Knoydart Update
Location: Basecamp Hartz, Scotland
7 August 2026
An update from the Chief Leader
Thankfully, the weather has been kind to us since deployment, helping to keep spirits high as the teams settle into life on expedition. One of the most encouraging aspects of the first day has been seeing how quickly the Fires have re-formed following their training week back in May. The friendships, teamwork and resilience developed during training are already evident.
Of course, every expedition brings its share of difficulties. Over the coming days there will undoubtedly be moments when the weather turns against us, when midges become relentless, when food supplies feel repetitive, or when blisters begin to make each step a little harder. These are all part of the experience, and often the moments that provide the greatest opportunities for growth and learning.
What gives us confidence is knowing the calibre of the young people taking part and the exceptional team of leaders supporting them. As the Fires make their way through to one of the UK mainland’s most remote locations, we look forward to hearing stories of their progress, achievements and adventures.
On behalf of the entire expedition team, I wish all our intrepid Young Explorers every success on their journey.
Nick, Chief Leader Knoydart 2026
Photo: Knoydart Basecamp team
Knoydart Update
Location: Basecamp Hartz, Scotland
6 August 2026
An update from the Chief Leader
While much of the UK continues to experience drought conditions and desperately dry weather, Scotland has been reminding us exactly why it has such a reputation for rain. After a day and a half of heavy downpours, we were delighted to welcome the Young Explorers to Fort William on Wednesday evening. Despite the wet welcome, spirits were high, and the dramatic Highlands scenery certainly made up for the weather as everyone arrived ready for the adventure ahead.
The first few days of an expedition are always a whirlwind, and Hartz Knoydart 2026 has certainly begun in that spirit. After a long and intensive travel day, our Young Explorers arrived at Basecamp Hartz in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. While everyone was understandably tired from the journey, there was also a real sense of excitement as the adventure ahead began to feel very real.
The pace didn’t slow down once we arrived. Following a busy evening of final preparations, kit checks and briefings, the Basecamp team successfully deployed all three Fires (Rum, Canna and Eigg) from Glenfinnan to begin their ambitious expedition into the remote and rugged Knoydart Peninsula.
Nick, Chief Leader Knoydart 2026
Photo: Basecamp Hartz
What’s in a name?
In recognition of their commitment and generous support of British Exploring Society our supporters have the opportunity to name a Basecamp.
Basecamp Hartz is named in recognition of the Hartz family.
Kyrgyzstan Update
Location: Basecamp Raymond, Kyrgyzstan
6 August 2026
After a few days of acclimatisation and refreshing critical first aid skills, the Fires are now out of Basecamp exploring the National Park. We’ve had vulture, eagle, kite, marmot, and mammal sightings, insightful discussions with locals, and, at Basecamp, plenty of practice herding cattle.
Sending congratulations on graduations and birthday wishes to everyone at home.
Photo: Fires learn about how to prevent and manage heat exertion.
Kyrgyzstan Update
Location: Kol Tor Lake
6 August 2026
Photo: Fire 1 at Kol Tor Lake
Kyrgyzstan Update
Location: Kol Tor Lake
6 August 2026
Photo: Birthday celebrations
Kyrgyzstan Update
Location: Basecamp Raymond, Kyrgyzstan
29 July 2026
What’s in a name?
In recognition of their commitment and generous support of British Exploring Society our supporters have the opportunity to name a basecamp.
Basecamp Raymond is named in recognition of the late Roger Raymond, founder of the Roger Raymond Charitable Trust.
Photos: Kyrgyzstan Young Explorers at Basecamp Raymond; Basecamp Raymond
Kyrgyzstan Update
Location: Basecamp Raymond, Kyrgyzstan
28 July 2026
It’s been a busy 72 hours for the Kyrgyzstan expedition. After our initial travel and herding some overly interested cows, we have completed Day 1 of altitude acclimation at Basecamp Raymond.
- Fires have been for day hikes
- Updated and refreshed latrine facilities have been created
- All are settling into camp life and spirits are high (over 2000m high!)
However we are all chomping at the bit to start our independent Fire adventures – with just a few more days at base camp before we head out!
Tomorrow we start to plan routes, re-pack kit, technical workshops and final preparations for our adventures to continue.
We will document and update as much as our remote region allows. There is no signal at base camp and surroundings, in case you are wondering about lack of words from us.
The sun is out, the valley is a lush green and the mountains watch over. We are safe, we are chipper and we are ready.
Sending love to all back at home.
Kyrgyzstan, over and out.
Kyrgyzstan Update
Location: London Heathrow Airport, UK
26 July 2026
Our Main Party group of Young Explorers and Leaders set off from London Heathrow Airport for Kyrgyzstan on Sunday. After a journey through Istanbul, we had confirmation that they arrived safely in Bishkek on Monday morning, and now begin their journey to Base Camp.
Photo: Kyrgyzstan Young Explorers at Heathrow Airport
HQ Update
Location: British Exploring Society Archive, London, UK
21 July 2026
This year we have expeditions going to Kyrgyzstan and Knoydart. We’ve done three expeditions to Kyrgyzstan in the past, the first being to the Tien Shan Mountains, 27 years ago in 1999. This year’s Kyrgyzstan expedition will be in the At Bashi Mountains, where the last two expeditions (2022, 2023) also went. Our Young Explorers will be departing for Kyrgyzstan later this week, and will be out in the wilderness for the next month.
Photo: Base camp in the Tien Shan Mountains, 1999.
HQ Update
Location: Kit Stores, London, UK
20 July 2026
This week our HQ Team are hard at work in the British Exploring Society kit store, divvying out the equipment for each expedition. Amongst the kit are core things like tents, sleeping mats and bags, cooking equipment, and medical equipment.
There’s also lots of specialist kit for science and media based activities which will take place on expedition – each expedition’s Knowledge programme has been designed by our expert volunteer Leaders whose backgrounds range from meteorology and videography to everything in between.
More updates coming soon.