When we’re not outdoors, we get our adventure fix by exploring social media and the web. Here are some of the best adventure links we’ve discovered this week.
Record Run on the Pyrenean Haute Route: In July, Dutch ultra-runner Noor van der Veen set a new supported fastest known time (FKT) on the Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne. She completed the 690km route, with approximately 45,700m of ascent, in 10 days, 11 hours, and 38 minutes. In this interview, she discusses the decision to undertake this as a supported challenge, the impact of fatigue on her body, and why this was easier than running a marathon.
The French Spiderman Reflects on Free Soloing, Death, and Quantum Physics: Alain Robert, dubbed the French Spiderman, is often portrayed as an eccentric, slightly crazy climber. In a recent biography with forewords by Alex Honnold and Alexander Huber, Robert’s climbing accomplishments are taken seriously.
Long before it was popular, Robert was free soloing every day. He made the first and second free solo ascents of a 5.13d. Many of his free solos remain unrepeated. He has also scaled hundreds of buildings. Now 63, he reflects on his life and discusses why he has no plans to stop climbing.
Free soloing ‘Courage Fuyons’ (5.113/7a) in Buoux, France. Photo: Alain Robert
An Teallach, Scotland
Scotland’s Ultimate Mountain Walk: Ben Weeks describes a full traverse of An Teallach in the Scottish Highlands. Often overlooked, Weeks thinks it might be Britain’s best mountain, with multiple summits and two Munros.
Weeks starts in Corrie Hallie, crosses moorland and then scrambles up steep, pathless slopes, before taking on the famous “Bad Step” and “Lord Berkley’s Seat,” with its overhanging edges and significant exposure. However, there are bypass options for much of the route, making it possible for most walkers.
Intrepid Rangers Carry Wallabies in Backpacks to New Home: Rangers in eastern Victoria, Australia, recently carried five captive-bred brush-tailed rock wallabies in their backpacks to release them into the wild. It is part of a wider conservation program to increase the population and genetic diversity of the critically endangered species. After zipping the wallabies into their backpacks, the rangers carried the wriggling animals for three hours to the East Gippsland National Park.
Photo: Parks Victoria
Look out for meteorites
Highland Hillwalkers Asked to Look Out for Space Rocks: Researchers are asking hillwalkers in the Scottish Highlands to help find meteorite fragments. Observers spotted a meteor shooting across the sky on July 3, and the UK Fireball Alliance has pinpointed a 20km fall zone. They are asking walkers to wrap any fragments they find in foil or clean sandwich bags and hand them in. For larger fragments, walkers can record the GPS location so that researchers can collect them.
After a Trump Pardon, This Shark Diver Is Putting His Life Back Together: Tanner Mansell, a Florida shark-diving guide, believed he was doing the right thing in August 2020 when he freed 19 sharks and a goliath grouper from a longline. Many of the fish were protected species, and the government prohibits longlines in many areas across the state. Then, in 2022, a court convicted Mansell of theft for cutting the line, which was revealed to be legally permitted for shark research. In May 2025, Mansell received a surprise full pardon from President Trump.
Photo: Tanner Mansell
Deadly cow attacks
Grim Reminder of a Danger Most Hikers Ignore: An 85-year-old hiker was killed when a herd of nine cows, including three calves, charged while he was walking with his wife and dog in Styria, Austria. Nearby hikers administered first aid, but the man died of his injuries. Austria has introduced legally binding rules for hikers, including keeping dogs leashed and avoiding getting between cows and calves, to help prevent further injuries or deaths.
