🌍 Congratulations to Our #GetOutDoStuff Travel Grant Winners! 🎉

Whether you dream of summiting mountains, cycling across continents, or simply taking that bold step into the unknown — you went for it. And we love to see it.

The applications for the #GetOutDoStuff Travel Grant were nothing short of inspiring. Thank you to everyone who shared their story and took the leap. Created in memory of David Martin to celebrate life, courage, and the joy of adventure, this grant exists to help turn “one day” into right now.

The passion and creativity in this year’s submissions blew us away. From wild cross-continent expeditions to deeply personal journeys closer to home, every application reminded us why we do what we do at Armchair Adventure Festival — championing brave ideas and inspiring more people to #GetOutDoStuff.

Thank you for being part of this brilliant, bold community. 🙌

🏆 Meet the Winners

Below are the amazing adventurers who have been awarded funding through this year’s grant — from micro explorations to life-changing expeditions.

🏅 THE #GETOUTDOSTUFF ARMCHAIR ADVENTURER CHOICE AWARD

Guliafshan Tariq

Drumroll please… 🥁

We’re absolutely delighted to announce that Guliafshan Tariq is your Armchair Adventurers’ Choice Award Winner!

Her adventure? Just a small thing really… a solo motorcycle ride from London to Pakistan. Casual. No big deal. 😉

But Wheels of Freedom is about far more than the miles (and there are a lot of miles). For Guliafshan, riding solo is her chosen form of freedom. Two wheels, open road, and the courage to set her own direction.

Every stretch of tarmac carries a powerful message: freedom starts with belief.

This journey is about breaking barriers — cultural, emotional, personal — and opening up conversations across communities and generations. It’s about visibility and showing women, in Pakistan and beyond, that possibility is still very much on the table.

By voting for Guliafshan, you’ve backed more than an epic ride. You’ve backed empowerment, representation, and a whole lot of brave energy.

We cannot wait to follow her progress as she rides east, carrying with her the support (and loud cheering) of the Armchair community.

Because women can.

And women absolutely will. 💪✨

🌟 THE #GETOUTDOSTUFF YOUNG ADVENTURER AWARD IN MEMORY OF ALISTAIR FARLAND

Seamus Mohan

This October, Seamus will be taking on an epic challenge: running 630 miles along the South West Coastal Path in just 21 days — and not just running, but leaving a positive mark on the environment along the way! Each day, he’ll combine ultramarathon running with beach cleaning, litter-picking, and restoring precious landscapes and wildlife habitats.

“I plan to complete 630 miles in 21 days along the coastal path carrying litter pickers and a bin bag, collecting as much rubbish as possible off the beaches,”

“I will be camping along the way, and hopefully a team will join me to smash this mega challenge together.”

This adventure isn’t just about pushing physical limits — it’s about making a difference. By combining ultra-running with environmental action, our Young Adventurer hopes to inspire a ripple effect, showing people that adventure and positive change can go hand in hand.

With previous experience running John o’ Groats to Lands End in 40 days, and a deep passion for protecting wildlife and natural habitats, this energetic “eco-warrior” is ready to lace up their trainers, grab some litter pickers, and leave the trails better than they found them.

Follow along on socials to see the adventure unfold, cheer them on, and get inspired to #GetOutDoStuff yourself! @SeaMooseTrailz

🚀 THE #GETOUTDOSTUFF MICRO-ADVENTURES AWARDS

Gina Allsop

Micro-Adventures Award winner, Gina, is taking on a brilliantly simple idea with seriously tough edges: paddling around every public pier in the UK, as fast as possible.

After covering 5,200 miles for charity in 2025, Gina wanted to bring things closer to home in 2026 — without making them any easier. The plan? Drive the country in a van, get as close as possible to each pier, then paddle around it. Sounds straightforward… until you factor in tides, weather, closed piers, and the need to wait for the right conditions before moving on.

This self-funded challenge will raise money for a veterans’ charity and promote positive mental health, causes close to Gina’s heart. A paddle sport instructor, Army Cadet Instructor, and seasoned endurance adventurer, Gina has already raised over £300,000 for charity through past challenges — from solo crossings of Scotland to a year-long journey ending at Everest Base Camp.

Along the way, she’ll be inviting locals, cadets, and curious passers-by to grab a paddle and join her. Because micro-adventures are better shared — and proving you don’t need to go far to do something big.

Father and Son Motorcycle Adventure

This year’s Micro-Adventures Award goes to a remarkable father-and-son duo, embarking on a journey that’s about adventure, connection, and raising awareness.

This summer the pair will ride from the UK to Spain and then loop through the Pyrenees, Napoleon’s road, and the Alps over 3–4 weeks. On a GS800 motorcycle, they’ll camp along the way, creating father-and-son memories for a lifetime.

The adventure is about more than miles. It’s about showing a 13-year-old the beauty of the real world, from the smells of the countryside to the challenges of rain, exhaustion, and getting lost. Along the way, they’ll explore the global Scouting network and share stories, connecting communities and experiences.

The trip also has a purpose: raising awareness about the crisis boys and young men face today, from loneliness to addiction, and inspiring young people to step into the world, embrace challenges, and build resilience.

With over 10 years of motorcycle experience and a lifetime of reporting and storytelling across the globe — from Libya to Japan — the father is bringing both adventure and perspective to this journey. Their plan is to journal the trip, pitch articles, and share insights, encouraging others to get out and do stuff, no matter the scale.

As the duo puts it: “Anyone who’s ever ridden a motorcycle with their child will relate — it’s terrifying and beautiful at the same time. The reward? Pure adventure, learning, and connection.”

We can’t wait to follow their journey and see the memories, challenges, and inspiration that come out of it.

Lynda Russell

We’re delighted to announce our latest Micro-Adventures Award winner! At 57, after surviving cancer and navigating life’s unexpected challenges, Lynda is setting out on an extraordinary journey: 1,000 miles on a lovingly restored pink Honda C90.

Her adventure is a series of four scenic loops through North Wales, the Lake District, Yorkshire, and the Peak District, taking quieter roads at a relaxed pace to fully appreciate the calm and beauty of the countryside. With camping stops along the way, she plans to recharge, reflect, and share meaningful moments with fellow riders.

This isn’t just about the miles—it’s about courage, resilience, and connection. Having only recently learned to ride, she’s using this adventure to gain confidence on two wheels, network with women in the biking community, and inspire others to pursue their own challenges.

On top of the personal journey, she’s riding to raise awareness and funds for breast and gynaecological cancers, causes close to her heart. Her pink Honda C90 is a symbol of hope, survival, and solidarity with all those affected.

Through her rides, she hopes to encourage others to embrace adventure, no matter the age or experience, and to show that even small journeys can create big impact—both personally and for the wider community.

🌟 Follow the Adventures & Join the Fun!

We can’t wait to see these incredible adventures unfold! Follow along on our socials for updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and inspiration from our brave grant winners — who knows, you might even catch some tips for your own next adventure.

If you love adventure stories, live talks, and discovering inspiring explorers from across the globe, the Armchair Adventure Festival is the place to be.

Come along to connect, learn, and be inspired in person!

🗓 Dates: 23rd - 26th July 26

📍 Location: Mount Edgcume, Cornwall

🎟 Tickets: Tickets are available now

Adventure awaits — see you at Armchair! 🌍✨