Ash Routen is an internationally published writer who specialises in expeditions, exploration, and adventure travel.

When Ash was 16, he visited the Swiss Alps and became hooked on the natural world and adventure travel. Now, more than 20 years later, his passion for the outdoors still burns strong. He channels this interest into freelance writing, and crafts in-depth stories for publications globally. His work has featured in outlets like National Geographic UK, The Guardian, and Outside Magazine, and Ash has interviewed legendary adventurers such as Reinhold Messner and Borge Ousland. Ash’s area of expertise are adventure and expeditions such as mountaineering and polar travel, as well as broader adventure tourism. 

Ash regularly travels in the Arctic and captures its beauty through his camera lens. He has trekked across Norway, Sweden, Greenland, and Siberia, where he hiked 640km across the world's largest frozen lake. Adventure isn't his only passion though. Alongside writing, Ash works as a public health academic full time. His research has been published in medical journals such as Nature Medicine and The British Medical Journal.

Ash is based in the Leicestershire countryside in the UK, and is available for assignment.

Media Experience

Ash has experience in both outdoor and scientific fields, and has featured on live radio and TV, in the UK and abroad. Ash can provide expert commentary on adventure, travel, and expeditions. For more information, visit the media page. He also reviews equipment, books, and clothing for different manufacturers and publishers, and was a member of the Outdoors Magic Outdoor 100 test team in 2019 and 2022.

Publications Written For

Newspapers: The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, Financial Times.
Magazines: The Great Outdoors, Outside, Rock and Ice, Trek and Mountain, New Zealand Adventure, Intrepid, Kite World.
Websites: Sidetracked, National Geographic UK, Flash Pack, ExplorersWeb (over 400 articles), GearJunkie, Red Bull Adventure, Porsche, The Outdoor Journal, UK Climbing, UK Hiking, Adventure Travel, My Outdoors.

Brand Work (for independent reviews or social media collaboration)

Valley and Peak, Cascade Designs, Montane, Expedition Foods, Sub Zero, Bullitt, 360 Dry, Life Jacket.