In January 1963, Dervla Murphy left her small hometown in Lismore, Ireland, equipped with nothing more than a single-speed bicycle, a pistol, and a steely determination. Her goal was to reach Delhi, India – a city that had fascinated her for over 20 years. It’s a journey that would span over five incredible months, cycle thousands of miles, and provide countless experiences that helped to transform and carve the character that Dervla Murphy would become. At 31 years old, she would finally realise the dream she had carried since childhood: to explore the world on two wheels, unburdened by convention and fuelled by an insatiable curiosity for life.

Born in 1931 to a family that nurtured her love for books and nature, Dervla’s wanderlust was sparked early. On her 10th birthday, she received an atlas and a bicycle that set her on a path that ignited her imagination beyond anything she could have hoped for. Maps became stories; far-off lands became dreams; and the idea of setting off into the world grew and developed with her. She cared for her ailing parents through her teenage years, putting her travel dreams on hold but never letting go of them. When her mother passed, Dervla finally set out to fulfil the promise she had made to herself years before to explore the world, not as a tourist, but as someone who would become deeply engaged with it.

She was a woman who wanted to feel the pulse of the world, who craved the open road and the unspoken connection that comes from moving through a place slowly, deliberately. Her route to India was meticulously planned but by definition and inevitably carried the spirit of improvisation. Crossing Europe in the dead of winter, navigating the hostile terrain of Afghanistan, and enduring the scorching heat of the Indian plains, she cycled with a determination that belied her unassuming nature.

From mechanical failures that left her stranded in remote landscapes to encounters with wolves in the Balkans and navigating treacherous mountain passes in Pakistan, every obstacle became a moment of growth. Yet, through all the challenges, she found beauty everywhere. The warmth of strangers offering her food and shelter, the serenity of solitary moments in nature, and the intoxicating rhythm of cycling made every hardship worthwhile.

When Dervla reached Delhi on 18 July 1963, she had transformed—not into someone new, she didn’t need to, but into a truer version of herself. The journey had stripped away any doubts, leaving her with a truly deep and real sense of purpose and connection to the world. At the beginning of her journey, she had sent postcards to friends and gave them updates, but she changed her tack midway through, and began keeping a journal. She titled it Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle. In it, she wrote,

“Each difficulty I encounter only strengthens my belief that this journey is as much about internal discovery as it is about the roads I travel.”

This is a sentiment that remains as inspirational today as it was then, resonating deeply with many of our Dream Challenges participants

After arriving in Delhi, Dervla didn’t immediately return home. Instead, she spent several months in Dharamsala, volunteering to help Tibetan refugees, and lived in a tented camp run by Tsering Dolma—the sister of the 14th Dalai Lama. There, she witnessed real strength and hope in the face of adversity, forging connections that deeply impacted her perspective. During this time, she cycled through the Kullu Valley and spent Christmas in the remote village of Malana. These experiences, rich with cultural exchange and reflection, formed the basis of her second book, Tibetan Foothold, where her narrative shifted to the stories of others as much as her own.

Dervla’s journey didn’t end there. Over the years, she explored Ethiopia, Peru, and Siberia, travelling by bike, rail, and on foot. Her travels were rooted in the belief that exploration isn’t about conquering new frontiers but about understanding—of people, of places, and of oneself. She reminded the world that the most profound adventures often begin with a single step, or in her case, a turn of the pedals.

Dervla did eventually returned to her home village of Lismore, Ireland, where she lived until her passing at the age of 90. She never married but was the proud mother of one daughter and grandmother to three. Her legacy endures through her family and her travel books, which continue to inspire countless readers with their rich narratives, unflinching honesty, and deep respect for the cultures she encountered.

At Dream Challenges, we see reflections of Dervla Murphy’s spirit in every participant who sets out on one of our treks or cycles. Whether navigating the ancient trails of Sri Lanka, cycling through Laos‘s tranquil villages, or preparing for our new cycle from Goa to Hampi, the essence is the same: discovery, camaraderie, and personal growth. It’s not about being the fastest or the strongest—it’s about being present, embracing the journey, and finding something extraordinary within yourself.

We hope you have enjoyed reading our first series of inspiring people. We’re reminded of the common threads that unite David Livingstone, Sir Edmund Hillary, and Dervla Murphy. They each faced unique challenges, but their stories are bound by courage, perseverance, and a deep connection to the world around them. They remind us that exploration is not about what we conquer but about what we discover—within ourselves and through others.

What’s your next challenge? Whether trekking the Himalayas, cycling through Vietnam and Cambodia, or preparing for our new Sahara Trek, every journey is an opportunity to write your own story. To celebrate Dervla Murphy’s legacy, we’re giving away five copies of her iconic book, Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle. Head over to our social media page and share what inspires you. The five comments with the most likes will receive a free copy of this extraordinary memoir.