A British explorer has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first person to reach seven out of the eight most remote locations on Earth. Chris Brown, aged 63, has set out on a mission to visit all eight Poles of Inaccessibility (PIAs), which are the farthest points on continents or oceans in any direction. He has successfully reached six of these locations in North America, South America, Africa, Australia, Antarctica, and the oceanic pole at Point Nemo in the Pacific Ocean.
The Point Nemo location is incredibly isolated, closer to the International Space Station as it orbits overhead than to any dry land. Chris recently reached his seventh PIA by conquering the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility, situated approximately 400 miles from the geographic North Pole. He now holds the record as the first individual to reach seven PIAs, with only one remaining – the Eurasian pole in northwestern China. Notably, Chris is also the father of Olympic bobsleigh athlete Axel Brown.
Originally from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Chris faced a setback in 2019 when his attempt to reach the Northern Pole failed. Undeterred, he persisted, stating, “Never give up. Just never give up.” His recent achievement at the Arctic PIA proves his determination and resilience in pursuing his goals.
Over the years, numerous explorers have attempted to reach the Northern PIA, encountering challenges such as extreme cold, moving ice, and its remote location. Despite past efforts by explorers like Sir Wally Herbert and Jim McNeill, the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility remains a difficult and elusive destination.
Chris’s successful expedition to the Northern PIA in 2021 was made possible by boarding the icebreaker ‘Le Commandant Charcot.’ He navigated the icy terrain, eventually reaching the designated coordinates with the support of his team. During the journey, they also visited the geographic North Pole, where Chris engaged in various Arctic activities, including hiking, skiing, and kayaking.
Encountering Arctic wildlife along the way, Chris observed Arctic Foxes, walruses, humpback whales, and polar bears. The Northern Pole of Inaccessibility offers only 30 minutes of sunlight each day, adding to its mystique and allure for explorers.
In acknowledgment of his accomplishment, Chris expressed gratitude to Captain Patrick Marchesseau and his team for their support in reaching the Arctic PIA. To follow Chris’s adventures and learn more about the Poles of Inaccessibility, visit brown.co.uk and inaccessibility.net.
