A former Royal Marine who planned to cross-country ski the length of Norway by April is two months behind schedule. The epic trek is taking Dave Leaning across over 2600km of tundra and ends at Europe’s most northerly tip, Nordkapp, 500km into the Arctic Circle.No stranger to extreme conditions, Dave, 28, has served on the front line in Afghanistan. Swapping sand for snow, the trek has been an enormous challenge.Severe storms, disorientating ‘whiteouts’ and injuries have added to the journey. Now Dave is up against a growing pressure – to chase the snow before the spring thaw.
Relying upon the kindness of strangers, the Reading resident has had to seek refuge and warmth from locals along the way, most of whom have never heard of anyone attempting a similar expedition. Their generosity, Dave says, has got him through some of the tougher times – and he’s only just half-way.
Having lost comrades to landmines, Dave is raising money for the Mines Advisory Group, an international mine clearance charity.
Read Dave’s diary, watch film clips and track his progress at www.skinorway.org.uk.
