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Through Sand & Snow: a man, a bicycle, and a 43,000-mile journey to adulthood via the ends of the Earth
Aged twenty-two, Charlie Walker left home in search of adventure. Fleeing the boredom that comes with comfort, he set off on a secondhand bicycle. The aim was simple: to pedal to the furthest point in each of Europe, Asia and Africa. He didn’t train or plan. He just started.
The journey was an escape from an unremarkable existence, a pursuit of hardship, and a chance to shed the complacency of middle England. From the brutality of winter on the Tibetan plateau, to the claustrophobia of the Southeast Asian jungle, the quest provided Charlie with ample opportunity to test his mettle. Ultimately, though, the toughest challenge was entirely unforeseen.
The journey was an escape from an unremarkable existence, a pursuit of hardship, and a chance to shed the complacency of middle England. From the brutality of winter on the Tibetan plateau, to the claustrophobia of the Southeast Asian jungle, the quest provided Charlie with ample opportunity to test his mettle. Ultimately, though, the toughest challenge was entirely unforeseen.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2017
171 people are currently reading
774 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Walker
2 books46 followersCharlie Walker is an award-winning British explorer, author and keynote speaker. He specialises in long distance, human-powered expeditions and has travelled over 60,000 miles (100,000 km) by foot, horse, bicycle, ski, kayak and dugout canoe. He has completed challenging expeditions both solo and as a team leader.
Charlie is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a four-time recipient of the Transglobe Expedition Trust's 'Mad but Marvellous' award. His writing has featured in a range of publications including The Times, The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Sun, Wanderlust, Geographical and Sidetracked magazine as well as BBC Radio 4 and the World Service. Charlie has also appeared on numerous podcasts including The Joe Rogan Experience.
Charlie is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a four-time recipient of the Transglobe Expedition Trust's 'Mad but Marvellous' award. His writing has featured in a range of publications including The Times, The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Sun, Wanderlust, Geographical and Sidetracked magazine as well as BBC Radio 4 and the World Service. Charlie has also appeared on numerous podcasts including The Joe Rogan Experience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 17, 2020
Brilliant book,
I felt like I was on the journey as well. A nice balance of history, personal insite and relationships. Well paced and hard to put down.
I felt like I was on the journey as well. A nice balance of history, personal insite and relationships. Well paced and hard to put down.
June 12, 2018
This was alright until he got to Iran and fancied an unobtainable girl and so started to go 'deep' about religion. It wasn't however deep at all, just a puerile relating of his cosy English village childhood churchiness and his painfully awkward attempts to contextualise this minimal religious experience against his first experience of Islam. So he starts rambling on about his disdain for religion generally, having presented no more than a primary schooler's appreciation of the subject matter. So, this was an enjoyable enough - if unchallenging - bicycle travelogue that turned into a young Guardianista's idealistic and irrelevant wafflings that are however as annoying as any uninformed opinion tends to be. So I shelved it.
July 28, 2020
Excellent read!
July 16, 2020
As I make my way along with Mr. Walker, I'm getting to understand the feeling of bicycle travel.
I am wishing for a bit of extra time on each stop; a little deeper on each subject, a bit more on each idea.
However; this is the life on a cycle tour; as Mr. Walker repeatedly points out. He too realized he was missing out on intimate relationships, meaningful encounters. Scratching the surface of the world one revolution at a time.
I am wishing for a bit of extra time on each stop; a little deeper on each subject, a bit more on each idea.
However; this is the life on a cycle tour; as Mr. Walker repeatedly points out. He too realized he was missing out on intimate relationships, meaningful encounters. Scratching the surface of the world one revolution at a time.
February 24, 2019
Unputdownable book
A fascinating insight into world travel. I enjoyed it all, even the heavy biographical excerpts interspersed amongst this sometimes very dangerous adventure. Startling and extremely sad episodes of life in other parts of the world and its history, makes my armchair feel very safe. Well written and at times, beautifully expressed. I thoroughly recommend.
A fascinating insight into world travel. I enjoyed it all, even the heavy biographical excerpts interspersed amongst this sometimes very dangerous adventure. Startling and extremely sad episodes of life in other parts of the world and its history, makes my armchair feel very safe. Well written and at times, beautifully expressed. I thoroughly recommend.
