our exploring
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A long distance ski and filming expedition to share the story of the Sami people.
The annual spring migration of Arctic reindeer from feeding grounds in South Finnmark to birthing grounds in the northern tip of Scandinavia is one of nature’s greatest events. Many of the indigenous Sámi people are reliant on the reindeer for the existence of their culture - but this is under threat.
Along the north Arctic coast, a controversial proposed new copper mine is said to bring new opportunities to the local community. But many, including our interview, Aili Keskitalo - the President of the Sami Parliament say they’ve heard this before and are prepared to fight to stop it.
The ‘Arctic Connections’ Expedition tells a story of endurance, resilience and respect - and a unique symbiotic relationship.
1600 miles of wilderness exploration: Pacific to Arctic via kayak and bike
Kayaked and biking over 1600 miles, we journeyed through one of the worlds last great wildernesses; Alaska.
In this world-first expedition, starting at the southernmost point of the mainland, we raced through open ocean, rainforest, mountain passes, glaciers and tundra and watching whales, bears, wolves, muskox and caribou.
From the Pacific Ocean lapping at our tent camped on tiny islands, to sharing the 4th of July celebrations with a family on the edge of the world. Due North Alaska was a storytelling journey of contrasts - and of surprises.
From brain surgery and heart surgery to a record-breaking South Pole solo expedition
After skiing completely solo, unassisted and unsupported for 39 days and 8 hours, I reached the bottom of the world, and the South Pole.
With the the help of so many others back home (especially Hazel!) I’d just become the first Scot, the youngest Brit and the second youngest in history to reach this point, a total of 730 miles from coast to pole.
From struggling to walk to taking the final steps to the South Pole, the Due South Antarctica Expedition my motivation was to inspire others that they can achieve things they never thought possible and emerge stronger from the most difficult times.
“Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix” - 101 km with 6,100 m of ascent
One of the most exciting trail running races in the world, as part of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc trail running festival, held in the bustling mountain town of Chamonix each August.
This equally beautiful, equally challenging race winds through Italy, Switzerland and France, climbing from valley to peak before finishing down the main street in Chamonix with the sound of “allez” and cowbells filling the air.
During this race Hazel ran non-stop for almost 23 hours.
And loved every second.
4808m - the highest peak in the Alps
We summited Mont Blanc via the Refuge du Goûter after several days of acclimatisation in the high mountains around Chamonix and had the honour of carrying the very first Royal Scottish Geographical Society flag to the top.
A 156 mile unsupported run across the Sahara Desert
Called 'the toughest footrace on earth" - the 156 mile (250km) multi-stage Marathon des Sables saw baking temperatures reaching 55°C, as we raced through the Sahara desert carrying everything on or backs.
In one particularly gruelling stage, we had to cover 86km - battling steep rocky dunes, mountain passes and sleep deprivation to reach our goal.
5895m - Africa’s highest peak: the Umbwe Route via Western Breach
Starting in the hot and humid jungle, the lesser-climbed Umbwe route ascends quickly up this dormant volcano and up to the op of the highest mountain in Africa.
Summit day included a 2am start to scramble up the Western Breach in darkness, with a reward of sunrise and extensive views from the top, carrying everything I (Hazel) needed on my back.
250 mile expedition race along the west coast of Scotland
This eight day 250 mile (400km) ultra-marathon expedition race took us on an incredible journey, linking ancient footpaths and remote tracks from Fort William to the furthest north-westerly point of the British Isles, Cape Wrath.
With over 11,000m (33,000ft) of elevation – and the same again downhill – we ran through towering mountains on one side and the crashing ocean on the other.
Stunning and inspirational scenery, remote wilderness and some of the most challenging terrain possible were just some of the highlights of this adventure.
A ten day expedition on the sea ice and coast of Eastern Greenland
As preparation for Due South Antarctica, I (Luke) travelled across remote and beautiful Eastern Greenland as part of an international team.
Skiing over sea ice, on top of glaciers and through deep valleys, we spent 10 days exploring a remote area of the world’s largest Island.
230km snowshoe journey across frozen Sweden
For a week, I ran through Arctic Sweden, over frozen lakes and through snow-covered pine forests, with temperatures plummeting to -26 degrees.
Staying in huts or teepees, and with all the daytime equipment for on my back, this stunning UNESCO world heritage site, home to the native Sámi people, felt like home.
The Pennine Barrier Ultra - 100 miles and 6,500 m ascent
The Pennine Barrier Ultra takes in the hard hitting Yorkshire 3 Peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, along with the immense Gordale Scar and the Dales Way.
On this beautiful and gruelling route he ran (occasionally sleep-walking) non-stop for over 30 hours.
170km run over 4 days with 10,000m of ascent a
Running the route of the infamous Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc or UTMB over 4 days, covering 170km and 10,000m of ascent and descent, the trail circles the highest mountain in the Alps - Mont Blanc.
Weaving through the high alpine regions of three countries - France, Italy and Switzerland, the route reaches an altitude of 2500m with many technical climbs and descents.
Throughout the entire run, we carried everything we needed on our back.
Chamonix to Zermatt on skis
Leaving Chamonix on a back-country ski touring journey through the high mountains that connect the mountaineering capitals of Chamonix and Zermatt, we set out on the infamous "Haute Route".
Crossing glaciers, climbing the Rosa Blanche and even scaling ladders, we almost made it to Zermatt. Had it not been for that pesky broken binding.
10 days solo expedition on the Hardangervidda Plateau
As preparation for the solo South Pole expedition, I spent 10 days skiing solo in the Hardangervidda national park, Norway.
This high Arctic plateau of Eastern Norway, with its frozen lakes and committing hills, is famous for its links with explorers of the golden age of polar exploration, including Amundsen and Scott, both used this area as a training ground before venturing to Antarctica.
Arête des Cosmiques and Marbrées Ridge
As acclimatisation for Mont Blanc, we spent two days and one night at high altitude, climbing and sleeping on the Mont Blanc Massif.
On Marbrées Ridge we ascended in superb summer conditions and abseiled down before crossing a heavily crevassed glacier to the Refuge de Cosmiques, where they spent the night at 3600 m.
Starting before sunrise the next day we climbed the classic Arête des Cosmiques, which includes a particularly exciting finish climbing up a rickety ladder onto the Aiguille du Midi viewing platform.
170km alpine trek around Switzerland’s highest mountain
Beginning in Zermatt beneath the iconic Matterhorn, two friends and I covered 170km and 11,300m of ascent and descent over 8 days, encompassing the mountainous regions of Switzerland and Italy, before ending back in Zermatt.
This spectacular high altitude hike included technical scrambling ascents and glacier travel through some of the most breath-taking scenery in the Alps.
Summiting Slovenia's highest mountain
Setting off from the Triglavski dom na Kredarici before sunrise for the final rocky scramble to the summit, we were fortunate to have breathtaking views over the East Julian Alps
Swimming, hill running, kayaking, biking - 2nd mixed team
The Kindrochit Quad is a gruelling challenge through some of the most spectacular and historic areas of the Scottish Highlands.
As a team, we swam 0.8mi across Loch Tay, ran 15mi over seven Munros, kayaked 7mi then cycled 34mi round Loch Tay - moving every minute of the whole race together.
As a bonus, we were delighted to collect the prize for second mixed team!
The highest peaks by human power
With some close friends (the kind you don’t mind sharing a hot, sweaty cramped tent with), we climbed the highest mountains in Wales, England and Scotland, cycling the 460 miles (740km) between each peak.