Planning a Microadventure with Alastair Humphreys

“It’s funny, I’ve been reading all about adventures for 15 years, but it took me that long to learn that there are so many ways to live adventurously.”

Alastair Humphreys is an English adventurer, author and motivational speaker. He’s written 13 books, he’s a podcaster and produces a monthly newsletter called Shouting from the Shed. He was named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in 2012 and he’s partially responsible for the rise of the idea of the Microadventure – short, local and accessible adventures.

Alastair’s Adventures Great and Micro

Alastair has earned the title of an intrepid adventurer. He’s raced a yacht across the Atlantic Ocean, cycled around the world for 4 years and holds the record as one of the ten fastest Brits to complete the Marathon des Sables – despite breaking his foot during the race. And, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Back in 2011, Alastair’s adventure focus shifted though, and he became more interested in “Microadventures” and encouraging people to explore closer to home. He wants everyone to get out, get fit and add more adventure into their busy lives.

Adventure is becoming more accessible

“It’s brilliant that ‘adventuring’ is becoming a more normal part of life. There are still the elite few at the top doing extreme stuff, but more and more people are being inspired to do the smaller things and stretch themselves from there. Almost anyone can say, “I’m off on an adventure this weekend,” and they won’t get looked at funny.

• Try not to force your kids into doing adventurous things. Instead lead by example: don’t sit inside, glued to a screen. Inspire them with your stories and invite them along on adventures.
• Sometimes the simplicity of adventure can be under-appreciated. Stepping outside and trying something new, can get you away from the complications of life.