A British explorer is set to take on one of the most challenging solo expeditions of her career. Camilla Hempleman-Adams, 32, has announced her ambitious goal to become the first woman to traverse Canada’s Baffin Island alone. This historic adventure will test her endurance against some of the harshest conditions the Arctic can throw at her, with temperatures expected to plummet to as low as -40 degrees Celsius.
Over the course of two weeks, Hempleman-Adams plans to cover 150 miles, moving on foot and by ski, all the time pulling along her sledge. The expedition will begin on March 13, 2025, with her father, Sir David Hempleman-Adams, accompanying her part of the way. The seasoned adventurer will help her prepare and will be waiting at the finish line to support her when she completes the trek.
Reflecting on her childhood surrounded by adventurers, Hempleman-Adams stated, “I have two sisters and growing up in a family of explorers, our dad would always encourage us to take on challenges regardless of our gender – it’s a nightmare when we get together to play games at Christmas.” Her family's history of exploration has deeply influenced her, sparking her intense desire to break boundaries.
Previously, she made headlines as the youngest British female to ski to the North Pole at just 15 years old, proving she has both the experience and the determination to tackle this latest expedition. Her previous foray across Baffin Island two years ago solidified her belief, saying, “I thought, I can do this solo.”
The undertaking will traverse the breathtaking yet unforgiving terrain of Auyuittuq National Park, from Qikiqtarjuaq to Pangnirtung. “I want to show other women out there…that boundaries can be broken and I hope this expedition inspires more women to take on adventures and challenges of their own,” she emphasized, highlighting the expedition's motivational aims.
Facing winds of up to 68 mph, Hempleman-Adams is fully aware of the physicality required during her challenge, having rigorously prepared for months. Her training regimen has emphasized building her strength, including weight training, cardio workouts, and practicing pulling heavy tires over various terrains. She is committed to not only completing the trek but to do so with the fortitude her family has exemplified.
To document her trek and share her experience, Hempleman-Adams will maintain a daily online blog, updating followers on her progress and challenges. “This is about showing the world what it takes to push through the impossible, and hopefully, through my blog, I can inspire others to take risks,” she remarked.
The expedition is being supported by Torabhaig Distillery, based on the Isle of Skye. Emma Sprackling from the distillery stated, “Camilla has an incredible explorer family pedigree, and we’ve loved supporting her father’s expeditions over the years, but this solo Arctic adventure is all about inspiring younger women to follow in her footsteps.” This partnership underlines the collective effort to spotlight female contributions to adventure and exploration.
Hempleman-Adams is set to shine light on the impact of climate change, particularly within the Arctic and its local Inuit communities. Her expedition aims not just to showcase her personal capabilities but also to bring attention to pressing issues facing these vulnerable regions. The dramatic effects of climate change are impacting local communities and their traditional ways of life, something Hempleman-Adams wants to highlight through her adventure.
Temperatures expected during her expedition will oscillate sharply, with daily ranges anticipated between -20C and -40C. Such extreme conditions are not only testing her physical limits but also require rigorous mental preparation and resilience, qualities she embodies as she embarks on this challenging but hopeful quest.
By attempting this traverse, she is destined to carve out her legacy, paving the way for future adventurers to follow, especially women aspiring to follow their dreams without any limitations. With the dual intent of motivating and advocating for change, Camilla Hempleman-Adams prepares for her remarkable and historic solo expedition across Baffin Island.