 so far which is a tremendous achievement."

The trek has been an opportunity for the whole nation to enjoy some of Wales’s best beaches and has played host to a number of community celebrations along the way that include a Bioblitz bonanza at Freshwater West, a period costume, clifftop party at Lydstep Head and several beach cleans.

The Trust cares for 775 miles of the British coastline, including 157 miles in Wales and it costs £3,000 a year to look after just one mile on average. For more information log on to justgiving.com/TridentTrek