Take a trip to a little known part of China
Adventure seekers in the strath have the chance to take a glimpse through a window into a forgotten China
Leon McCarron walked 5000km across China from Mongolia to Hong Kong in 2011/12.
Last year, the adventurer returned to walk in the same country but in a very different way; slowly, and with a very clear purpose to design and implement a long-distance hiking trail.
Working with a small team of international experts and local innovators, Leon was based in Hunan province, exploring the philosophy and potential of trails in the area.
Now, the Irishman is speaking for the prestigious Royal Scottish Geographical Society Inspiring People talks programme in Inverness, sharing stories from the Xuefeng Mountain Trail which he recently helped launch.
Along the way, Leon will describe how old pathways have been repurposed to breathe life into ailing communities, and how these routes will celebrate local pride and ownership of cultural heritage.
He will also touch on tourism – how this trail will be the first of its kind in China, attracting foreign visitors to this undiscovered corner, and how life long memories can be created for visitors who challenge themselves on long journeys such as this 100km trail.
Leon said: “I’m delighted to return to Inverness for another RSGS talk.
“I’m excited to share stories from the heart of China – to tell audiences about parts of the country that they may never have had chance to see anything from before, as well as talking a little on ‘the how and why’ of developing hiking trails.”
“I am half Scottish – my dad and his family are from Aberdeen, and I still have a younger brother and sister in the Borders. Scotland is always a home to me!”
Leon is speaking at The Highland Council Chamber on Glenurquhart Road in Inverness on Monday 10th February; the talk begins at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £10 to see Leon and are available via rsgs.org. They can also be bought at the door. RSGS members receive free admission to the event.
