Ash Dykes

Ash made history as the first person to walk solo and unsupported across Mongolia — a 1,500-mile journey through the Altai Mountains and Gobi Desert, pulling a 120kg trailer behind him, carrying everything needed to survive. In Madagascar, he became the first person to trek the full length of the island’s interior, summiting its eight highest peaks during a gruelling 1,600-mile, 155-day mission. During which, he crossed crocodile infested rivers, caught the deadliest strain of malaria, was held at gunpoint, had to hunt and gather, whilst being eaten alive by the leeches and spider of the rainforest. 

Perhaps most notably, Ash completed a record-setting 4,000-mile expedition along the entire length of the Yangtze River in China — a 352-day challenge through diverse and often treacherous terrain, earning international acclaim and engaging millions through blogs, live streams, and media coverage which garnered 1.1billion people in reach on completion. 

Ash’s expeditions are more than physical and mental feats — they are global storytelling events. He has filmed multiple international television series, with his latest being a 21,000-kilometer journey along the Great Wall of China. His adventures have attracted partnerships with leading global brands, to include Jaguar Land River, GQ and Adidas, as well as appearances on major platforms such as BBC World News, Forbes, National Geographic, TEDx, and The Joe Rogan Experience. 

Beyond exploration, Ash is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and global health. He has served as the UK Ambassador for Madagascar Tourism and as Special Ambassador for Malaria No More UK. His work raises awareness about the challenges facing some of the world’s most remote communities. 

A sought-after keynote speaker, Ash uses his powerful storytelling to inspire resilience, ambition, and a mindset of possibility. Whether crossing uncharted landscapes or addressing global audiences, Ash is living proof of what can be achieved when grit, vision, and purpose align.