Exploring Extremes: Oli France’s Journey from Lowest to Highest Points on Every Continent

Oli France, an adventurer from Wigan, is on an extraordinary mission to become the first person to travel from the lowest geographical point to the highest on all seven continents using only human power. Having completed two of the seven legs of his journey, he recently returned from a 3,556-mile trek from Death Valley in California to Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America.

Oli’s passion for adventure began in childhood. “I was the kid in class, staring out the window, wanting to be outdoors,” he laughs. “I grew up playing sports like football and rugby.”

It was a chance outing to the Lake District, and one of his first attempts at rock climbing really sparked his ambition to become an adventurer. “That moment felt like I’d found something I’d been searching for. I absolutely loved it.”

Oli dived headfirst into a degree in outdoor leadership, learning from some of the UK’s best instructors. “I got into travel, adventure, and planning expeditions, which set the ball rolling.”

Since graduating, Oli has dedicated his life to adventure, guiding people to some of the world’s wildest and most remote places. But for a decade, the Ultimate Challenge has been lingering in Oli’s mind. “It’s the biggest physical, mental, and logistical challenge I’ve ever taken on. It’s my chance to make my mark in the world of adventure.”

“I’ve spent a long time thinking about it, a long time wondering if it’s even possible,” he grins. “And there’s only one way to find out!”

And so, Oli set off on the adventure of a lifetime. His journey began in Africa, travelling from Lac Assal, Djibouti, the continent’s lowest point, to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, the highest. He cycled through deserts in 45-degree heat and encountered hostile locals. “Every day brought hundreds of interactions, mostly positive,” Oli says. He even met Maasai warriors who attempted to conquer his fear of lion attacks. “They said my red bike and panniers would bring me luck because lions fear the colour red.” It worked, and Oli completed the African leg unscathed.

“During our climb, there were two fatalities, one of whom we saw being helicoptered off the mountain. It was a stark reminder of the mountain’s dangers.”

The North American leg, from California to Alaska, was marked by isolation. “At one point, it was 330 miles between towns—which is equivalent to travelling from London to Edinburgh with just a couple of gas stations in between,” Oli recalls. Unlike Africa, where he cycled through densely populated areas, North America’s vast wilderness required meticulous preparation. “There were days when I ran very low on food and water, cycling 10 to 12 hours without any human interaction or phone signal.”

Oli admits to having doubts early on. “Three days in, my body was already in agony. I was cycling into headwinds and behind schedule. I wondered if I’d bitten off more than I could chew.” But his determination prevailed. “I didn’t want to be the person who gave up. I wanted to make my children proud.”

Cycling through the stunning Yukon Territories in Canada and Alaska, Oli was captivated by the wilderness. “The snowy mountains, endless pine forests, and wildlife were incredible. I lost myself in that beauty.” However, reaching the Yukon also meant approaching his ultimate North American goal: Mount Denali.

“Denali was the hardest mountain I’ve ever climbed,” Oli says. Unlike most climbers who fly into base camp, Oli and his team skied 122 kilometres through the Alaskan wilderness, crossing glaciers and rivers to reach the base. “Denali is extremely cold and windy, prone to multi-day storms. We experienced temperatures down to minus 30 degrees Celsius and very strong winds.”

The climb required meticulous preparation and decision-making. “Even experienced mountaineers can struggle on Denali. During our climb, there were two fatalities, one of whom we saw being helicoptered off the mountain. It was a stark reminder of the mountain’s dangers.”

“We’re very privileged to have forests, mountains, and lakes right in our backyard.”

From encounters with moose, wolves, and bears in North America to cycling through Africa’s populated areas, Oli’s adventures highlight the diverse challenges each continent presents. However, he emphasises that adventure doesn’t require travelling to distant lands. “I learned so much from exploring local areas like the Lake District and Rivington, near my home in Lancashire.”

“You can start small and get used to being out in the elements. There’s so much to explore here in Northern England. We’re very privileged to have forests, mountains, and lakes right in our backyard.”

Oli’s adventure continues in January 2025 with a trek across South America. The final leg of his challenge, planned for the coming years, will take him from the Dead Sea to Mount Everest. This journey will cover over 4,500 miles before he even reaches Everest’s base camp.

Watch Oli’s journey from the start on his YouTube Channel here, with the first leg of his journey below:

To learn more about Oli’s incredible journey and stay updated on his progress, visit wildedge.co

NorthernLife Sep/Oct/Nov 24