January 8, 2020
I'd never heard of Walker so didn't know what to expect. But this book blew me away! Most cycle books seems to be catalogues of fatigue and mishaps and friendly (or not so) encounters. This was SO much more. Walker experiences in 18 months more than most do in a lifetime. His writing was a real surprise: poetic, sensitive, beautiful and uplifting. Looking forward to more from this writer.
December 8, 2022
2.5 stars really.
I wanted to like this book but it got worse as it progressed. Impressive travelling and effort all the same. Just a bit adolescent. Lacks detail, which I always enjoy in a travel book.
I wanted to like this book but it got worse as it progressed. Impressive travelling and effort all the same. Just a bit adolescent. Lacks detail, which I always enjoy in a travel book.
January 7, 2020
Absolutely fantastic
January 30, 2023
Wow. Don’t like reading but loved this. Great story or an amazing journey.
October 23, 2025
I read the book covering the last two years of Charlie's journey before the one covering his first two. It wasn't ideal, but that's the order in which they were put up for free on Prime reading lol.
It was odd after finishing the last book in which he was (rightfully) so confident and accomplished, to be transported back to an unsure, untravelled 22-year-old kid, genuinely unrecognisable from what I knew of him, but very familiar to what I know of myself. It's a shame that as these books are ten years old now, there probably won't be more. He is too good a travel writer to only have two books.
It was odd after finishing the last book in which he was (rightfully) so confident and accomplished, to be transported back to an unsure, untravelled 22-year-old kid, genuinely unrecognisable from what I knew of him, but very familiar to what I know of myself. It's a shame that as these books are ten years old now, there probably won't be more. He is too good a travel writer to only have two books.
June 14, 2024
Great simple read capturing the highs and lows of adventure travel. Makes me want to get out on a big journey too.
September 18, 2023
A VERY FUN READ THAT HOOKS YOU FROM THE FIRST CHAPTER.
It's written in an easy going style that feels like we were sitting at a camp fire and he was telling his story.
I loved the sprinkles of history throughout the book and I thought the flow was well done. The retrospective chapters worked well which sometimes isn't easy. I also laughed a fair bit throughout, I loved the ratbag-type things he got up to. AND the generosity of all the people he meets along the way is heartwarming and restores your faith in the world. The friendliest people were the Iranians. locals would give fruits, and nuts and pull them over just for a chat. so cute.
My critiques are few but I would like to highlight that I wish Charlie acknowledged his privilege in being a man who travels. He does talk about privilege with an easy life in England which is good however I wanted him to talk about how it is substantially easier for a male to just decide to bike around the world as opposed to someone female presenting. The book is inspiring for sure, but I think about how if I wanted to do that it would be completely different. I wouldn't just be able to rely on strangers to house me during storms without fearing id be raped or murdered. It just doesn't seem accessible to me to do solo. Okay also it could've been more introspective.
TAKEAWAYS:
- "Im simply bored of my lovely, unchallenging life and need to do something, anything to shake a gnawing sense of lethargy" - I relate to this feeling ALOT
- "Having something material to protect seems to isolate people from the world they live in" Charlie finds that those with nothing are the most generous. He is invited into countless homes.
- on bike touring: It seems like a lovely slow, cheap and great way to travel, with seamless transitions from one place to the next
- "The intensity of a feral road existence effortlessly bridges the social gaps that otherwise keep us strangers"
- "When winter came it got tough, but the Siberian villagers were kind. They always rang ahead to their friends in the next village. I would often arrive in the evenings to a welcome committee"
I am looking forward to reading the next book.
It's written in an easy going style that feels like we were sitting at a camp fire and he was telling his story.
I loved the sprinkles of history throughout the book and I thought the flow was well done. The retrospective chapters worked well which sometimes isn't easy. I also laughed a fair bit throughout, I loved the ratbag-type things he got up to. AND the generosity of all the people he meets along the way is heartwarming and restores your faith in the world. The friendliest people were the Iranians. locals would give fruits, and nuts and pull them over just for a chat. so cute.
My critiques are few but I would like to highlight that I wish Charlie acknowledged his privilege in being a man who travels. He does talk about privilege with an easy life in England which is good however I wanted him to talk about how it is substantially easier for a male to just decide to bike around the world as opposed to someone female presenting. The book is inspiring for sure, but I think about how if I wanted to do that it would be completely different. I wouldn't just be able to rely on strangers to house me during storms without fearing id be raped or murdered. It just doesn't seem accessible to me to do solo. Okay also it could've been more introspective.
