Scots couple head into the wild

Husband and wife in 1,900-mile Alaska expedition that will see them kayak, bike and run across ‘very, very wild’ terrain

Explorers Hazel and Luke Robertson have set out on a major expedition to traverse the length of Alaska.

Adverse weather has already hampered the challenge, with the Perthbased Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s (RSGS) explorers in residence forced to delay their start by 48 hours.

The Stonehaven husband and wife have now begun their 80-day, 1,900mile journey, which will see them kayak, bike and run from the southernmost to northernmost points of the mainland.

They will pass through the Yukon region of Canada along the way and expect to face all manner of challenges en-route, not least the weather.

They set out from Ketchikan, Alaska on Sunday and will spend the next 20 or so days kayaking 400 miles up the Inside Passage of the Pacific Ocean to Haines.

Speaking from Alaska as they embarked upon what has been named Expedition Due North: Alaska, Hazel said: “Everything about this place feels big, raw and very, very wild.

“We cannot wait to explore this vast wilderness over the next few months and to share this journey with people back home via social media.

“The temperate ‘rain’-forest region that we’re paddling through is already living up to its name and it’s been pretty wet so far.

“We’re sure there’ll be plenty of sunny days to come, though, especially with the 24-hour daylight we’ll encounter as we head high above the Arctic Circle.”

Luke added: “It’s a been a real team effort to get us to the start line and we’d like to thank so many people for their help, in particular the RSGS for its support and everyone that’s donated to Marie Curie, too.”

RSGS chief executive Mike Robinson said: “There is danger and challenge in every step so we will be following them closely as they progress.

“Some of us would have liked to go with them but apparently there was no space in their kayak so we will make do with updates via the website and social media.”

Among those who will be following the journey closely will be school pupils across the country who will use the expedition as a learning experience, thanks to Education Scotland.

Luke and Hazel’s progress can be followed live on their website at duenorthalaska.com.

There is danger and challenge in every step so we will be following them closely as they progress

High adventure: Luke and Hazel Robertson’s progress on Expedition Due North: Alaska can be viewed online.