Awesome Adventure Reads

Cycle touring

Alastair HumphreysMoods of Future JoysThunder and SunshineAlastair spent 4 years cycling around the world on a shoe string budget of £7000. He has since completed numerous other adventures and pioneered the microadventure movement.

Alastair Humphreys

Moods of Future Joys

Thunder and Sunshine

Alastair spent 4 years cycling around the world on a shoe string budget of £7000. He has since completed numerous other adventures and pioneered the microadventure movement.

Rob LilwallCycling Home From SiberiaWalking Home From MongoliaThe epic story of Rob cycling from Siberia to the UK; challenges include harsh winters, the high mountains of Tibet and passing through Afghanistan. It is told in a brutally honest manner…

Rob Lilwall

Cycling Home From Siberia

Walking Home From Mongolia

The epic story of Rob cycling from Siberia to the UK; challenges include harsh winters, the high mountains of Tibet and passing through Afghanistan. It is told in a brutally honest manner which makes for a fascinating read.

George MahoodFree CountryOperation IronmanHis first book 'Free Country' is absolutely hilarious. It tells the story of when George and his pal decided to cycle the length of the UK with no bikes, no money and no clothes. Genuinely made me laugh out …

George Mahood

Free Country

Operation Ironman

His first book 'Free Country' is absolutely hilarious. It tells the story of when George and his pal decided to cycle the length of the UK with no bikes, no money and no clothes. Genuinely made me laugh out loud.

Helen LloydDesert SnowA Siberian Winter's TaleDesert Snow recounts Helen’s journey cycling from the UK to South Africa solo! A really interesting book. Her second book about cycling in Siberia is equally as mental.

Helen Lloyd

Desert Snow

A Siberian Winter's Tale

Desert Snow recounts Helen’s journey cycling from the UK to South Africa solo! A really interesting book. Her second book about cycling in Siberia is equally as mental.

Steven Primrose-SmithHungry for MilesNo Place Like Home, Thank GodRoute BritanniaThe best thing about Steven's books are his sense of humour. My favourite is Hungry For Miles as it involves him and some unlikely strangers coming together for a miser…

Steven Primrose-Smith

Hungry for Miles

No Place Like Home, Thank God

Route Britannia

The best thing about Steven's books are his sense of humour. My favourite is Hungry For Miles as it involves him and some unlikely strangers coming together for a miserable time.

Mark BeaumontThe Man Who Cycled The WorldAfrica SoloThe Man Who Cycled the AmericasStories of pure endurance from the record breaking round the world cyclist. I am sure there will be another book out soon as he just smashed it again.

Mark Beaumont

The Man Who Cycled The World

Africa Solo

The Man Who Cycled the Americas

Stories of pure endurance from the record breaking round the world cyclist. I am sure there will be another book out soon as he just smashed it again.

Tom AllenJanapar: Love, On a BikeA Guide to Adventure Cycle TouringJanapar is Tom's story of cycling touring and finding love on the road. He also has a popular website 'tomsbiketrip' that has lots of useful tips and encouragement for touring.

Tom Allen

Janapar: Love, On a Bike

A Guide to Adventure Cycle Touring

Janapar is Tom's story of cycling touring and finding love on the road. He also has a popular website 'tomsbiketrip' that has lots of useful tips and encouragement for touring.

Leon MccarronThe Road Headed WestThe Land Beyond: A Thousand Miles on Foot Through the Heart of the Middle EastThe Road Headed West is the story of Leon’s 6000mile bike ride across the USA. Staying with strangers and discovering the 'real' America. …

Leon Mccarron

The Road Headed West

The Land Beyond: A Thousand Miles on Foot Through the Heart of the Middle East

The Road Headed West is the story of Leon’s 6000mile bike ride across the USA. Staying with strangers and discovering the 'real' America. Most recently published is 'The Land Beyond' about walking 1,000 miles through the Middle East.

running/walking

Jamie McDonaldAdventureman: Anyone Can Be a SuperheroA totally awe inspiring book about Jamie's 5,000 mile run across Canada to raise money for the children's charities that helped him as a kid. It is as heart warming as it is funny.

Jamie McDonald

Adventureman: Anyone Can Be a Superhero

A totally awe inspiring book about Jamie's 5,000 mile run across Canada to raise money for the children's charities that helped him as a kid. It is as heart warming as it is funny.

Anna McnuffThe Pants of Perspective50 shades of USAI think I might actually love Anna McNuff. Pants of Perspective tells the story of how she ran 3,000 miles, the length of New Zealand, Her writing style makes you feel like you are listening to a fr…

Anna Mcnuff

The Pants of Perspective

50 shades of USA

I think I might actually love Anna McNuff. Pants of Perspective tells the story of how she ran 3,000 miles, the length of New Zealand, Her writing style makes you feel like you are listening to a friend and encourages you to get your running shoes on.

