Some of the region's most spectacular scenery will provide the backdrop for a charity mission across the four counties.
Devon chef David Jones will walk the South West Coast Path along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
The co-owner of Manna from Devon Cooking School, in Kingswear, is embarking on the 630-mile challenge by walking from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset.
Some of the South West's leading chefs will join him along the route, including Mitch Tonks in Dartmouth and Roger and Sally Birt in Bude.
Mr Jones said the walk was perhaps the ultimate challenge for the long distance hiker.
He said: "Both my parents suffered from this awful illness. I want to raise as much money as I can for this worthy charity and, to do so, felt it was best to make it as difficult as possible by walking in some of the coldest weeks of the year."
Despite it taking an average walker seven to eight weeks to cover the distance, Mr Jones hopes to complete the walk in 25 days by walking around 25 miles a day – starting on December 16.
Sarah Hampton, South of England regional fundraiser team leader for the charity said: "We are forever grateful to people like David who put their daily routine on hold to participate in such important fundraising activity. The funds made will make a huge difference to people suffering with this illness."
