In 2017 Charlie Walker completed a 5,200-mile triathlon spanning the length of the border between Europe and Asia, from the midwinter snowfields of the Arctic Urals, to the banks of the Bosporus in Istanbul.

During this expedition by ski, kayak and bicycle, Charlie and Callie (his American expedition partner) experienced temperatures as low as -40˚ C, several arrests by the KGB, the regular threat of bears (both brown and white) and the challenge of survival in some of the world’s remotest and most inhospitable landscapes.

‘Following the Line’ was a gruelling 8-month endurance feat. However, much more than that, it was an exploration into what it means to be ‘Asian’ or ‘European’, what divides or unites the peoples on either side of the line, and the diversity of landscape, environment, religion, and culture along the border that has traditionally demarcated East and West.

Formerly a journalist on a national paper, Charlie now works full time as an adventurer, writer and speaker. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, recipient of the Transglobe Expedition Trust 'Mad but Marvellous' grant, and has spoken to festivals, conferences, schools and travel clubs in several countries. His work has featured in a range of publications including: The Times, the Daily Express, Wanderlust, Travelmag, Travel Africa and Sidetracked.

For more about Charlie and his adventures take a look at his website.

Sun's out, but looking chilly

Not quite the mountain bike (© Andrey Leutin)

Heading into the heat, and traffic!

Camping by the Ural river