Adventurer Alastair Humphreys

Alastair Humphreys is one of National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year, a distinguished speaker and a best-selling author. Alastair’s expeditions are intentionally diverse, but they all share a common message: nothing is achieved without the courage to start.

Alastair’s adventures have resulted in numerous inspiring stories, proving his belief that small goals can lead to extraordinary achievements. He has cycled around the world, covering 46,000 miles across 60 countries and 5 continents. This epic journey was hailed by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes as the first great adventure of the new millennium. Alastair has walked across southern India, rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, run the Marathon des Sables, crossed Iceland by foot and packraft, trekked in the Arctic, and walked 1000 miles through the Empty Quarter desert in Oman, following the path of his hero, Wilfred Thesiger. In 2016, Alastair retraced Laurie Lee's footsteps by walking through Spain. While Lee played his violin in bars for food, Alastair, lacking musical talent, set out to learn the violin. Despite admitting he was ‘terrible’, Alastair faced his fears, left his money and credit card behind, and played in Spanish streets to complete his journey, often hungry but never starving.

Alastair’s award-winning concept of microadventures—short, adventurous journeys close to home—encourages people to embark on their own adventures, enhancing physical health, mental well-being, and the elusive work/life balance. The message is clear: in every situation, you can focus on constraints and obstacles, or you can look for opportunities. As Alastair explains, microadventures promote 5 to 9 thinking—an innovative mindset that extends beyond adventure. This concept earned Alastair the title of National Geographic's Adventurer of the Year in 2012. His books, blogs, videos, short films, photographs, and social media platforms showcase his exceptional creativity and are celebrated by an international audience.

A highly sought-after corporate speaker, Alastair’s messages are valued for their authenticity and the lessons learned from tackling new challenges in various settings. He intentionally avoids becoming an expert in any single niche, believing that planning diverse expeditions requires careful consideration of future challenges, a willingness to accept the unexpected, and the confidence to figure things out along the way. In an age of instant gratification, his expeditions demonstrate the passion needed to pursue long-term goals with determination and flexibility. Reviews from diverse sectors highlight Alastair’s contagious enthusiasm.

Feedback consistently highlights that Alastair’s talks are entertaining and deliver powerful messages about self-belief, creative thinking, innovation, change, finding opportunities within constraints, personal and team development, facing challenges, work-life balance, the rewards of risk, staying motivated, and setting small targets to achieve big goals. Corporate clients from all sectors appreciate Alastair’s ability to tailor his presentations to their needs, using his many adventures to deliver engaging and humorous talks. Accompanied by superb photographs, his presentations demonstrate the power of positive thinking and provide the motivation and practical steps needed to start, make changes, and focus on important goals, whatever they may be.

Alastair’s presentations are inspiring, down-to-earth, quick-witted, honest, and energetic, challenging audiences to set more ambitious goals and strive for more. He reminds everyone that nothing is accomplished without the boldness to begin and encourages people to believe in themselves and their potential.

Alastair has published nine books (including three for children), and he is an avid photographer, award-winning short filmmaker, popular blogger, and motivational speaker. He is a patron of the Youth Adventure Trust, Hope and Homes for Children, the Outdoor Swimming Society, and the Yorkshire Dales Society.

Speaking Topics:

• Self-belief
• Creative thinking
• Motivation
• Innovation
• Change
• Finding opportunities within constraints
• Personal and team development
• Facing challenges

To book microadventurer Alastair Humphreys or for more information, contact our Entertainment Specialists today.