A Harrogate adventurer has become the first person in history to reach seven of the world’s most remote locations, known as Poles of Inaccessibility.
Chris Brown, 63, has been on a long-running mission to visit all eight of these extreme points, which are defined as the spots on land or sea that are furthest from a coastline in every direction.
He has already reached them in North America, South America, Africa, Australia, Antarctica and at Point Nemo in the Pacific Ocean.
His latest achievement was at the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility, roughly 400 miles from the geographic North Pole.
This milestone makes him the first individual to visit seven Poles of Inaccessibility, leaving only the Eurasian point in north-west China still on his list.
Chris, who is a tech entrepreneur and father-of-two, had previously attempted the Northern Pole in 2019 but was forced to abandon the effort due to political restrictions and poor conditions.
Speaking after completing the journey, he said:
“This one feels like it has been a long time coming. When I set myself the target of visiting all the poles of inaccessibility, I thought maybe three or four would be achievable. But here we are! Never give up. Just never give up.
"No matter how hard your dreams may seem, keeping working and see what happens.
"The Arctic may be warmer than the Antarctic, but the shifting ice flows and currents make this PIA almost as difficult to achieve.”
Explorers have attempted the Northern Pole for decades, but the moving sea ice and harsh Arctic environment have meant previous efforts often fell short.
Some expeditions claimed success without evidence, while others were forced to turn back due to dangerous ice conditions.
Chris finally succeeded this September after travelling aboard the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot. The ship diverted course to bring him within a kilometre of the pole’s coordinates, from where he completed the final stretch on foot with a small team. He reached the location on 18th September.
During the voyage, Chris also visited the geographic North Pole and took part in Arctic activities including skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, and an “Arctic Plunge” into waters measured at -2°C.
He reported sightings of Arctic foxes, walruses, humpback whales, and polar bears during the journey.
At the pole itself, there is just half an hour of daylight each day.
Chris expressed gratitude to those who supported the mission, saying:
“I’d like to thank Captain Patrick Marchesseau for his support in reaching this Arctic Pole of Inaccessibility and his skill in navigating Arctic waters.
"I’d also like to thank Sigurdur Sveinsson and Simika Best for bringing this vessel’s capabilities to my attention and support in my adventures.”
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