Ash Routen

I haven't posted for a while as I've been growing a new outdoor publication focusing on independent reporting and analysis of global adventure, expeditions, and exploration. I won't continue posting here, so do take a look and sign up below for free to keep in touch. theedgeofthemap.substack.com

thegreatoutdoorsmag.comNirmal Purja was modern mountaineering's biggest star, but his legacy hints at an older, darker macho cult of personality"Nirmal Purja brought global eyeballs to an industry that was and is happy to look the other way," Ash Routen writes.

Ash Routen reposted

Mark Horrell

@markhorrell.bsky.social

31 Aug

"The outdoor industry has shown little appetite for publicly confronting the allegations, controversies or the behaviour of Purja’s supporters." What will Nims' legacy be now? A rare article looking at the other side by @ashrouten.com www.thegreatoutdoorsmag.com/opinion/nirm...

theedgeofthemap.substack.comWind Cuts Short Arctic Kayak Expedition; Human Remains Found in Hunt for Franklin ArtefactsA Canadian team aiming to kayak around the coast of King William Island in the Canadian Arctic while searching for artefacts linked to the lost British Naval Northwest Passage Expedition of 1845 has e...

26 Aug

A team aiming to kayak the coast of King William Island in the Canadian Arctic while searching for artefacts linked to the lost British Naval Northwest Passage Expedition of 1845 has ended its journey early, but not before discovering human remains. theedgeofthemap.substack.com/p/wind-cuts-...

theedgeofthemap.substack.comSubscribe to At the Edge of the MapIndependent reporting and analysis on global adventure, expeditions, and exploration. Click to read At the Edge of the Map, by Ash Routen, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.

Two months ago, I launched At the Edge of the Map to provide independent reporting and analysis on global adventure, expeditions and exploration. Today, we've reached 55 paid subscribers. 🙏

If you've been enjoying what we're building, annual subscriptions are currently 50% off until 30 September: £25 ($34) for the year. Subscribe here: theedgeofthemap.substack.com/subscribe

And if a subscription isn't for you right now, a repost would be hugely appreciated. Every share helps us reach new readers. 🙏

Two months ago, I launched At the Edge of the Map to provide independent reporting and analysis on global adventure, expeditions and exploration. Today, we've reached 55 paid subscribers. 🙏

Thanks to this support, we've just commissioned our first paid feature from a writer outside the editorial team. We're also in conversations with a second contributor. It didn’t start like this, but my goal now is to create paid opportunities for adventure writers, both established and emerging.

Our next target is 80 paid subscribers. That would allow us to commission one guest feature every month, while continuing to invest in original reporting and analysis.

theedgeofthemap.substack.comAmericans Halfway Through 2,300km Ski, Hike and Packraft Journey Around Baffin IslandAmericans Henry Penfold, 22, and Caleb McDaniels, 25, are 78 days and 1,600km into an ambitious 2,300km journey around the coastline of Baffin Island, a huge island in Canada’s far north that lies bet...

17 Aug

Americans Henry Penfold, 22, and Caleb McDaniels, 25, are 78 days and 1,600km into an ambitious 2,300km journey around the coastline of Baffin Island, a huge island in Canada’s far north that lies between Greenland and the Canadian mainland. theedgeofthemap.substack.com/p/americans-...

open.substack.comAt the Edge of the Map: Adventure Beyond the HeadlinesIndependent reporting and analysis on global adventure, expeditions, and exploration.

7 Aug

After several months of planning I’m officially launching At the Edge of the Map a new publication providing independent reporting and analysis on global adventure, expeditions, and exploration. open.substack.com/pub/theedgeo...

7 Aug

The only time I’ll ask outright on here. If this kind of content interests you, do subscribe for free or via the paid option. A paid subscription makes this viable and costs equivalent to 1 coffee per month. Articles are free to read for all.

open.substack.comAmerican Sailor One Month Into Solo Attempt to Circumnavigate the ArcticAmerican sailor Matt Rutherford is one month into an attempt to sail solo and non-stop around the Arctic Ocean.

