• Expeditions,  Hiking / Trekking,  Hiking / Trekking,  My Blog

    Extreme Trekking Training with These Practical Tips for Success

    ‘Head to Toe Fitness’ is crucial for extreme trekking due to the demanding physical and mental challenges involved. On Hiking Trails and during all Outdoor Activities, being well-prepared allows you to handle the rigorous demands, enhancing your safety, enjoyment, and overall experience. Whilst Extreme Trekking you can experience the awe-inspiring beauty and formidable dangers of Mother Nature. She is such a powerful force; from cold of the Arctic to the searing heat of the Desert; from the majestic Mountains and serene Forests to turbulent Storms, Mother nature captivates and Challenges us. Mindset for Endurance and Extreme Trekking Events One key ‘suggestion’ for all types of endurance adventures is to “take…

  • Adventures,  Expeditions,  How To's,  My Blog

    Transform into a Fearless Adventurer: Your Ultimate Guide

    Devote yourself to the project not just for the sake of it or even solely for charity, but primarily because it resonates deeply with your own values and aspirations. There’s no time like the present! It’s never too late, and you don’t have to wait like I did. I embarked on my first real wild adventure by walking 650 km to the North Pole at the age of 62. To enhance your quest to become a seasoned adventurer, begin by embracing challenges that are both demanding, unusual and captivating. Engage in endeavors that ignite your passion and curiosity, something you deeply care about. Remember, the journey towards becoming a full-fledged…

  • Adventures,  Expeditions,  Marine,  My Blog

    Conquer the North Atlantic: a Monumental Rowing Adventure

    Rowing the North Atlantic is a monumental feat that requires incredible physical and mental endurance. The North Atlantic is known for its challenging weather patterns, strong currents, and unpredictable conditions, making it one of the most demanding bodies of water to cross. On 28th Jan 2016, approaching midnight – I was sitting in my rowing position on the “Toby Wallace”, a light-weight ocean rowing boat; ‘primed and ready for an attempt’ on a world record. Our challenge was to Row across the North Atlantic, setting off from Marina Puerto De Mogan Gran Canaria, 4815Km. / 2992 miles to Port St Charles Barbados faster than anyone before. I was musing !!!!    Rowing the Atlantic…

  • Adventures,  Boating / Kayaking,  Expeditions,  Marine,  My Blog

    Epic London 2 Paris Rowing Challenge : A Journey to Remember

    The London 2 Paris Rowing Challenge in 2010 required extreme physical endurance and considerable mental strength.  It’s the perfect example of open water rowing’s most demanding aspects; a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. I looked forward to an interesting and equally punishing journey from Big Ben, down along the River Thames, across the English Channel to La Havre and up the Seine to the finish at the Eiffel tower, a distance of 440 nautical miles. We rowed an old-fashioned traditional Thames Waterman Cutter; 34ft long, with a beam of 4ft 6”, in timber (clinker-built). We started from Big Ben, London, rowing our Thames Cutter towards the sea. Rotating six rowers…

  • Adventures,  Expeditions,  My Blog

    “Unsung Heroes”: The Backbone of Our Epic Adventures

    Sherpas, guides, and porters are the ‘unsung heroes’ and ‘overlooked champions’ whose invaluable contributions underpin our extraordinary adventures, often remain overlooked yet make a significant impact on our Adventures and in our Lives. Without their unwavering support, achieving our goals would be an almost insurmountable challenge. They bear the weight of crucial equipment and supplies, guaranteeing our sustenance, hydration, and shelter. Moreover, their expert guidance and vigilant presence play an indispensable role in safeguarding us throughout our voyages and adventures. It was a bittersweet, last night, on Mt Everest. We had achieved what we had set out to do – play rugby at altitude. On the Mountain we had seen…

  • Adventures,  Expeditions

    Explore the Challenge of Kayaking the Great Glen Way

    The Great Glen Way gives the adventurous a unique opportunity to paddle from the Atlantic to the North Sea; traverse across the Scottish Highlands from Fort William to Inverness. Myself and four friends took on the multi-day challenge……in single Kayaks.  I’m so proud of my team – we nailed it ! 12th June – 16th June 2023 Mark ‘Ackers’ Ackred  :  Clay Smith  :  Rob Callaway  : Roger Davies : Jon Ingarfield An early morning start on Loch Oich. In the late afternoon we had “Lightning”…. It’s recommended to get ashore and away from the water asap. I agreed, because water will transmit lightning strikes from further away, so the quicker you…

  • Camping / Equipment & Accessories,  Critical items you ‘Need’ to Survive an Adventure,  Expeditions,  My Blog,  Overlooked Survival Items

    Tent as a Survival Shelter: Essential for Emergency Preparedness

    Why Tents are Crucial for Survival Situations When it comes to emergency preparedness and survival situations, having a reliable shelter is paramount. A tent serves as a vital survival shelter, providing protection from the elements, ensuring safety, and offering a sense of security in unpredictable circumstances. Understanding the importance of a tent in survival situations can help you make informed decisions when preparing for emergencies. We set off from Resolute,on Resolute Bay, (74° 43’ N and 94° 53’ W), in the territory of Nunavut, Canada, to walk/ski for 648 km (403 miles), pulling our food and equipment bound for the Magnetic North Pole. James and I were issued with a Terra Nova Tent that was proven to withstand…

  • Boating / Kayaking,  Expeditions,  How To's,  Marine

    Practical Tips to ‘Prepare’ for Coastal Rowing : What You Need to Know

    Coastal rowing is a form of rowing that takes place on the Sea; also on lakes, or large rivers, as opposed to traditional rowing which typically occurs on calm, inland waters like rivers and lakes. Coastal rowing boats are designed to handle rougher conditions and waves, with features such as wider hulls, higher freeboards, and self-draining cockpits to ensure stability and safety in challenging environments. Coastal rowing often involves longer distances and endurance-based racing, with races typically held along coastal routes or around islands. It offers rowers a unique and dynamic experience, requiring adaptability to changing conditions and a strong sense of navigation and seamanship. Coastal rowing can be enjoyed…

  • Expeditions,  Hiking / Trekking,  Mountaineering

    Mt Toubkal 4,167m & High Atlas Mountain

    In October 2013, amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, our expedition culminated at the majestic summit of Mount Toubkal, soaring at a remarkable 4,167 meters above sea level. Venturing up this majestic summit during the summer revealed a remarkable truth: climbing Mount Toubkal necessitates no specialized mountaineering expertise. Rather, it presents itself as a non-technical ascent, a captivating walk-up peak achievable in a leisurely five-day journey commencing from the picturesque village of Imlil. Our expedition comprised a diverse and affable group of seven individuals, each bringing their unique spirit to the adventure. The team were three gentlemen—myself, Benno, and Adam—and four wonderful ladies, including Lesley,…

  • Adventures,  Climbing / Caving,  Expeditions,  Mountaineering

    Mt.Everest Base Camp, Nepal 2014 : Conquer the Ultimate Trekking Adventure

    The Team : Roger, Lucas Bateman, Lesley Pender, Annie (Annabelle) Hancock ,Clive Hagley & his youngest son Max, Julie Jones, Jan Meek :  Our journey to Everest Base Camp Nepal, 17,598 feet (5,364m) above sea level. Trekking to Everest Base Camp on the lower slopes of world’s highest and arguably the most majestic mountain is as spiritual uplifting as it is physically challenging. What makes it tougher; is trekking at altitude; rising an additional 2680m, eventually to reach Everest Base Camp, sited at 5360m; where there is 50% less oxygen compared to sea level. Altitude sickness can hit you at any time, specially over 3000m We flew from from Kathmandu,…