Ash Routen
@ashrouten.com
🧭 Adventure Journalist at ExplorersWeb
🗺️ Fellow of RGS
✍️ Bylines in Nat Geo UK, The Guardian, Sidetracked, Outside
🔬Research Fellow in Public Health, PhD
🌐 https://ashrouten.com
🗺️ Fellow of RGS
✍️ Bylines in Nat Geo UK, The Guardian, Sidetracked, Outside
🔬Research Fellow in Public Health, PhD
🌐 https://ashrouten.com
Pinned
Ash Routen
@ashrouten.com
· Nov 17
Hello new Bluesky friends 👋
I’m Ash, an adventure writer by day and a University academic by night.
I live in the Leicestershire countryside in the UK and am available for assignment.
My main interest is Arctic travel. Here’s a few pix from a sled trip in Norway from earlier this year.
I’m Ash, an adventure writer by day and a University academic by night.
I live in the Leicestershire countryside in the UK and am available for assignment.
My main interest is Arctic travel. Here’s a few pix from a sled trip in Norway from earlier this year.
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...
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...
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-advent...
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.
explorersweb.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:56 AM
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-advent...
Reposted by Ash Routen
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
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/5gQ5...
Episode 219: Ash Routen, The State of Exploration
open.spotify.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:06 PM
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
Reposted by Ash Routen
Good interview with @ashrouten.com scientist, adventurer, journalist, shower of knees.
open.spotify.com/episode/5gQ5...
open.spotify.com/episode/5gQ5...
Episode 219: Ash Routen, The State of Exploration
open.spotify.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:19 AM
Good interview with @ashrouten.com scientist, adventurer, journalist, shower of knees.
open.spotify.com/episode/5gQ5...
open.spotify.com/episode/5gQ5...
Reposted by Ash Routen
Great listen if you think about adventure, exploration, and expedition (and what they mean) as much as I do!
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/5gQ5...
Episode 219: Ash Routen, The State of Exploration
open.spotify.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Great listen if you think about adventure, exploration, and expedition (and what they mean) as much as I do!
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/5gQ5...
Episode 219: Ash Routen, The State of Exploration
open.spotify.com
January 12, 2026 at 1:20 PM
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/5gQ5...
Reposted by Ash Routen
A promotion for my books. It's that time of year! #hiking www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2025/12/my-h...
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...
www.christownsendoutdoors.com
December 10, 2025 at 11:21 PM
A promotion for my books. It's that time of year! #hiking www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2025/12/my-h...
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 ☺️
December 5, 2025 at 10:55 AM
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 ☺️
Reposted by Ash Routen
Not a big fan of this type of venture but wishing O'Brady safe travels. Thx @ashrouten.com for the coverage.
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-r...
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.
explorersweb.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Not a big fan of this type of venture but wishing O'Brady safe travels. Thx @ashrouten.com for the coverage.
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-r...
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.
explorersweb.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:29 AM
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-r...
So pleased to see my PhD student publish her second paper on an increasingly important topic in a post-Covid world.
What drives willingness to participate in health research?
Led by our #PhD student Zara Kayani, participation and consent to data linkage varies across demographic groups.
Inclusive recruitment strategies are essential to engage underserved communities.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
Led by our #PhD student Zara Kayani, participation and consent to data linkage varies across demographic groups.
Inclusive recruitment strategies are essential to engage underserved communities.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
Which demographic characteristics are associated with willingness to take part in recontact studies? A cross-sectional study
Background Lower rates of participation in research by ethnic minority groups and socioeconomically deprived populations has led to efforts to develop recruitment strategies which aim to address this ...
journals.plos.org
November 5, 2025 at 2:05 PM
So pleased to see my PhD student publish her second paper on an increasingly important topic in a post-Covid world.
Reposted by Ash Routen
Our biggest ever buy one get one free bundles have just gone live. secondsandsales.com/collections/...
November 4, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Our biggest ever buy one get one free bundles have just gone live. secondsandsales.com/collections/...
Reposted by Ash Routen
If you're an Everest climb watcher, here's an alt quest that may be of interest. @ashrouten.com reports.
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...
My latest for ExWeb. I'll be covering the season until late December before other commitments take over.
explorersweb.com/antarctic-ex...
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.
explorersweb.com
November 1, 2025 at 10:55 AM
If you're an Everest climb watcher, here's an alt quest that may be of interest. @ashrouten.com reports.
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...
My latest for ExWeb. I'll be covering the season until late December before other commitments take over.
explorersweb.com/antarctic-ex...
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.
explorersweb.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:23 PM
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...
My latest for ExWeb. I'll be covering the season until late December before other commitments take over.
explorersweb.com/antarctic-ex...
Reposted by Ash Routen
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
October 30, 2025 at 10:55 AM
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
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-...
"The Origins of Buildering: The Students Who Climbed England’s University Spires After Dark"
explorersweb.com/the-origins-...
October 29, 2025 at 1:50 PM
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-...
"The Origins of Buildering: The Students Who Climbed England’s University Spires After Dark"
explorersweb.com/the-origins-...
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...
explorersweb.com/traveling-th...
October 29, 2025 at 10:22 AM
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...
explorersweb.com/traveling-th...
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...
There’s a great lineup of speakers including British broadcaster Ben Fogle. More details in the below 👇
www.ashrouten.com/blog/talk-at...
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...
www.ashrouten.com
October 25, 2025 at 12:24 PM
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...
There’s a great lineup of speakers including British broadcaster Ben Fogle. More details in the below 👇
www.ashrouten.com/blog/talk-at...
Reposted by Ash Routen
Great Lakes followers, a good read here. Check out the map to see how daunting the trek was. h/t @ashrouten.com for sharing.
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-paddl...
'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.
explorersweb.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Great Lakes followers, a good read here. Check out the map to see how daunting the trek was. h/t @ashrouten.com for sharing.
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-paddl...
'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.
explorersweb.com
October 22, 2025 at 10:41 AM
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-paddl...
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-tre...
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.
explorersweb.com
October 20, 2025 at 12:11 PM
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-tre...