Earlier this year, John, Ian, and the team at Summit to Sea undertook a momentous challenge – to climb Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador, and then to follow the Amazon River from its highest source on the summit to the Atlantic Ocean, travelling through 5000km of wilderness. This expedition would be a world first.
This adventure was inspired by David Bathgate, the father of expedition leader John. In 1968, mountaineer David decided he wanted to follow this route along the Amazon but was never able to do so. His son was inspired to complete this challenge for his father, while raising awareness and funds for our natural world and mental health, supporting charities Rainforest Concern, RV1UK and Royal Marines Charity.