Rosie Swale-Pope.Just a Little Run Around the WorldAfter losing her husband to cancer Rosie decided to run around the world to raise awareness and money for the cause. The 20,000 mile 5 year run took her through some crazy remote places; Russia, Ala…

Rosie Swale-Pope.

Just a Little Run Around the World

After losing her husband to cancer Rosie decided to run around the world to raise awareness and money for the cause. The 20,000 mile 5 year run took her through some crazy remote places; Russia, Alaska, Canada and Iceland to name a few. It is a genuinely impressive journey told in a humbling manner.

Levison WoodWalking the NileWalking the HimalayasWalking the AmericasEastern HorizonsSo far I have only read 'Walking the Nile' and 'Walking the Himalayas'. Reading about the countries and troubles that Levison encounters on his 9 month walk followi…

Levison Wood

Walking the Nile

Walking the Himalayas

Walking the Americas

Eastern Horizons

So far I have only read 'Walking the Nile' and 'Walking the Himalayas'. Reading about the countries and troubles that Levison encounters on his 9 month walk following the river Nile is throughly absorbing.

MOUNTAINEERING

Mark HorrellSeven Steps from Snowdon to EverestDocumenting the 10 years that Mark went from being an ordinary hill walker to standing on the summit of Everest. He has also written 10+ other books about his mountaineering exploits and has a popular b…

Mark Horrell

Seven Steps from Snowdon to Everest

Documenting the 10 years that Mark went from being an ordinary hill walker to standing on the summit of Everest. He has also written 10+ other books about his mountaineering exploits and has a popular blog.

W.E.BowmanThe Ascent of Rum Doodle (1956)This is the fictional tale of a mountaineering team trying to climb the highest mountain in the world 'Rum Doodle'. It is a total piss take on mountaineering adventure and is incredibly funny. 100% worth read…

W.E.Bowman

The Ascent of Rum Doodle (1956)

This is the fictional tale of a mountaineering team trying to climb the highest mountain in the world 'Rum Doodle'. It is a total piss take on mountaineering adventure and is incredibly funny. 100% worth reading.

Jamie AndrewLife and LimbIn 1999 Jamie and his friend were climbing in the French Alps when disaster struck. Jamie survived but lost all his four limbs to frostbite. This book tells the story of the climb, his time in hospital and his remarkable att…

Jamie Andrew

Life and Limb

In 1999 Jamie and his friend were climbing in the French Alps when disaster struck. Jamie survived but lost all his four limbs to frostbite. This book tells the story of the climb, his time in hospital and his remarkable attitude to recovery afterwards.

Jon KrakauerInto Thin AirInto The WildWell known as a legendary mountaineering author Jon Krakauer’s books live up to the hype. Into Thin Air documents the 1996 Everest disaster, in which 8 people died when a storm came in high up the mountain. It i…

Jon Krakauer

Into Thin Air

Into The Wild

Well known as a legendary mountaineering author Jon Krakauer’s books live up to the hype. Into Thin Air documents the 1996 Everest disaster, in which 8 people died when a storm came in high up the mountain. It is a stunning portrayal of the risks that people are willing to take and the decisions that surround them.

ocean adventures

Michael PalinErebus: The Story of a ShipBuilt in 1826 Erebus visited both Antarctica and the Arctic. She was lost during the Franklin expedition in an attempt to discover the north-west passage in 1845. Her remains were only discovered in 2014. This…

Michael Palin

Erebus: The Story of a Ship

Built in 1826 Erebus visited both Antarctica and the Arctic. She was lost during the Franklin expedition in an attempt to discover the north-west passage in 1845. Her remains were only discovered in 2014. This book tells the story of her voyages as well as those aboard her.

Ernest ShackletonSouth: The Endurance Expedition (Originally published in 1919)The original aim of the expedition was to be the first to traverse the Antarctic continent. All did not go to plan however. This first hand account written by Shackleton …

Ernest Shackleton

South: The Endurance Expedition (Originally published in 1919)

The original aim of the expedition was to be the first to traverse the Antarctic continent. All did not go to plan however. This first hand account written by Shackleton himself gives a detailed description of how the crew survived the ordeal. From becoming trapped in sea ice, to abandoning ship and having to set up home on Elephant Island before finally recounting the incredible rescue efforts.

Valerian AlbanovIn the Land of White DeathThis is an absolute treasure. Albanov was a Russian navigator upon the ill-fated 1912-1914 Brusilov expedition. The team set out to find new Arctic hunting grounds but just two months in they became trapped …

Valerian Albanov

In the Land of White Death

This is an absolute treasure. Albanov was a Russian navigator upon the ill-fated 1912-1914 Brusilov expedition. The team set out to find new Arctic hunting grounds but just two months in they became trapped in pack ice. Eighteen months later and Albanov and twelve other men attempted to get to land by themselves; building sledges and kayaks. Of the thirteen men to leave only Albanov and one other survived. Originally published in Russian in 1917, translated into French in 1928 and finally published in English in 2000.