27 July

American sailor Matt Rutherford is one month into an attempt to sail solo and non-stop around the Arctic Ocean. open.substack.com/pub/theedgeo...

25 July

If we know each other through the adventure and expedition world, I'd love to share a new project I'm launching. At the Edge of the Map is a new independent publication covering global expeditions, adventure and exploration through original reporting, interviews and analysis. Continued 👇

Five preview articles are already available, with the full launch coming in August. If exploration, expeditions and adventure are topics that interest you, I'd be delighted if you'd take a look and subscribe. Photo by Michael Fenton on Unsplash

theedgeofthemap.substack.com

25 July

theedgeofthemap.substack.comAt the Edge of the Map | Ash Routen | SubstackIndependent reporting and analysis on global adventure, expeditions, and exploration. Click to read At the Edge of the Map, by Ash Routen, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.

It's a reader-funded publication, and ahead of the full launch we've already welcomed more than 390 free and paid subscribers. Every article is free to read. I'm fortunate to be supported by an editorial advisory board that includes respected adventurers Eric Larsen and Ray Zahab.

25 July

The legendary bicycle tourist Heinz Stucke died a couple of days ago. Stucke spent more than 50 years cycling around the globe, covering an estimated 600k miles. He started in 1962 and finished in 2014 at the age of 74.

theedgeofthemap.substack.comKayak Expedition to Circumnavigate Arctic Island Where Franklin's Men PerishedNext month, a Canadian team will attempt to kayak around the coastline of King William Island in the Canadian Arctic.

24 July

Next month, a Canadian team will try to kayak around the coastline of King William Island in the Canadian Arctic. The island is the focal point of one of the Arctic’s most enduring mysteries: the lost British Naval Northwest Passage Expedition of 1845. theedgeofthemap.substack.com/p/kayak-expe...

open.substack.comSpanish Adventurer Set to Attempt Northwest Passage by PaddleboardSpanish adventurer Antonio de la Rosa is in northern Canada, preparing to launch a solo, unsupported attempt to paddleboard the Northwest Passage.

18 July

An interesting and bold SUP expedition. Spanish adventurer Antonio de la Rosa is in northern Canada, preparing to launch a solo, unsupported attempt to paddleboard the Northwest Passage. open.substack.com/pub/theedgeo...?

7 July

Yesterday, four Swiss adventurers began an attempt to row unsupported from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, to Scotland’s north coast. They aim to reach Scotland in 40-60 days time after rowing an estimated 3,100km. open.substack.com/pub/theedgeo...

2 July

Coming soon… theedgeofthemap.substack.com/about

theedgeofthemap.substack.comA 1,200km Canoe Journey in Northern CanadaCanadian adventurers Frank Wolf and Alex Kozma are heading to the Northwest Territories in northern Canada early next month to undertake a 1,200km canoe journey.

30 June

Serial Canadian adventurer Frank Wolf is heading north again. theedgeofthemap.substack.com/p/canadian-a...

@normanhadley.bsky.social

25 Mar

Two weeks ago, we reported on several Arctic expeditions scheduled to begin in late March and April. Some are already underway, while others are about to start. explorersweb.com/arctic-round...

Ash Routen reposted

Norman Hadley

16 Mar

Given space to enthuse about a hill that has meant a great deal to me for nearly half a century. And counting. www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/des...

ukhillwalking.comSerial Summits - Helvellyn, A Lifelong Love AffairHaving first teetered across Striding Edge aged just nine, Norman Hadley has made regular ascents of Helvellyn ever since. Whether running, walking, mountaineering, bivvying or biking, it's a...

explorersweb.comCyclist's 17,000Km Africa North-to-South Journey Delayed by Military Detention » ExplorerswebSwiss cyclist Adrien Liechti was detained in Cameroon for two weeks for filming a bridge without realizing it was considered a sensitive subject.

