Off the beaten grid: countdown begins for Eco Trek 2010

Eco Trekker Matt Jones is counting down the days until 26 July when he starts his major trip on foot from John O'Groats to Lands End for SolarAid. This gruelling 1,300 miles will be undertaken with minimal reliance on the national grid. Matt will be using solar power (in the form of SolarAid's SunnyMoney 'Ravi') for lighting and to charge his mobile phone. He will also be wild camping for the majority of the trip and eating food as locally-sourced as possible, or foods that do not require fossil fuel for their production or distribution.

With just 16 days left before he sets off on his epic 10 week journey, Matt is busy getting last minute plans in place. He has been training hard over the last few months. And that's on top of taking his final exams at Southampton University; from where he has just graduated with a 2:1 Hons in Geography.

Matt on the Jurassic Coast, 30 miles east of Exeter, during his practice trek. The tent in the photo will be Matt's home for 10 weeks.

Being prepared
In April, Matt trekked from Exeter to Southampton on the South West Coastal Path as part of his training programme, covering 160 miles in an impressive six days. Matt has trained hard on his bike and with shorter local treks. Amazingly, he has managed to wear down his first pair of hiking shoes before he's even left John O'Groats!

Matt has kept focused on the trip, despite preparing for exams, and has also been working hard on increasing his weight. It is estimated that he will burn approximately 4000 calories each day. So in the last few weeks he has had to increase his daily calorie intake to 5000kcal, gaining an extra 10 kilograms; which is what he expects to lose over the months of trekking.

Matt told me recently; "I'm both excited and nervous for the immense challenge ahead. I hope that my expedition inspires people to help support the charitable work of the truly irreplaceable SolarAid".

You can follow Matt's progress on Twitter, Facebook, or right here on the SolarAid website.

Please support this incredible venture by sponsoring Matt here and helping him reach his £5000 target.