The person behind the walk
About me
My first and favourite book as a child was Who, What, Where, Why, When. Looking back, those five questions have stayed with me throughout my life. I didn’t follow a traditional academic path, but I’ve never lost the desire to learn. Curiosity does not require permission.
Curiosity does not require permission.
I’ve always been fascinated by people, history, religion and nature. Where did we come from? How have our histories shaped the way we live? What do we believe, and why? What can we learn from one another when we take the time to listen?
Honestly
Life has not been a straight road
I’ve experienced trauma and spent years trying to find my place in the world. I’ve also made mistakes, including choices that led me to prison.
Taking responsibility for those choices has been part of rebuilding my life. Learning, therapy, faith and travel have helped me understand myself and to think more carefully about how I want to live.
I’m open about my past because it is part of my story. It also helps explain why this journey means so much to me, and why I believe people should have the opportunity to grow and change.
Since then
Photography, film and independent travel have given me ways to explore the world and share what I see. Walking has given me time to listen, reflect and connect with people along the way.
My 500 km charity walk across Uganda brought those interests together and helped inspire Wandering Through Mankind.
Now I’m preparing to travel from Cape Agulhas to Windsor Castle, exploring history, culture, faith and nature through the places I visit and the people I meet. I’ll share that experience through film, photographs and writing, including the challenges and the moments that change how I see the world.
I hope to come home with a deeper understanding of the world and the people I share it with—and plenty of questions still to explore.
If sharing this journey encourages someone to follow their curiosity, show kindness or believe they can build a different future, that would mean a great deal to me.
I welcome you to follow along, ask questions and share your own experiences.
I’ll be learning as I go.
Welcome to Wandering Through Mankind.
Leon
Leon
Following the walk
Leon McFarlane leaves on 10 December 2026. The walking route across Africa runs through 25 countries, the journal carries updates from the road, and the kindness ledger records what was done in each place and what it cost. If you would like to sponsor a walk across Africa, that is where to start.
Departing 10 December 2026
17,100 km, 25 countries, on foot
Follow the walk, or help fund the kindness along it.