Steve Gough : The Naked Rambler

"On 16 June 2003 Mr Steve Gough (44), a former truck driver and Royal Marine from Hampshire, set off to walk from Lands End to John O'Groats wearing only a bush hat, a ruck sack, socks and hiking boots."

According to Scots Law News Mr. Gough has so far been arrested eleven times. The New York Times explains why, "Because nudity is not against the law, Mr. Gough is typically charged with disturbing the peace or disrupting public order" and according to the Daily Record his mum (Nora) wants him to stop, "I hope he'll give up now. I'm awfully worried about him."

The BBC says, "At the end of the day, Mr Gough says he is just a 'normal guy' who wants to wear clothes when it is cold and no clothes when it is hot."

Steve Gough, "Naked Rambler" says, "My naked activism is firstly and most importantly about me standing up for myself, a declaration of myself as a beautiful human being, an expression of my ok-ness in the face of so much self hate, and I invite others to join me in celebrating this, in a show of solidarity of what it means to be a human being not ashamed of ourselves in our most natural state."

I'm a little unclear about why he needed to be arrested - is nakedness really disruptive of public order or of the peace? - but hey, kudos to him for taking a stand for something he believes in and which is extremely unlikely to cause any real harm to anybody. He was released from prison in Inverness today having served 7 days and has vowed to continue on towards John O'Groats.

Update via SLN:

The pre-trial hearing in the case of the Naked Rambler, Steve Gough, was held on 18 September 2003, not in Dingwall Sheriff Court, but in a police cell below, where Gough had refused to don clothes or a police blanket before appearing in the dock. Gough pleaded Not Guilty to a charge of breach of the peace, and was remanded in custody; trial was confirmed for 3 October. Asked about bail, Gough replied, “I would just like to see the sunshine.”

Posted by Paul at August 26, 2003 05:40 PM |

Visitor Feedback

Good for Steve! Sorry I missed him by just a few days on the coast path near St Ives. If I wasn't high-risk for malignant melanoma (sunscreen wouldn't be sufficient protection on my torso) and didn't mind my 'privates' having arguments with the inevitable brambles, nettles and gorse that I have to negotiate on my hikes, I'd be very inclined to strip off likewise for my hikes in hot weather. Taboos - ALL taboos - are an ass. It's time we let commonsense be our guide.

Posted by: Philip Goddard at September 7, 2003 03:18 PM

I have nothing but contempt for this a self-obsessed exhibitionist and it's about time he grew up. People don't want to see him displaying his genitalia to all and sundry but all he cares about is making his silly point. Why doesn't he just go home and get a job instead of valuable wasting police, courts and prison resources and seeking attention at the expense of other peoples sensibilities.

Posted by: Brutus at September 15, 2003 03:55 PM

I agree with Brutus. What an offensive arrogant twerp he is! I always believed that nudists were decent and considerate people but this guy is just a sick pervert. He should be kept under lock and key and out of sight of decent members of society. Jill

Posted by: Jill at September 26, 2003 05:35 PM

This is one American who would glady display his Scottish heritage by appearing in court in support of Steve Gough by wearing his McPherson tartan as a true Scotsman. My first American ancestor was a 15 year old Inverness shepherd when he was kidnapped and as a result ended up a slave in Philadelphia. The Oct 3rd court day, my birthday, would be the opportune time to demonstrate my support for what Steve is doing for all humans to rid ourselves of slavery.

Posted by: nc62bob at September 29, 2003 05:44 AM

What is offensive about the human body in it's natural form?

I think Mr Gough has a valid point, my body is not offensive and neither is yours. What a shame that our intelligent, developed society is not able to look in the mirror. Try it! Stand naked in front of the mirror and see what you feel. Maybe you will then have a little understanding of Mr Gough.

Posted by: littlebigfeat at October 9, 2003 12:06 PM

Has Steve finished his walk yet? Or have the constant arrests and court appearances held him up?

Posted by: Megan at November 4, 2003 05:03 PM

hiya u r my dad so put it away u dirty man!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Stacie Gough at January 7, 2004 12:05 PM

I would be very interested to know if there is a law which says we must wear clothes and who has the power to decide at which stage of being dressed or undressed have we reached the level which breaches the peace. I find thongs sticking out from the tops of trousers more offensive than nudity so who do i complain to?

Posted by: jacqueline mccabe at January 7, 2004 06:46 PM

Didn't realise that this was going off until I read it in the paper today.
U R a top bloke Mr Gough, the law is an ass and you have used yours to prove a point.
The "because I can spirit" can't be denied.
You Star!

Posted by: Pete Wise at January 25, 2004 07:12 PM

The law isn't an ass - Mr Gough is.

The law says it is an offence in England and Wales to engage in "insulting behaviour" - meaning behaviour that is likely to cause offence - in public. In Scotland public nudity can be classed as a breach of the peace. The police are there to remove vile exhibitionists from the streets that decent people have to use.

Posted by: Casca at January 29, 2004 08:25 PM