TAKEAWAYS:
- "Im simply bored of my lovely, unchallenging life and need to do something, anything to shake a gnawing sense of lethargy" - I relate to this feeling ALOT
- "Having something material to protect seems to isolate people from the world they live in" Charlie finds that those with nothing are the most generous. He is invited into countless homes.
- on bike touring: It seems like a lovely slow, cheap and great way to travel, with seamless transitions from one place to the next
- "The intensity of a feral road existence effortlessly bridges the social gaps that otherwise keep us strangers"
- "When winter came it got tough, but the Siberian villagers were kind. They always rang ahead to their friends in the next village. I would often arrive in the evenings to a welcome committee"
I am looking forward to reading the next book.
October 20, 2022
My first review of any book and what I say here will go towards the other book as well but this was inspiring.
What appears to be a simple retelling of a straight, white European male biking across Eurasia and up and down Africa was a journey about finding oneself and becoming something more than yourself. To think I went out of my way to read these books because of the Joe Rogan Experience is beyond me. I literally only listen to that Podcast if Comedians like Bert Kreisher and Tom Segura are on. I was too busy to change the podcast and this episode started playing and it was honestly life changing. Say what you want about that Podcast but this episode was worth the listen. If you can wait then I'm sure Charlie's next book will chronicle his experience in a Russian gulag but hearing it from him was such a harrowing tale.
Anyways, back to the review. This story of a privileged man riding across the world was so inspiring. I felt like I was living through him and these books inspired me to maybe plan a trip of my own. Riding across the world ain't exactly a plan of mine but one end of the US to the other might be possible 🤷♂️. Charlie writes with such passion and tells his story with such heart. You feel the transformation he goes through and it's such an amazing ride, literally. I listened to these books on audible while going to the gym and I tell you I extended my gym sessions and went to the gym more often just to listen to these books. When he inevitably writes his third book I'm gonna go out of my way to pick up physical copies and read through them in anticipation.
Charlie, this was honestly a revolution for me. These writings inspired me to no end. I think I lost 15 pounds after reading these because I wanted to be in shape for a trip I "might" have taken over the summer. I loved every second of these books and will read every last word you publish. Keep traveling and keep writing because I can't fit these experiences in my life at the moment but hearing these stories reminds me it's a whole other world out there. One that I WILL see. You reminded me what's out there and I think about these books everytime I'm daydreaming about seeing the world.
What appears to be a simple retelling of a straight, white European male biking across Eurasia and up and down Africa was a journey about finding oneself and becoming something more than yourself. To think I went out of my way to read these books because of the Joe Rogan Experience is beyond me. I literally only listen to that Podcast if Comedians like Bert Kreisher and Tom Segura are on. I was too busy to change the podcast and this episode started playing and it was honestly life changing. Say what you want about that Podcast but this episode was worth the listen. If you can wait then I'm sure Charlie's next book will chronicle his experience in a Russian gulag but hearing it from him was such a harrowing tale.
Anyways, back to the review. This story of a privileged man riding across the world was so inspiring. I felt like I was living through him and these books inspired me to maybe plan a trip of my own. Riding across the world ain't exactly a plan of mine but one end of the US to the other might be possible 🤷♂️. Charlie writes with such passion and tells his story with such heart. You feel the transformation he goes through and it's such an amazing ride, literally. I listened to these books on audible while going to the gym and I tell you I extended my gym sessions and went to the gym more often just to listen to these books. When he inevitably writes his third book I'm gonna go out of my way to pick up physical copies and read through them in anticipation.
Charlie, this was honestly a revolution for me. These writings inspired me to no end. I think I lost 15 pounds after reading these because I wanted to be in shape for a trip I "might" have taken over the summer. I loved every second of these books and will read every last word you publish. Keep traveling and keep writing because I can't fit these experiences in my life at the moment but hearing these stories reminds me it's a whole other world out there. One that I WILL see. You reminded me what's out there and I think about these books everytime I'm daydreaming about seeing the world.
