Alastair Humphreys

Alastair Humphreys is one of the most respected explorers and motivational speakers of his generation, described by none other than Sir Ranulph Fiennes as “the first great adventurer of the new millennium”. Known for pushing human limits across the world’s most extreme environments, Alastair has completed breathtaking feats including cycling 46,000 miles around the world, rowing the Atlantic Ocean, and trekking 1,000 miles across the Empty Quarter desert. His inspirational storytelling, filled with humour and honesty, challenges audiences to embrace adventure, overcome adversity, and achieve their personal and professional goals, however big or small.

After graduating from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Oxford, Alastair set out on his first major expedition in 2001—a four-year solo cycle journey through Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Russia. This life-changing journey inspired his first books, including Moods of Future Joys and The Boy Who Biked the World series. His adventures didn’t stop there; Alastair went on to run the Marathon des Sables, despite breaking his foot mid-race, walk across India, cross Iceland unsupported, and busk across Spain relying solely on his violin earnings—a true testament to his resilience and determination.

In 2011, Alastair coined the term “Microadventures”, a concept that has since inspired thousands to find meaningful adventure in their everyday lives. This ground-breaking idea earned him the title of National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year and led to the bestselling book Microadventures: Local Discoveries for Great Escapes. More recently, he has shared his philosophy in his 2024 TEDx Talk, “A World Traveler’s Year at Home”, encouraging audiences to reconnect with nearby nature and achievable adventures.

As a patron of Hope and Homes for Children, the Youth Adventurers Trust, the Outdoor Swimming Society, and the Yorkshire Dales Society, Alastair continues to inspire both through action and advocacy. His client list includes Google, TEDx, Facebook, and The Royal Geographical Society, and his talks cover topics such as motivation, resilience, goal-setting, and overcoming adversity. If you are seeking a speaker who will captivate, motivate, and empower your audience to achieve more than they ever thought possible, Alastair Humphreys is the perfect choice.