Global adventurer takes on hiking challenge from Bower to Orkney in grim conditions
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A Bower man who has undertaken tortuous walking journeys across the world took on a challenge closer to home that proved every bit as arduous.
Chaz Powell set off from Bower in harsh wintry conditions to reach the most northerly part of the British Isles in Shetland, taking photographer Katie Taylor, and videographer Amy Warren along to record the adventure. A series of professional images by Katie are reproduced here, detailing the 12-day journey across the frozen landscapes of Caithness, Orkney and Shetland as the team head to Unst.
Chaz said: "I'd been on the land during the autumn and winter months and had been pretty much exposed to the harsh elements during that time – especially the high winds and cold temperatures.
"It gave me the idea of facing these conditions head on, in the way of an extreme expedition."
The idea for the expedition was to hike from his home in Bower and then across the Orkney and Shetland Islands, until reaching the furthest northern point of the British Isles.
"I was joined by photographer Katie Taylor, and videographer Amy Warren during the trek," he added. "We all wild camped in the difficult windy, cold and wet conditions whilst all the time walking north each day – filming and documenting the journey as we went."
Chaz said it took the team 12 days to reach their final destination and during that time they had walked over 100 miles and taken four different ferry crossings. Logistics were also difficult, as the ferries kept getting cancelled and even when they were running, the conditions were "extremely wild and rocky".
"The expedition was about proving to myself that I can face the extreme conditions head on and also that adventure can happen anywhere – even from our own front doors.
"The locals we met along the way all said we were 'mad'. But the kindness and hospitality we received from them was second to none."
The 41-year-old was awarded with the honorary title of Explorer of the Year 2021 after 17 years of remote travel and exploration. Originally from Newport in Shropshire, Chaz received the accolade through the Scientific Exploration Society and its annual honorary award scheme. His ongoing project is called The Wildest Journey – the aim of which is to walk the length of classic rivers by foot, to raise awareness and funding for wildlife conservation and anti-poaching measures in Africa.
Chaz also runs expeditions, taking groups on treks along the length of the UK’s longest rivers and national parks. These focus on utilising expedition and survival skills in mountain, river and forest-based environments.
Whilst not out on his various adventures, Chaz lives in a remote area of Caithness and chooses to live off the land in as "wild and sustainable" way as possible. In a previous article from October 2021, he said: "I moved to Bower earlier this year after having lived in a van and out of a backpack most of my adult life. I chose Bower because I wanted to be able to live on a big plot of land and start living a wholesome off-grid life here. It really does tick all the boxes for me."
There will be a short film released about the journey soon. For more information head over to Chaz's Instagram page @thewildestjourney
Chaz also has a website detailing his other adventures at www.thewildestjourney.com/
Related article:
To Bower and beyond as Chaz is voted Explorer of the Year
