Arctic Travel


Ash enjoys traveling in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. However, due to his work obligations, he mainly takes shorter trips in Northern Scandinavia. In 2018, he embarked on his longest journey, which involved crossing a frozen Lake Baikal, covering a distance of 640km. Before discovering his passion for Arctic travel, Ash spent 15 years hiking in mountains and dabbled in activities like rock climbing and cycling.

  • Finnmarksvidda 2024

    In February 2024 Ash returned to the north of Norway to undertake a ski crossing of the Finnmark plateau with a new travel partner, Dan Jones. Over 7 days he skied around 100km from Alta in North east Norway to Karasjok, on the border of Finland.

  • Greenland 2023

    In July 2023 Ash and his regular teammate Phil Sturgeon trekked an extended version of the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland. Over 10 days they hiked 200km from the ice sheet near Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut on the west coast. Although becoming more popular, this trail in western Greenland travels through wild and remote Arctic tundra.

  • Swedish Lapland 2021 & 2022

    In December 2021, Ash spent a week in Swedish Lapland to test out equipment and plan for a ski tour the following year. This was an opportunity to enjoy a return to Arctic regions and refresh cold travel skills. In March 2022, he returned with teammate Phil Sturgeon to ski around 100km+ across parts of Sarek and Stora Sjoffallets National Park over 9 days.

  • Baffin 2020

    In 2020 Ash planned to join Jerry Kobalenko, ExplorersWeb editor and one of the most experienced travellers of the Canadian Arctic, to ski a 700km route along the frozen coast of Baffin Island in Spring 2020. Two days prior to flying out the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK and travel was barred. This expedition is now on hold until a future date.

  • Hardangervidda 2019

    This was a short 5 day shakedown trip on the Hardangervidda Plateau to prepare for an upcoming trip to Baffin Island in 2020.

  • Baikal 2018

    Ash and Phil Sturgeon completed a 640 km foot crossing of a frozen Lake Baikal in Siberia. Baikal is the oldest, largest volume, and deepest freshwater lake. Their Journey took 19 days to trek across the lake in spring 2018.

  • Hardangervidda 2017

    In April 2017 Ash skied an 8 day route of around 120km through the Hardangervidda plateau in Norway. This area in which the now infamous ‘heroes of telemark’ operation took place during WWII, is a regular training ground for polar travellers.

  • Finnmarksvidda 2016

    In February 2016 Ash teamed up with three other travellers to ski 110 km across the Finnmark plateau in Norway. Over 6 days he skied from Alta near the Norwegian coast to a settlement close to the border of Finland. Under the mentorship of polar guide Mike Thornewill, Ash transferred his background in hiking and wild camping to the Arctic. This journey cemented Ash’s love of travelling in the far north of Scandinavia.