Photos can be downloaded here
Video can be viewed here
On the 18th March 2018 two British adventurers Ash Routen and Phil Sturgeon, in partnership with Sub Zero and SIGG successfully completed a 634 km expedition to walk across the world’s largest frozen lake – Lake Baikal.At 634 km long, the route taken by the team is equivalent to walking from London to Edinburgh, or doing 15 back-to-back marathons.
Ash Routen said: “We had a truly amazing experience. The scale, extremes of weather, and creaking and groaning of the ice on Lake Baikal were mind-blowing. It's an extremely beautiful place, and the Siberian people were so welcoming and supportive. It was difficult and humbling, and we now know a lot more about ourselves and our own capabilities. We’re extremely grateful for the support of Sub Zero and SIGG to help equip us for the trip, and we're now very excited to share our story through writing and talks".
Departing from the southern shores of Lake Baikal at Listvyanka, they walked along the western coast of the lake, before negotiating Olkhon island, and finishing in Severobaikalsk at the top of the lake. From here they took a two day train journey across Siberia back to the city of Irkutsk and their departure point.
Walking for 8-12 hours per day, Ash and Phil experienced temperatures down to -35 and below with wind chill. They consumed around 5,000 calories per day to maintain the necessary strength to pull the two sledges each, which contained around 80 kg of supplies to complete the journey.
They walked across large areas of uncovered ice (no snow cover), and negotiated small sections of open water, as well as ice rubble formed by colliding sheets of ice. They also stayed in a series of remote hut's where they saw a bear who was scared off with gunfire by a local ranger.
Expedition facts:
Distance covered: 634 km or 393 miles
Duration: 19 days
Temperature's experienced: zero to -35 degrees centigrade
Sledge weight: 70-80 kg at start of expedition
Max depth of lake: 1.6 km or 1.0 mile
Thickness of lake ice: 0.4 to 1.5 metres
Calories consumed: 5,000 per day
Changes of underwear: two
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For further information and interviews please contact Ash Routen, E: a.routen@gmail.com .
Notes to editors
- Ash Routen (31) lives in Leicester and is an academic at Loughborough University with a PhD in Physical Activity and Public Health. Ash has been on two previous ‘polar’ expeditions to Arctic Norway, as well as cycling the length of France, and is a regular hill walker. www.ashrouten.com
- Phil Sturgeon (50) lives in Southwell near Nottingham and is a self-employed plumber. Phil has been on a previous expedition to Arctic Norway with Ash, and has completed one of the world’s toughest endurance races – the Spine race. Phil is also a regular hill walker and rock climber.
- The expedition is supported by co-presenting partners Sub Zero and SIGG; supporting partners, Meteo Gib, Grangers, Blackfriars, Follow my Challenge and Fuelling your Adventures; and supplier partners Land Rover, Expedition Foods and Nordisk Outdoor; and Baikal based logistics partner Eugene Kaplunenko of A-B tours.
- Sub Zero Technology Ltd is an award winning independent technical outdoor clothing and kit store. Sub Zero have been designing and manufacturing technical outdoor clothing in their Leicestershire factory since 1969. A pioneer in outdoor clothing development, Sub Zero have won multiple industry awards as well as being chosen for the Design Councils 'Millennium Product'. They are proud to say their garments are Made in Great Britain – www.subzero.co.uk.
- Born in Switzerland over 100 years ago, SIGG today refreshes the world with stunning design and excellent quality. Its Swiss Made, reusable aluminium bottles are much more than drinking vessels. They are artists’ canvases with some masterpieces earning a place in New York’s Museum of Modern Art. SIGG bottles are innovative, functional, go-anywhere and totally suited for leisure and sporting activities. SIGG is the world market leader and usual winner in consumer tests and sets the competitive pace. Their lightweight and practicality qualify SIGG bottles as vital equipment for adrenalin-hungry adventurers and mountaineers. At lower altitudes, film stars and super models confirm their status as a ‘must-have’ lifestyle accessory. And with 100% recyclability designs, continual innovation and products for all ages and tastes, SIGG proves it has a real thirst for tomorrow – www.uk.sigg.com.