April 2, 2021
Charlie Walker is not your typical ex-SAS or ex-Marine adventurer looking for a role in life, he is a down to earth guy who wanted to see the world. As a 22 year old, he bought a secondhand bike for £100, said goodbye to his family in Wiltshire and headed for Dover. His goal was to cycle to the extremes of Europe, Asia and Africa. The book is honest, very well written and describes the emotional as well as the 18,000 mile physical journey, it is as much about the people he met as the places and diverse environments he encountered. This book is the first half of the journey, Dover to Northern Norway, then to Singapore via Iran and on to Beijing, the second part of the story is in told in On Roads That Echo which I am really looking forward to reading.
April 15, 2023
This was meant to be my book for the month, turned out to not even last me a week.
Couldn't put it down, found myself making cereal one handed just so I didn't have to stop reading.
Beautifully inspiring and thought provoking writing, I felt deep and genuine emotion with each hurdle and high moment, you're literally along for the ride.
On to the next chapter of the journey now, I don't want it to end - I'll have to have some more journies of my own, time is so precious.
This is more than just a travel book, its a one way ticket to a new perspective on life and our time on this Earth, and for that I will be forever grateful.
Couldn't put it down, found myself making cereal one handed just so I didn't have to stop reading.
Beautifully inspiring and thought provoking writing, I felt deep and genuine emotion with each hurdle and high moment, you're literally along for the ride.
On to the next chapter of the journey now, I don't want it to end - I'll have to have some more journies of my own, time is so precious.
This is more than just a travel book, its a one way ticket to a new perspective on life and our time on this Earth, and for that I will be forever grateful.
August 23, 2023
I tried to read this book earlier in the year, and couldn’t really get into it on account of Charlie’s flowery prose in the early chapters, I found it a little cringey at times, but as the book went on this book really found it’s flow and Charlie’s voice really rang through in a personable and super engaging way. The stories, characters and places are really brought to light in a way that just leaves you wanting more.
At times he’s a little vague, and the stories cut off earlier than I’d like, but I’d say that is entirely fair given the magnitude of the authors journey. I also noticed he sometimes repeats similar phrases and ideas, which is really picky of me but it did grate a little.
That said , I haven’t been able to put it down all week and have already started reading “on roads that echo” at the time of writing this review and I genuinely can’t wait to see what he does next. I’ve recommended this book to all my friends. Just a really great adventure book. I’m so glad I picked it back up again, it’s inspired me to see the good of people and to want to see the world in a way a lot of books haven’t.
Now onto part 2!
At times he’s a little vague, and the stories cut off earlier than I’d like, but I’d say that is entirely fair given the magnitude of the authors journey. I also noticed he sometimes repeats similar phrases and ideas, which is really picky of me but it did grate a little.
That said , I haven’t been able to put it down all week and have already started reading “on roads that echo” at the time of writing this review and I genuinely can’t wait to see what he does next. I’ve recommended this book to all my friends. Just a really great adventure book. I’m so glad I picked it back up again, it’s inspired me to see the good of people and to want to see the world in a way a lot of books haven’t.
Now onto part 2!
October 3, 2024
Really amazing travel book!
I read a lot of travel books and this has now become my favourite. Charlie writes in a way that makes you feel you're right there with him with an effortless style of writing using a broad range of language. I love that he goes everywhere with a second hand bike and didn't need to have every single expensive piece of equipment to fulfil his adventure. I also admire his gutsy attitude to get into situations that many people wouldn't dare to delve into, giving us these crazy stories and making it a thoroughly entertaining read, not knowing what will happen next. I went straight onto the next book and I sincerely hope there'll be plenty more.
I read a lot of travel books and this has now become my favourite. Charlie writes in a way that makes you feel you're right there with him with an effortless style of writing using a broad range of language. I love that he goes everywhere with a second hand bike and didn't need to have every single expensive piece of equipment to fulfil his adventure. I also admire his gutsy attitude to get into situations that many people wouldn't dare to delve into, giving us these crazy stories and making it a thoroughly entertaining read, not knowing what will happen next. I went straight onto the next book and I sincerely hope there'll be plenty more.
September 16, 2023
This is the first half of his fantastic journey, the second half continues in his second book “On Roads That Echo”.
I loved being along for his journey to adulthood, this is a a story as much about the author getting to grips with himself as his surroundings and his bike(s).
