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Ash Routen

@ashrouten.com
2.4K followers 915 following 844 posts

Adventure journalist and editor of 'At the Edge of the Map', covering expeditions and adventure globally. By-lines include ExWeb, Nat Geo, Sidetracked, and Outside. Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and The Explorers Club. ashrouten.com

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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 26/08/2026
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.com
Wind Cuts Short Arctic Kayak Expedition; Human Remains Found in Hunt for Franklin Artefacts
A 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...
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 20/08/2026
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. 🙏
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 17/08/2026
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-...
theedgeofthemap.substack.com
Americans Halfway Through 2,300km Ski, Hike and Packraft Journey Around Baffin Island
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 bet...
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 07/08/2026
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...
open.substack.com
At the Edge of the Map: Adventure Beyond the Headlines
Independent reporting and analysis on global adventure, expeditions, and exploration.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 27/07/2026
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...
open.substack.com
American Sailor One Month Into Solo Attempt to Circumnavigate the Arctic
American sailor Matt Rutherford is one month into an attempt to sail solo and non-stop around the Arctic Ocean.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 25/07/2026
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 👇
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 25/07/2026
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.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 24/07/2026
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...
theedgeofthemap.substack.com
Kayak Expedition to Circumnavigate Arctic Island Where Franklin's Men Perished
Next month, a Canadian team will attempt to kayak around the coastline of King William Island in the Canadian Arctic.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 18/07/2026
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...?
open.substack.com
Spanish Adventurer Set to Attempt Northwest Passage by Paddleboard
Spanish adventurer Antonio de la Rosa is in northern Canada, preparing to launch a solo, unsupported attempt to paddleboard the Northwest Passage.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 07/07/2026
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...
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 02/07/2026
Coming soon… theedgeofthemap.substack.com/about
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 30/06/2026
Serial Canadian adventurer Frank Wolf is heading north again. theedgeofthemap.substack.com/p/canadian-a...
theedgeofthemap.substack.com
A 1,200km Canoe Journey in Northern Canada
Canadian 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.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 25/03/2026
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...
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Norman Hadley @normanhadley.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
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.com
Serial Summits - Helvellyn, A Lifelong Love Affair
Having 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...
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 16/03/2026
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.com
Cyclist's 17,000Km Africa North-to-South Journey Delayed by Military Detention » Explorersweb
Swiss cyclist Adrien Liechti was detained in Cameroon for two weeks for filming a bridge without realizing it was considered a sensitive subject.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 13/03/2026
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.com
Chasing the World’s Seven Poles of Inaccessibility » Explorersweb
One man has taken on a unique project: reaching all seven Poles of Inaccessibility -- those places on each continent farthest from water or land.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 06/03/2026
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...
explorersweb.com
Arctic Round-Up: Sled Journeys Across Greenland, Svalbard, Alaska, Siberia » Explorersweb
This spring features Arctic expeditions in both the usual suspects (Greenland, Svalbard) and places like Siberia that no longer see much action.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 27/02/2026
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.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 27/02/2026
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-...
explorersweb.com
The Man Who Climbs the Coldest Peaks on Earth » Explorersweb
Maciej Besta has spent over a decade doing climbing and manhauling expeditions alone in the coldest places he can find, often in central Siberia.
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Ed Douglas @calmandfearless.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
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.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 24/01/2026
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.
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British Antarctic Survey 🐧 @bas.ac.uk · 21/01/2026
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 ⬇️
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Anne Applebaum @anneapplebaum.wsocial.eu · 21/01/2026
Canada starts preparing for guerilla warfare, just in case www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
theglobeandmail.com
Military models Canadian response to hypothetical American invasion
Armed 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
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 21/01/2026
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...
ashrouten.com
Expert in Adventure, Exploration, Media and Expeditions — ASH ROUTEN
Work with an expert in adventure, exploration and expedition media, offering commentary, writing, speaking and consultancy worldwide.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 20/01/2026
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...
outdoormediasummit.com
2026 Outdoor Media Awards Nominations - Outdoor Media Summit 2026
Celebrate the voices shaping outdoor media. Nominate top journalists, creators, and marketers for the 2026 Outdoor Media Summit Awards.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 20/01/2026
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...
outdoormediasummit.com
2026 Outdoor Media Awards Nominations - Outdoor Media Summit 2026
Celebrate the voices shaping outdoor media. Nominate top journalists, creators, and marketers for the 2026 Outdoor Media Summit Awards.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 16/01/2026
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...
explorersweb.com
Media, Adventurers Continue to Misrepresent Polar Expeditions » Explorersweb
Although polar expedition reporting has improved since a reliable auditor formed in 2021, the media and some skiers still wildly exaggerate polar treks.
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Sarah Davis @sarahjdavis.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
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