16 Mar

Swiss cyclist Adrien Liechti is attempting to cycle nearly 17,000km from Africa’s northernmost point to its southernmost. Unfortunately, a misunderstanding in Cameroon recently derailed his journey for two weeks. explorersweb.com/cyclists-170...

explorersweb.comChasing the World’s Seven Poles of Inaccessibility » ExplorerswebOne man has taken on a unique project: reaching all seven Poles of Inaccessibility -- those places on each continent farthest from water or land.

13 Mar

One man has taken on a unique project: reaching all seven Poles of Inaccessibility -- those places on each continent farthest from water or land. explorersweb.com/chasing-the-...

explorersweb.comArctic Round-Up: Sled Journeys Across Greenland, Svalbard, Alaska, Siberia » ExplorerswebThis spring features Arctic expeditions in both the usual suspects (Greenland, Svalbard) and places like Siberia that no longer see much action.

6 Mar

As light returns to the northern latitudes, the Arctic expedition season is about to begin. The spring of 2026 is particularly busy and geographically varied, with journeys in Greenland, Svalbard, Alaska, and even Siberia and Mongolia. explorersweb.com/arctic-round...

27 Feb

I had a great time at the Expedition Finse festival last weekend in 🇳🇴 As well as giving a talk it was great to hear from and chat to Ben Fogle. A real highlight was meeting the great Erling Kagge and attending the Shackleton Award dinner. A few pics below and a blog post to come next week.

explorersweb.comThe Man Who Climbs the Coldest Peaks on Earth » ExplorerswebMaciej Besta has spent over a decade doing climbing and manhauling expeditions alone in the coldest places he can find, often in central Siberia.

27 Feb

I was in Norway last weekend where Maciej Besta was awarded the 2026 Shackleton Award. I whipped up this profile on Besta and his latest cold expedition. explorersweb.com/the-man-who-...

Ash Routen reposted

Ed Douglas

@calmandfearless.bsky.social

28 Jan

The Fram Museum (if you're ever in Oslo, then go) is reporting that Roland Huntford has died, deep into his 90s. It took someone born in South Africa to offer a more realistic picture of Scott, but his intention, he said, to was to do justice to Amundsen. Can't argue with that.

24 Jan

I’ve been nominated for Best Social Media Handle at the 2026 Outdoor Media Awards — an industry event that recognises journalism, storytelling and creators in the outdoor space. It’s pretty wild given I spend most of my time spotlighting lesser-known expeditions and calling out adventure hype.

24 Jan

I won’t be competing on follower count, but if you believe in celebrating meaningful, off-radar adventure, I’d love your vote. If I somehow win, I’ll donate £150 to the Woodland Trust, a charity doing vital work protecting native UK woodlands. Voting link is below.

facebook.comRedirecting...

24 Jan

Can you help me out influence the influencers? www.facebook.com/share/g/1CDo...

Ash Routen reposted

British Antarctic Survey 🐧

@bas.ac.uk

21 Jan

It's that time of year again: we're looking for our next Antarctic team! If you can imagine a job that’s needed to keep a small, remote community safe and running, we have it. Escape the ordinary and apply for the job of a lifetime in Antarctica ⬇️

Ash Routen reposted

Anne Applebaum

@anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu

21 Jan

Canada starts preparing for guerilla warfare, just in case www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...

theglobeandmail.comMilitary models Canadian response to hypothetical American invasionArmed Forces envision insurgency tactics like those used by Afghan mujahedeen, sources say. But officials and experts stress a U.S. operation is unlikely, and the scenarios are conceptual

ashrouten.comExpert in Adventure, Exploration, Media and Expeditions — ASH ROUTENWork with an expert in adventure, exploration and expedition media, offering commentary, writing, speaking and consultancy worldwide.