The reviews complaining about the things happening to him on a personal level are missing the point. This is a young man soul searching his way through a 4 1/2 year bicycle adventure. Loved it from start to finish, the return to home had me welling up
I loved being along for his journey to adulthood, this is a a story as much about the author getting to grips with himself as his surroundings and his bike(s).
The reviews complaining about the things happening to him on a personal level are missing the point. This is a young man soul searching his way through a 4 1/2 year bicycle adventure. Loved it from start to finish, the return to home had me welling up
March 21, 2021
The book documents an amazing journey made by a cyclist across the world which was very interesting to read about.
Certainly made me consider doing some travelling!
Some interesting stories and quite inspirational to read about someone taking on such a challenging feat and showing how far one man can go with just a bicycle and a back pack.
Time to read 3 weeks
Rating 3.5
Certainly made me consider doing some travelling!
Some interesting stories and quite inspirational to read about someone taking on such a challenging feat and showing how far one man can go with just a bicycle and a back pack.
Time to read 3 weeks
Rating 3.5
January 8, 2023
I literally devoured this book! sweet in his introspection and precise in its descriptions Charlie literally led me through a fantastic journey. I’m not too sure how I feel about the romance in it, despite appreciating Charlie’s vulnerable side, I found it a bit off-topic and unnecessary, my cynical and selfish self just wanted to head off the road with him again and leave all girls behind!
June 20, 2023
I heard Charlie as a guest on Joe Rogan's podcast and was interested in his story. This book was very entertaining. There is a second book that covers the back half of his journey and it was interesting to see the different tone in his writing from the start of his journey to the end. You can definitely tell the travels changed him.
July 5, 2023
Having had the pleasure of listen to the author give a talk a few years ago, his story stuck in the back of my mind and I fortunately got around to reading the first of his two books. Such a brilliant recounting of an impressive journey. The interactions with locals and the analysis of his reasons for embarking on such a trip are really intriguing. Will definitely be reading the follow-up!
November 1, 2020
Lots of adventure
Trials and tribulations , meet fortitude unquenchable thirst for exploration and good description of the countries cycled through. So if you don't quite understand the motive you can appreciate the effort.
Trials and tribulations , meet fortitude unquenchable thirst for exploration and good description of the countries cycled through. So if you don't quite understand the motive you can appreciate the effort.
February 10, 2021
Engaging and endearing
This is a great read for anyone who loves keys adventure and the lure of the road. He writes with humility and open eyes without ever disguising that he is still a tourist and all its contradictions.
This is a great read for anyone who loves keys adventure and the lure of the road. He writes with humility and open eyes without ever disguising that he is still a tourist and all its contradictions.
July 21, 2022
An extraordinary journey
Walker is a very good writer with a gift for description. His determination to travel to the ends of the earth is unique and sets up endless adventures as he tries to figure out why he is doing it.
Walker is a very good writer with a gift for description. His determination to travel to the ends of the earth is unique and sets up endless adventures as he tries to figure out why he is doing it.
January 6, 2023
Enjoyable read
This book was a bit mechanical for the first half and took me awhile to get through, but really started to enjoy the second half as he got more into the relationships with people, and got through it in a day.
This book was a bit mechanical for the first half and took me awhile to get through, but really started to enjoy the second half as he got more into the relationships with people, and got through it in a day.
January 29, 2023
I loved this book, and when I finished I immediately purchased “On Roads that Echo” which is the next 2.5 years of the journey. I know he was heart-broken about Valeria, but glad he is traveling instead of hanging out in Frankfurt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2024
Do yourself a favour. A great adventure travel book.
I loved following Charlie on this journey, reading of the places he discovers and the characters he meets. Lose yourself in this book. You’ll be glad you did.
I loved following Charlie on this journey, reading of the places he discovers and the characters he meets. Lose yourself in this book. You’ll be glad you did.
August 7, 2024
never thought I would b able to get through a travel book! learnt a lot about culture and perseverance through Charlie’s journey. It’s inspiring and it makes me want to go on an adventure like this in the future! Not alone though. Good introduction to travel books and defo wanna read the next one!
September 2, 2024
More adventure than brains
This kid is afraid of nothing. I enjoyed learning about the world without having to take the risks. I am hooked and will read his follow up book if I can stand the anxiousness from his antics.
This kid is afraid of nothing. I enjoyed learning about the world without having to take the risks. I am hooked and will read his follow up book if I can stand the anxiousness from his antics.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews