A journey that David Leaning began on New Year's Eve has finally come to an end — after 1,625 miles on skis.
The former Royal Marine has become the first Englishman to ski the length of Norway. He finished on Thursday at Europe's most northerly point, 312 miles inside the Arctic Circle.
The 28-year-old adventurer completed his charity marathon with sore feet and blisters because for the last seven days he was skiing in borrowed boots that were too small.
“My boots fell apart, and I was wearing some I borrowed from someone I met,” said Mr Leaning, who paid tribute to the kindness of the Scandinavian people. “The hospitality I received on the journey was absolutely amazing.”
Mr Leaning, whose family home is in South Molton, Devon, set off at midnight on New Year's Eve from Lindesness in the south of Norway. His quest was in aid of a charity that clears landmines in the world's conflict zones.
He skied through Sweden and Finland and endured temperatures of minus 35C (-31F). He carried all his food and equipment in a rucksack, having ditched his sledge early on in the expedition because it was slowing him down.
During the trip he twice broke his nose in falls and suffered sprains to an ankle, shoulder and wrist. Although he had a tent, he also slept in remote mountain huts, barns, and even a cave.
He kept going on a high-calorie diet of porridge, chocolate and freeze dried meals.
Mr Leaning, who served with 42 Commando based at Bickleigh, near Plymouth, said that he felt “12 feet tall” when he arrived at the 400ft North Cape.
He was met at the end of his journey by his father, Spud Leaning, a former commando and Olympic biathlete.
The journey was to raise money for the Mines Advisory Group, which works in countries including Angola, Cambodia, Iraq and Vietnam.
Mr Leaning said that the expedition was a preparation for another major trip he is planning — walking across Africa. The planned 2,500-mile trip from Casablanca to Cairo would involve going “from one extreme to the other”.
Donations to Mr Leaning's fund for the Mines Advisory Group can be made on www.skinorway.org.uk.
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