21 Jan

In the past I've given a lot of time for free to broadcasters, adventurers and journalists. Now I'm trying to formalise this a little. So here's a little on how you can work with me for commentary, writing, speaking and consultancy worldwide. www.ashrouten.com/blog/working...

Ash Routen reposted

outdoormediasummit.com2026 Outdoor Media Awards Nominations - Outdoor Media Summit 2026Celebrate the voices shaping outdoor media. Nominate top journalists, creators, and marketers for the 2026 Outdoor Media Summit Awards.

20 Jan

A shameless plug, if you enjoy any of my writing I’m asking folks to nominate me for best outdoor story of 2025. The suggested story to nominate is in the linked post below. outdoormediasummit.com/2026-outdoor...

The story to nominate (closes tonight) is this one 🙏 explorersweb.com/climbing-tre...

explorersweb.comClimbing Giant Trees in Costa Rica’s Cloud Forest » ExplorerswebNoah Kane does not climb up branches like a curious kid nor use the rope techniques of a canopy scientist. He climbs on trees like a rock climber.

explorersweb.comMedia, Adventurers Continue to Misrepresent Polar Expeditions » ExplorerswebAlthough polar expedition reporting has improved since a reliable auditor formed in 2021, the media and some skiers still wildly exaggerate polar treks.

16 Jan

In recent weeks, high profile media have covered Antarctic expeditions involving British adventurer Richard Parks and American Colin O’Brady. In both cases, the journeys and how the adventurers have been presented to a broad audience have drawn scrutiny. explorersweb.com/media-advent...

Ash Routen reposted

Sarah Davis

@sarahjdavis.bsky.social

12 Jan

A great chat about modern day adventure, expedition and exploration and what these terms mean these days along with the different drivers people have for doing them. Love that it was recorded RGS expedition archive! So apt

Ash Routen@ashrouten.com

It was a real pleasure to speak with the Adventure Podcast about the state of modern expedition culture. The episode was recorded in the Royal Geographical Society’s expedition archive room for extra authenticity! open.spotify.com/episode/5gQ5...

open.spotify.comEpisode 219: Ash Routen, The State of Exploration

Ash Routen reposted

Greg Wingo

@gregwingo.bsky.social

12 Jan

Great listen if you think about adventure, exploration, and expedition (and what they mean) as much as I do!

Ash Routen@ashrouten.com

open.spotify.comEpisode 219: Ash Routen, The State of Exploration

open.spotify.comEpisode 219: Ash Routen, The State of Exploration

12 Jan

Ash Routen reposted

Chris Townsend

@christownsend.bsky.social

10 Dec 2025

A promotion for my books. It's that time of year! #hiking www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2025/12/my-h...

christownsendoutdoors.comMy Hiking & Backpacking BooksNew edition packed with photos never published before. It's the time of year for my annual book promotion. If you're looking for a book abou...

explorersweb.comAntarctica Roundup 2025-6: O’Brady Kicks Off Crossing But Starts Slightly Inland » ExplorerswebThe American flew from Union Glacier to the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf at roughly 79°S -- close to, but not directly on, the heavily crevassed coastline.

5 Dec 2025

For regular readers of ExWeb, I won’t be posting here for a little while. I became a father to a beautiful daughter a few weeks ago. She came five weeks early but is all healthy and happy. I’m off writing duties for a bit, but will be sharing ExWeb stuff over on Instagram inbetween nappy changes ☺️

Ash Routen reposted

Gary Wilson

@garyglx5.bsky.social

15 Nov 2025

Not a big fan of this type of venture but wishing O'Brady safe travels. Thx @ashrouten.com for the coverage.

Ash Routen@ashrouten.com

Colin O’Brady has begun his attempt to ski completely across Antarctica, or almost completely. The American arrived at Union Glacier last weekend, where he carried out final equipment checks and packed his sled before flying to his starting point. explorersweb.com/antarctica-r...