Naked Walker Completes Trek Across U.K.

'Naked Rambler' Was Arrested 16 Times During 847-Mile Walk

JOHN O'GROATS, Scotland (Jan. 22) - A man walking the length of Britain naked to promote public nudity finally reached his destination Thursday, after spending most of his seven-month odyssey behind bars following complaints from the public.

Stephen Gough, 44, dubbed "the naked rambler" in Britain, reached John O'Groats in far north Scotland just before night fell, cheered on by a group of local residents and welcomed by a large media contingent.

The former Royal Marine was arrested 16 times, made several court appearances and served two jail sentences - spending about 5 months behind bars - during the 847-mile trek from Land's End in southwest England.

Gough began the walk in the British summer of June 2003, wearing just his socks, boots, hat and rucksack.


"When we are children, we run around free and then we go through a process of conditioning where we are taught that our bodies aren't OK, and that's not good for us as human beings."
-Stephen Gough

He persisted despite the delays caused by his repeated arrests and refused to don warmer clothes as he reached northern England and the highlands of Scotland in freezing winter temperatures.

He also declined to dress for the occasion when appearing before judges across the breadth of the country, usually sitting in the dock wrapped in a prison blanket.

There is no law in Britain against public nudity. However, there are laws against indecent exposure - which requires proof of intent to insult a woman - or any behavior likely to cause "harassment, alarm or distress."

Gough said it would take time to reverse public "paranoia" about the human body but he hoped his campaign had been successful.

"My body is part of me and it's not shameful, it's who I am," he said after taking a celebratory sip of champagne.

"When we are children, we run around free and then we go through a process of conditioning where we are taught that our bodies aren't OK, and that's not good for us as human beings," he added. "I don't know if that's a political statement or a statement of fact, but I do think it's very important to feel good about ourselves."

Gough said he was planning to stay the night in John O'Groats and enjoy a big meal before putting his clothes back on and heading back south to his home in Eastleigh, southern England.

Once there, he's not sure what comes next.

"Quite often there are big points in our lives, such as getting married, when you think `what am I going to do after that?"' he said.