Adventurer will share tales of 43,000-mile cycle

ADVENTURER Charlie Walker will recount hairraising tales of dodging crocodiles, hippos and rapids when he opens this year’s programme of Inspiring People talks organised by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

The author spent four years cycling 43,000 miles through 60 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa and walked 1,000 miles alone across the Gobi desert.

He has ridden a horse 600 miles through the Mongolian steppe and in 2014 descended a littleknown tributary of the Congo River.

Mr Walker’s expeditions are described as “a combination of physical endeavour, personal discovery and existential exploration”. He has survived an illequipped winter in Tibet and an Ethiopian mob attack, as well as cycling across the Sahara twice. His talks encourage audiences to set themselves a seemingly impossible task and stick doggedly at it until completion, regardless of what others think.

Although based in Perth, the RSGS talk will take place in the University of Dundee tomorrow at 7.30pm in the Dalhousie Building.

Sue Dawson, Dundee group chairwoman, said: “We look forward to hearing about the challenges he has faced and overcome on his travels. I am sure his stories are going to inspire wanderlust in many.”

Mr Walker said: “It’s an honour to be invited. Several years ago I set out on an ambitious four-year bicycle journey that changed my life. I aim to encourage audiences to dream big and tackle their goals.”

The talks are open to all, tickets are free for students, U-18s and RSGS members, £8 for Tiso Outdoor Experience cardholders and £10 for visitors.