A WALKING instructor based on Portland took her love for the outdoors abroad when she completed an intrepid challenge in Africa.

Kate Mason, who teaches and trains at Osprey Leisure Centre in Castletown, took on the Marathon des Sables in Morocco, which is a 10 day trip that includes a devastating six-day trek across the desert.

She is a well-known long distance swimmer and a Nordic walking instructor, but her trip to Morocco was her toughest endurance challenge to date.

The Marathon des Sables covers a total of 250km over the course of the trip, with the burning desert sun adding an extra layer of difficulty to the already intimidating task.

Kate said: "It was completely out of my comfort zone and a huge change from long distance swimming to embark on a week of self-sufficiency in the Sahara desert with scorpions and snakes.

"It was an amazing event consisting of six marathons back to back in six days, carrying everything needed for the week except your tent and water which was transported in the support vehicles."

Following the marathons, on the seventh day of the challenge, Kate took part in a 17km run to raise money for Unicef, organised by a French team of volunteers.

Temperatures reached 45 degrees Celsius on the day, covering dried river beds and challenging ascents and descents.

More than 1,000 competitors, ranging from elite athletes to walking enthusiasts, took part in this stage to help raise funds.

She added: "Over 150 people dropped out of the week getting dehydrated, heat stroke, blisters or other injuries so I was really pleased to complete the challenge.

"I set myself the mission of Nordic walking across the desert and wasn't disappointed.

"It was an amazing adventure; tough, emotional, but an experience I won't forget."

Nigel Williams, general manager of Osprey Leisure Centre, said: "Kate has done some really remarkable events over the years but this achievement beats the lot purely because it was certainly out of her comfort zone. 

"For the very first time she was very anxious about the whole trip, something I have never witnessed, even before taking on her channel swims."