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Cosgrove_Outdoors @dermotncosgrove.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Good interview with @ashrouten.com scientist, adventurer, journalist, shower of knees. open.spotify.com/episode/5gQ5...
open.spotify.com
Episode 219: Ash Routen, The State of Exploration
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Greg Wingo @gregwingo.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Great listen if you think about adventure, exploration, and expedition (and what they mean) as much as I do!
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 12/01/2026
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.com
Episode 219: Ash Routen, The State of Exploration
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Chris Townsend @christownsend.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
A promotion for my books. It's that time of year! #hiking www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2025/12/my-h...
christownsendoutdoors.com
My Hiking & Backpacking Books
New 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...
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 05/12/2025
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 ☺️
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Gary Wilson @garyglx5.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
Not a big fan of this type of venture but wishing O'Brady safe travels. Thx @ashrouten.com for the coverage.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 15/11/2025
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...
explorersweb.com
Antarctica Roundup 2025-6: O’Brady Kicks Off Crossing But Starts Slightly Inland » Explorersweb
The 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.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 05/11/2025
So pleased to see my PhD student publish her second paper on an increasingly important topic in a post-Covid world.
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New Climber @newclimber.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Our biggest ever buy one get one free bundles have just gone live. secondsandsales.com/collections/...
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Gary Wilson @garyglx5.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
If you're an Everest climb watcher, here's an alt quest that may be of interest. @ashrouten.com reports.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 31/10/2025
The first wave of skiers is heading south to Antarctica to begin their expeditions. Compared with last year, there are a few more longer sled journeys. My latest for ExWeb. I'll be covering the season until late December before other commitments take over. explorersweb.com/antarctic-ex...
explorersweb.com
Skiers Head South as the 2025–26 Antarctic Expeditions Begin » Explorersweb
The busy Antarctic season is highlighted by two long crossings, two round trips to the South Pole and back, and an unusual absence of guided tours.
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Damian Shields @damianshields.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Uath Lochans from Farleitter Crag, a recent one from an early stakeout overlooking these bonnie lochans. A long chilly wait before the warm light finally broke through the dreich and spread over the Inshriach forest #Scotland #Cairngorms #Rothiemurchus www.damianshields.com
Uath Lochans from Farleitter Crag, a recent one from an early stakeout overlooking these bonnie lochans. A long chilly wait before the warm light finally broke through the dreich and spread over the Inshriach forest #Scotland #Cairngorms #Rothiemurchus www.damianshields.com
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 29/10/2025
A fun story I worked on recently. Before Alex Honnold and Netflix's skyscraper stunt, a more introverted breed of climber was free soloing buildings through the night. "The Origins of Buildering: The Students Who Climbed England’s University Spires After Dark" explorersweb.com/the-origins-...
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 29/10/2025
In 2023, 25-year-old German cyclist Max Roving set off eastward from his hometown in northern Germany, aiming to “go as far as I’d like, or can afford.” explorersweb.com/traveling-th...
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 25/10/2025
Excited to share that I’ll be speaking at Expedition Finse 2026, taking place 20–22 February 2026 at Hotel Finse 1222, Norway 🇳🇴 There’s a great lineup of speakers including British broadcaster Ben Fogle. More details in the below 👇 www.ashrouten.com/blog/talk-at...
ashrouten.com
Speaking at Expedition Finse 2026 — ASH ROUTEN
I’m pleased to share that I’ll be giving a talk at Expedition Finse, which takes place from 20–22 February 2026 at Hotel Finse 1222 in Norway. Expedition Finse is an annual festival, run in collabora...
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Gary Wilson @garyglx5.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Great Lakes followers, a good read here. Check out the map to see how daunting the trek was. h/t @ashrouten.com for sharing.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 22/10/2025
After 480 days and 7,810km of paddling, 24-year-old Peter Frank has completed a canoe journey around most of the Great Loop the “wrong way.” Beginning and ending in Escanaba, Michigan, the U.S. adventurer wrapped up his journey on October 20. explorersweb.com/pirate-paddl...
explorersweb.com
'Pirate Paddler' Completes 7,810Km Canoe Journey Around Eastern U.S. » Explorersweb
After 480 days, 24-year-old Peter Frank has canoed the “wrong way” around most of the eastern U.S.'s inland Great Loop waterway.
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Ash Routen @ashrouten.com · 20/10/2025
So pleased to share one of my favourite pieces I’ve written for ExWeb - a dive into the incredible world of rock climbing giant strangler fig trees in Costa Rica. So cool! explorersweb.com/climbing-tre...
explorersweb.com
Climbing Giant Trees in Costa Rica’s Cloud Forest » Explorersweb
Noah 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.
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Mark Horrell @markhorrell.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Really useful stuff from @ashrouten.com. Saved me from another disappointing night out 🍺 TL;DR if you're thinking of drinking your own Fosters, do it before you get thirsty. explorersweb.com/drinking-pee...
explorersweb.com
Survival Stories Get It Wrong, Drinking Pee Won’t Save You » Explorersweb
By the time you’re dehydrated enough to consider drinking urine, the urine will be so concentrated that it’s just too salty.
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Sarah Barnard @sarahbpolar.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
2026 calendar available NOW! I only have 9 copies available on the website, and a few more I'll be taking to the Shackleton Autumn School at the end of the month. I hope you like sea ice and tallships!
barnardpolar.shop
Svalbard 2026 Calendar | Barnard Polar
An extremely limited edition A3 size calendar of photographs from my time on the Arctic Circle expeditionary residency in Svalbard. I hope you like sea ice and tallships!**As the situation with US tar...
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Jonny Gios LRPS @supergios.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
BLEA CALM - first dawn at Blea Tarn in the Langdales on Saturday morning. A short spell of colour before the fog and mist descended for the weekend. #FSprintmonday #Sharemondays2025 #Appicoftheweek #SonyAlpha #landscapephotography @fotospeed.bsky.social
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