Out west
ATTEMPTING TO SOLO TRAVERSE THE OUTER HEBRIDES BY MOUNTAIN BIKE & PACKRAFT
THE CHALLENGE
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14 ISLANDS
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450KM
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MTB & PACKRAFT
Aaron is attempting to traverse of the entirity of the Outer Hebrides using a mountain bike and a packraft.
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The solo expedition will take in 14 islands over 450km and involve crossing Atlantic seas, wild camping on isolated uninhabited islands as well as mountain biking extremely challenging terrain.
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To our knowledge, this will be the first self-propelled trip of its kind, and he will be attempting the challenge solo and unsupported. Aaron will be carrying all of his own equipment, supplies and wild camp with bothy nights where possible.
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the hard work
the outer hebrides
The Outer Hebrides are the western-most inhabitted region of Scotland. The name of the archipelago comes from the gaelic "Long islands", a language which is still widely spoken in the region.
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The total populaton of all the islands is around 28,000, the vast majority of whom live on the Northern islands of Lewis and Harris. Aaron will first have to navigate from Barra Head where the first four islands have been completely uninhabitted for 100 years due to their extremely remote location.
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From Vatersay, Aaron will cycle up to the North of Barra, dismantling his bike and paddling over to Uist. Visiting some of the stunning coastline in South and North Uist, Aaron will also head into the hills visiting the isolated bothy of Uisinis. Next, Aaron will need to cross 13km sea channel, the sound of Harris.
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1. Barra Head
2. Mingulay
3. Pabbay
4. Sandray
5. Vatersay
6. Barra
7. Fuday
8. Eriskay
9. South Uist
10. Benbecula
11. North Uist
12. Berneray
13. Harris
14. Lewis
Poland · Czech Republic · Slovakia · Austria · Hungary · Slovenia · Croatia · Bosnia & Herzegovina
Sebria · Montenegro · Kosovo · Albania · Macedonia · Bulgaria · Greece
about aaron
Aaron was lucky enough to grow up in the English Lake District, climbing his first big peaks from 5 years old. He raced downhill mountain biking to a national level but now spends most of his time on big mountain climbing and long rides or paddles.
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Working full time in the ski industry, Aaron spends a few months year in the Alps, and the rest of his time putting together microadventures in the UK or bigger expeditions in the global wilderness.
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As the founder of BAC, he's an ideas man who's enthusiasm knows no bounds. With a can-do attitude, he's constantly looking to push himself and adventure sport to the next level. He is also principle photographer for the Collective, rarely seen without a camera and multiple lenses in his hands.
adventure cv
Guiness World Record holder - cycled most countries in one week (1800km & 14 countries)
Cycled 1200km between London & Italy (<7 days)
Fred Whitton Round cycle spotive (<24 hrs)
Cycled height and width of Wales 355km (<24 hrs)
Solo ascent of Mont Blanc (<24 hrs)
5000m+ peaks like Mount Orizaba and Kilimajaro
Itera - World Series Adventure Race 660km (<6 days)
Haute Route ski mountaineering tour (<7 days)
National Three Peaks challenge in under (<24 hrs)
Great Glen kayak tour (< 48 hours)
Welsh 3000ers (<12 hours)
Yorkshire 3 peaks (<6.5 hours)
Cycled Coast to Coast (<24 hrs)
support & sponsorship
Aaron will be completing the challenge to raise money and awareness of the British Rescue Trust, This is a new foundation designed to remove regional barriers from outdoor emergency services, donating evenly between regions of Mountain Rescue, Air Ambulance services and Mountain Bothy Assocation.
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Aaron will be setting up a specific fundraising page, but in the meantime, feel free to donate here
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Aaron will be using a range of very specific equipment for the challenge, should anyone wish to sponsor or support Aaron on his expedition, please don't hestiate to get in touch via email or telephone.
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