Nicolas Tomlin and Ron HallThe Strange Last Voyage of Donald CrowhurstThe first non-stop single-handed round-the-world yacht race took place in 1968-69. Only nine sailors left and of them only one completed the journey. This book tells the story of …

Nicolas Tomlin and Ron Hall

The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst

The first non-stop single-handed round-the-world yacht race took place in 1968-69. Only nine sailors left and of them only one completed the journey. This book tells the story of Donald Crowhurst. Whose boat was found floating intact in the Atlantic Ocean eight months after setting off, with no sign of the sailor on board. Tomlin and Hall had to do a huge amount of digging in order to piece this story back together.

A Voyage for Madmen by Peter Nichols is another fantastic re-telling of this epic race.

OTHER INTERESTING ADVENTURES

Tim CopeOn the Trail of Genghis KhanOff the RailsIn 2004 Tim set off from Mongolia in the hope of reaching Hungary with just his horses and tent for company. 10,000km and more than 3 years later he completed his goal. However it is his tales of noma…

Tim Cope

On the Trail of Genghis Khan

Off the Rails

In 2004 Tim set off from Mongolia in the hope of reaching Hungary with just his horses and tent for company. 10,000km and more than 3 years later he completed his goal. However it is his tales of nomads, remoteness and the kindness of strangers that makes this book special. Oh, and his dog, Tigon.

Michael Finkel (author) about the life of Christopher Knight.The Stranger in the WoodsHere Be Monsters... 50 Days Adrift At SeaThe book documents Chris' 27 years living in solitude in the woods of rural Maine. Eventually he is found by society and a…

Michael Finkel (author) about the life of Christopher Knight.

The Stranger in the Woods

Here Be Monsters... 50 Days Adrift At Sea

The book documents Chris' 27 years living in solitude in the woods of rural Maine. Eventually he is found by society and after forming a connection with Finkel we are able to hear his story.

Here Be Monsters chronicles the incredible journey of three teenage boys adrift in the Pacific Ocean for 51 days.

Ed StaffordWalking the AmazonImagine setting off on a journey that you expect will take about a year. 2 1/2 years, 4,000 miles later you finally complete it. In 2010 Ed Stafford became the first person the walk the length of the river Amazon. This b…

Ed Stafford

Walking the Amazon

Imagine setting off on a journey that you expect will take about a year. 2 1/2 years, 4,000 miles later you finally complete it. In 2010 Ed Stafford became the first person the walk the length of the river Amazon. This book chronicles the highs and the lows of his journey as well as the characters he meets along the way.

Yossi GhinsbergLost in the JungleIn 1981 Yossi became lost in the Bolivian jungle. Originally starting out as a group of four, cracks soon emerged within the team and following a rafting accident Ghinsberg is left alone in the jungle with no shelter…

Yossi Ghinsberg

Lost in the Jungle

In 1981 Yossi became lost in the Bolivian jungle. Originally starting out as a group of four, cracks soon emerged within the team and following a rafting accident Ghinsberg is left alone in the jungle with no shelter, food or equipment. The three weeks that follow see him battling against the odds to stay alive.

Andrew SmithMoondustIn this book Smith realises that in the not so distant future there will be a time when no living being has stepped foot on the moon. Upon this realisation he sets out to interview the remaining astronauts from the Apollo mission…

Andrew Smith

Moondust

In this book Smith realises that in the not so distant future there will be a time when no living being has stepped foot on the moon. Upon this realisation he sets out to interview the remaining astronauts from the Apollo missions, trying to find out how the experience changed their lives and what they learnt.

Chris HadfieldAn Astronaut’s Guide to Life on EarthPart self-help, part space travel memoirs, Hadfield’s book is a captivating read. It will leave you with a much better knowledge of the astronaut selection and training process, as well as pondering…

Chris Hadfield

An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth

Part self-help, part space travel memoirs, Hadfield’s book is a captivating read. It will leave you with a much better knowledge of the astronaut selection and training process, as well as pondering your own life on earth.

Robyn DavidsonTracksIn 1977 Robyn set out on a 1,700 mile journey across the outback with only 4 camels and a dog for company. Overtly honest and articulate the journey is as emotional as it is compelling. Her relationship with the press along the w…

Robyn Davidson

Tracks

In 1977 Robyn set out on a 1,700 mile journey across the outback with only 4 camels and a dog for company. Overtly honest and articulate the journey is as emotional as it is compelling. Her relationship with the press along the way is equally as interesting.

Ray MearsMy Outdoor LifeAlso author of ‘Essential Bushcraft’ and ‘The Outdoor Survival Handbook’, this book gives an insight into what motivates the UK’s best known expert on bushcraft. Filled with interesting stories of far off places and people, i…

Ray Mears

My Outdoor Life

Also author of ‘Essential Bushcraft’ and ‘The Outdoor Survival Handbook’, this book gives an insight into what motivates the UK’s best known expert on bushcraft. Filled with interesting stories of far off places and people, it instills in the reader a healthy appreciation and respect for nature.