Ash Dykes in his kayak raising his paddle in triumph after completing his 700 kilometre trek through the Congo BasinImage source, Will Perez
Image caption,

Ash Dykes' latest challenge involves six back-to-back feats of extreme endurance

ByMatthew RichardsBBC Wales
  • Published27 October 2026

An adventurer has completed the first leg of his latest challenge after losing contact with his UK team for almost 24 hours.

Ash Dykes, 35, from Old Colwyn, Conwy, holds five world records but his most recent quest was the first of six back-to-back expeditions he will take on in extreme environments.

Dykes encountered elephants, gorillas and was chased by "killer" bees as he rowed more than 434 miles (700 km) along rivers in the Congo Basin, central Africa.