Ash Routen
@ashrouten.com
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
ashrouten.com
Pinned
Ash Routen
@ashrouten.com
· Aug 7
At the Edge of the Map: Adventure Beyond the Headlines
Independent reporting and analysis on global adventure, expeditions, and exploration.
open.substack.com
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/pub/theedgeo...
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/p/wind-cuts-...
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...
theedgeofthemap.substack.com
August 26, 2026 at 1:33 PM
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/p/wind-cuts-...
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. 🙏
Today, we've reached 55 paid subscribers. 🙏
August 20, 2026 at 6:29 PM
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. 🙏
Today, we've reached 55 paid subscribers. 🙏
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/p/americans-...
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...
theedgeofthemap.substack.com
August 17, 2026 at 10:59 AM
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/p/americans-...
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/pub/theedgeo...
At the Edge of the Map: Adventure Beyond the Headlines
Independent reporting and analysis on global adventure, expeditions, and exploration.
open.substack.com
August 7, 2026 at 1:27 PM
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/pub/theedgeo...
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/pub/theedgeo...
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.
open.substack.com
July 27, 2026 at 8:16 AM
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/pub/theedgeo...
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 👇
At the Edge of the Map is a new independent publication covering global expeditions, adventure and exploration through original reporting, interviews and analysis.
Continued 👇
July 25, 2026 at 6:13 PM
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 👇
At the Edge of the Map is a new independent publication covering global expeditions, adventure and exploration through original reporting, interviews and analysis.
Continued 👇
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.
July 25, 2026 at 9:51 AM
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.
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/p/kayak-expe...
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.
theedgeofthemap.substack.com
July 24, 2026 at 2:24 PM
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/p/kayak-expe...
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/pub/theedgeo...?
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.
open.substack.com
July 18, 2026 at 7:02 PM
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/pub/theedgeo...?
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...
open.substack.com/pub/theedgeo...
July 7, 2026 at 10:22 AM
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...
open.substack.com/pub/theedgeo...
July 2, 2026 at 11:15 AM
Serial Canadian adventurer Frank Wolf is heading north again.
theedgeofthemap.substack.com/p/canadian-a...
theedgeofthemap.substack.com/p/canadian-a...
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.
theedgeofthemap.substack.com
June 30, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Serial Canadian adventurer Frank Wolf is heading north again.
theedgeofthemap.substack.com/p/canadian-a...
theedgeofthemap.substack.com/p/canadian-a...
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...
explorersweb.com/arctic-round...
March 25, 2026 at 7:43 PM
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...
explorersweb.com/arctic-round...
Reposted by Ash Routen
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...
www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/des...
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...
www.ukhillwalking.com
March 16, 2026 at 12:31 PM
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...
www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/des...
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/cyclists-170...
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.
explorersweb.com
March 16, 2026 at 12:36 PM
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/cyclists-170...
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-...
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.
explorersweb.com
March 13, 2026 at 8:05 PM
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-...
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...
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.
explorersweb.com
March 6, 2026 at 7:34 PM
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...
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.
February 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM
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.
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-...
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.
explorersweb.com
February 27, 2026 at 7:26 PM
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-...
Reposted by Ash Routen
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.
January 28, 2026 at 4:59 PM
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.
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.
It’s pretty wild given I spend most of my time spotlighting lesser-known expeditions and calling out adventure hype.
January 24, 2026 at 10:56 AM
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.
It’s pretty wild given I spend most of my time spotlighting lesser-known expeditions and calling out adventure hype.
Reposted by Ash Routen
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 ⬇️
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 ⬇️
January 21, 2026 at 3:22 PM
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 ⬇️
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 ⬇️
Reposted by Ash Routen
Canada starts preparing for guerilla warfare, just in case
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
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
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 21, 2026 at 7:29 AM
Canada starts preparing for guerilla warfare, just in case
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
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...
www.ashrouten.com/blog/working...
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.
www.ashrouten.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:14 PM
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...
www.ashrouten.com/blog/working...
Reposted by Ash Routen
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...
nominate me for best outdoor story of 2025. The suggested story to nominate is in the linked post below.
outdoormediasummit.com/2026-outdoor...
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.
outdoormediasummit.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:31 PM
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...
nominate me for best outdoor story of 2025. The suggested story to nominate is in the linked post below.
outdoormediasummit.com/2026-outdoor...