A recording-breaking adventurer from North Wales has claimed the title of National Adventurer of the Year following his epic journey across landlocked Mongolia . Ash Dykes , 24 , who is nicknamed the 'lonely snow leopard ' , last year impressively spent 78 days alone , crossing 1,500 miles of the unforgiving Gobi Desert and the vast Mongolian steppe . The prestigious awards are a celebration of the most impressive international adventure , and Ash beat 39 other competitors to take the title of Wales ' top adventurer . Ash Dykes , 24 , has been crowned National Adventurer of the Year for walking solo across Mongolia . Ash dragged a 120kg home-made trailer behind him during his record-breaking cross-country journey . Mongolia is the most sparsely populated country on earth , with just over three million inhabitants . Famous English explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes , who was the first person to reach both poles , commended the Welshman , saying his feat was 'an example of great determination . ' Fittingly the award was presented by a Mongolian dignitary , at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow , and the prize given was a traditional Mongol bowl and framed certificate . ' I thought it was really appropriate as I had walked across his country , ' Ash said . Mongolia is the most sparsely populated country on earth , with just over three million inhabitants in its vast land-locked 604,000 square miles . After 78 days of travelling alone Ash became the first known person to walk across Mongolia . Ash , 24 , battled raging sandstorms and crippling heat as he crossed the barren land . Battling sandstorms , heat exhaustion and loneliness , Ash completed the incredible mission on foot and unsupported , which helped him secure the top award . He said : ' I feel humbled to have received the most votes . I would like to say how proud I feel and I did n't expect such support from the public . ' His 'snow leopard ' nicknamed was given by amazed locals who learned of his solo crossing and likened him to the resilient solitary creatures who roam the Mongolian wilderness . The young adventurer received his award from a Mongolian dignitary and was given a traditional Mongol bowl . Ash is currently in the middle of a UK tour called 'Ash Dykes - Breaking Mongolia : The Lonely Snow Leopard ' For the duration of his mission from the western Russian border , to the easterly Chinese border , Ash dragged a 265lb home-made trailer containing food packs , water butts and camping equipment . His perseverance even saw him travel 34 miles in one day , walking for 14 hours straight at an altitude of more than 8,000ft . Since Ash left home at 19 , he has embarked on more adventures than most people do in a lifetime . Ash Dykes ' longest day of walking saw him on his feet for 14 hours as he covered 34 miles . Ash said he was humbled to receive the most votes and was surprised by the public support he received . Ash 's carrier , ( left ) , contained dehydrated food ration packs , a 25 litre water butt and camping equipment . From surviving in the Alps to living among a Burmese hill tribe , his experiences have led to him becoming a motivational speaker - visiting 10 Downing Street and filming his own documentary along the way - and he even has a book deal . Ash is also currently in the middle of a 10-date UK tour called 'Ash Dykes - Breaking Mongolia : The Lonely Snow Leopard ' , which began in March and continues into April . ' I am in preparation for my next world first adventure now . It is something no one has done before and I will be revealing it very soon , ' he said . The plucky explorer is opening up his next tour in July or August in Northern Mongolia . Source : AshDykes.com .
Ash Dykes , 24 , won the prestigious title for Mongolia at a ceremony . He is the first known person to cross the vast country solo and on foot . Ash is currently preparing for a secret adventure , to be revealed soon .