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5 Antarctic destinations not to miss on your expedition cruise | Atlas & Boots
An expedition cruise to Antarctica is more than a journey; it’s a rare immersion into one of the planet’s last true frontiers. This is a place where icebergs drift like sculptures, wildlife outnumbers people, and landscapes feel untouched by time. The post 5 Antarctic destinations not to miss on your expedition cruise appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Atlas & Boots’ top 10 posts of 2025
This time last year, I wrote about Peter climbing Denali, which brought him one step closer to climbing the seven summits. This year, in classic Watson style, he’s in Antarctica, starting a three-month stint counting penguins. The post Atlas & Boots’ top 10 posts of 2025 appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
I’m going to spend three months counting penguins in Antarctica | Atlas & Boots
For those of you who have been following the blog for a while, you may recall that in 2023, I secured a coveted job at the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT), a charity responsible for preserving British heritage sites in Antarctica. The post I’m going to spend three months counting penguins in Antarctica appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Epic drives: 5 best road trips in Patagonia | Atlas & Boots
I’ve visited Patagonia multiple times. I’ve watched ice carve away from the spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier (twice); hiked the iconic trails around El Chaltén (twice); visited the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego (twice); and I’ve explored Chile’s spellbinding Torres del Paine National Park (once). Yet somehow I’ve never taken a proper road trip through its vast, wild landscapes. The post Epic drives: 5 best road trips in Patagonia appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Why we don’t mourn for daredevil adventurers | Atlas & Boots
In May 2024, I heard news that two hypothermic, frostbitten climbers were stranded near the summit of Denali, North America’s highest mountain. I scanned the reports for detail, but rangers would not release any information other than to say that the climbers were not from the United States. Why my interest? Because Peter, my partner of 14 years, was attempting to summit Denali at that exact same time. The summit rate at that point was a mere 15%, so even if Peter was okay, there was very little chance that he had reached the summit. The post Why we don’t mourn for daredevil adventurers appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Is the GR20 the toughest trek in Europe? | Atlas & Boots
There's no question. The GR20 in Corsica is a challenge. It requires early starts, long days and hiking along exposed, steep and technical terrain, but the rewards are myriad: sweeping views over jagged peaks and deep valleys, serene swims in natural pools, the thrill of navigating rugged alpine passes, and the deep satisfaction of completing a legendary trek. The post Is the GR20 the toughest trek in Europe? appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
10 best long-distance treks for beginners | Atlas & Boots
Trekking has been an enormous part of my life for decades. It has taken me through some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes on the planet, and I have met people from all over the world and made lasting friendships on the trail. The post 10 best long-distance treks for beginners appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
20 most beautiful mountains in the UK | Atlas & Boots
Alpine, Britain is not. In the UK, there are no sky-scraping summits; there are just 141 peaks over 1,000m (3,281ft), let alone the atmosphere-kissing eight-thousanders found in the great ranges of Asia. In fact, with an average mean elevation of just 162m (531ft), the UK is one of the world's lowest countries. The post 20 most beautiful mountains in the UK appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
7 best rail journeys that you can do on a budget | Atlas & Boots
Here at Atlas & Boots, we’ve long had differing opinions on the virtues of train travel. Peter believes it’s the best way to see a country: slow, sustainable, ground level. In contrast, I generally find it cramped and stressful. I like the romance of rail travel and would certainly like to do it more but, in reality, hauling a suitcase down a narrow corridor into a compartment full of strangers is not my idea of fun, nor is shared commode. The Orient Express and its ilk are a different matter of course, but they’re not exactly suited to a modest budget. The post 7 stunning rail journeys – for a modest budget appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
How much does it cost to climb the seven summits? (Updated for 2025) | Atlas & Boots
Our resident mountain aficionado and would-be seven summiteer crunches the numbers on how much it will cost to climb the seven summits How much does it cost to climb the seven summits? About $180,000 USD give or take $10k. Climbers could significantly reduce costs by foregoing luxuries, cutting corners and taking (even more) risks and get that figure to below $100,000. But we do not recommend this and certainly won’t be taking such unnecessary risks. The post How much does it cost to climb the seven summits? (Updated for 2025) appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Three ways to lace hiking boots to relieve discomfort | Atlas & Boots
Sometimes, hiking boots just need a bit longer to wear in and soften up. Other times, it can be a sign that you've not got the right footwear in the first place. Regardless, using these lacing techniques will provide a bit of relief in the short term. The post Three ways to lace hiking boots to relieve discomfort appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
Why mountains like Denali should keep their native names
The high point of my year was (literally) my summit of Denali, the highest peak in North America. It was my fourth mountain of the seven summits – arguably my fifth if you count Kosciuszko – leaving me Vinson in Antarctica and Everest in Asia. I said at the time that whether or not I climb any more of the seven is almost irrelevant. I will always have Denali, my ‘tall one’. The post 10,000 years a mountain: why Denali should keep its name appeared first on Atlas & Boots.
