ADVENTURE:

THIS IS ALASTAIRHumphries, ALASTAIR Humphries, stuck in a box. The acclaimed author and adventurer volunteered to spend three days locked in a box in the Coniston Fells of Cumbria to show what happens when people are denied access to the outdoors.

Al, it turns out, went slightly stir crazy. At the same time, a group of five youngsters explored the same fells for the very first time, loving every minute. The project was dreamed up by the YHA to show the importance of ‘green exercise’ – and plain ol’ walking.

Said Alastair: “Three days seems like nothing, but when the ability to go outside when you want, and the mental stimulation that goes with it, is taken away from you, it’s a huge shock.”

You can watch the results in the YHA’s beautiful short film, The Adventure Effect – and even better is the moment when the kids release him and they unite for a splendid day in the hills. You can find it all at www.yha.org.uk/adventureeffect

The youngsters explored the hills above the YHA’s Coniston Coppermines hostel.

Alastair in his box, and (inset) on his release.