Adventure, expeditions, and exploration, in context.
Independent reporting and analysis on global expeditions, edited by Ash Routen.
The world of adventure and exploration has grown rapidly over the past decade. Yet at the same time, independent and critical journalism in this space has declined. Once-defining outlets such as Outside and National Geographic have faced shrinking budgets, reduced staffing, and an editorial shift toward lifestyle content.
For nearly ten years, I have reported for ExplorersWeb, a long-standing source of news on high-altitude mountaineering, polar expeditions, and extreme environments. More than five hundred by-lines later, I have stepped away from the constant news cycle to found At the Edge of the Map — an independent subscriber-funded publication focused on reporting and analysis of adventure and expeditions worldwide.
At the Edge of the Map will:
Report on selected expeditions spanning mountaineering, polar travel, paddling, caving and long-distance trekking etc., including both adventure-led and scientifically driven projects.
Report on selected scientific research that has relevance to adventure and exploration
Offer independent, critical analysis of the expedition industry, addressing issues such as the rise of questionable records and manufactured “firsts.”
Feature interviews with leading explorers and adventurers from around the world.
Publish enduring feature articles on adventure, exploration and scientific discovery.
About the editor
Ash Routen is a freelance adventure journalist specialising in global expeditions, including polar travel, long-distance trekking, and kayaking adventures. His work has appeared in outlets such as ExplorersWeb, National Geographic UK, Sidetracked, The Guardian, The Great Outdoors, and Outside. Ash is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and The Explorers Club.
Editorial advisers
A small team of advisors are being compiled to provide an expert steer on the stories covered by At the Edge of the Map. This includes polar explorer Eric Larsen (the last person to ski to the North Pole from land), polar guide and expedition logistics expert Lars Ebbesen, Piotr Chmielinski (the first person to Kayak the entire length of the Amazon river), Denise Martin (one of the original polar guides and multi environment adventurer), and endurance adventurer Ray Zahab (the first person to run the length of the Atacama desert). Further key figures from the adventure and exploration community will be appointed.
Ways to support this publication
Subscribe to stay up to date and have At the Edge of the Map arrive directly in your inbox. All content is free, but paid subscriptions are appreciated and important to continue this publication.
Standard subscription is £5/month or £50/year
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