ADVENTURE WITH PURPOSE. PER AQUAM PER TERRAM.
Former Royal Marine Commandos with green lids and green minds. Through Summit to Sea expeditions, we aim to raise awareness for social & environmental issues whilst emphasizing the connection between mental health & spending time outdoors.
1968
THE IDEA IS FORMED
In 1968 John's father David Bathgate was on an expedition to climb the southwest face of Huandoy, a mountain in the Cordillera Blanca region of the Peruvian Andes. On completion, instead of going by air, he chose to travel back to the east coast of South America by a completely natural highway, the Amazon River. It was upon this meandering adventure that, as a climber, he thought he'd like to follow the entirety of this breath-taking journey from its highest source; Volcán Chimborazo.
Dave underneath Haundoy 1968.
2021
SUMMIT TO SEA IS FOUNDED
John founded the expedition focused non-profit organisation Summit to Sea in 2021 with the aim of raising awareness of environmental issues and their impact on communities and wildlife in targeted areas around the world.
John's father didn't get round to planning his Amazon expedition due to many other exciting commitments, notably an attempt to be the first to climb the Southwest face of Everest in 1972. But in his 80th year, Dave's 80th year was also John's last year as a Marine and Dave thought it fitting to pass on the Amazon idea giving John a purpose for his next chapter. There is so much to discover on this journey, and John is compelled to finish what his father started.
2022
THE RIVER SPEY AND TISO
John and Ian conduct a practice expedition navigating The River Spey (UK's fastest flowing river) from its highest source.
Tiso Group (one of Scotland's leading outdoor outfitters) lend their support to Amazon Summit to Sea through family friend Chris Tiso.
2023
AMAZON: H HOUR
In 2023 John and Ian attempted to follow Earth’s greatest journey of water. From Chimborazo’s glacier summit (the closest point on Earth to the sun, and the highest source of the Amazon), across a continent, to the Atlantic Ocean. The 5000km journey took them down 5 remote tributaries in Ecuador and Peru, eventually into the Amazon Basin.
Whilst collecting data to determine the health of the river, the team endured two kidnappings, battled storms and survived the harsh environments and wildlife. Unfortunately, the journey was cut short due to a pirate attack in which expedition leader John was shot twice.
2024
THE TAY
John solos the Tay (the UK's most voluminous river) from its highest source Ben Lawers to the North Sea.
This was the first meaningful expedition since John's surgery. Proving to himself that major expeditions are now a go.
2025
THE FORTH
John and Ian reunite to follow John's home river the Forth from its highest source a mountain in the Southwest highlands of Scotland called Stob Binnein.
During the 5-day expedition, the lads reinforced their desire to finish the Amazon expedition and new plans began to develop.
2027
THE RETURN TO THE AMAZON
In 2027 the team will be continuing the journey from the location of the Pirate Attack in Peru where they were helped by local villagers. “We want to show that this attack does not define the people of the Peruvian Amazon.” On completion, they will be the first team to have travelled the length of the Amazon from it’s highest source.
The team intend to continue to raise awareness for social and environmental issues in the region, highlighting deforestation and devastation to local communities. They are also raising funds for: RMA and Rainforest Concern.
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