Russell Smith (pictured left) is an adventurer whose website can be found at www.livewithpurpose.co.uk.

RUSSELL SMITH is a serial adventurer who has a passion for the UK and all the outdoor pursuits it has to offer. Previous expeditions and challenges have seen him take on long distance scoots, climb Kilimanjaro and spend months trekking in Nepal. He has run from Paris to London and cycled 900 miles, climbing the National Three Peaks and running the Brighton Marathon in just seven days. 

Russell talked openly to us about his love of the outdoors and nature and his belief in people and all they have to offer and share in life. Read on for his thoughts on the UK and its many outdoor challenges as well as what he sees as his biggest accomplishments in life to date.

For more information on Russell and to follow his blog visit www.livewithpurpose.co.uk or find him on Twitter at @Russ79Smith.

When did your passion for the outdoors begin and what were your earliest accomplishments in adventure?

Looking back it began when I was eight and my dad took me night fishing, I guess at that age with only a candle for light and being calm and feeling at one with the surroundings seems like my earliest accomplishment. But I think everyone’s earliest accomplishments in adventure are getting lost, finding something new & exploring!

You’ve climbed and taken part in all kinds of adventures abroad. Could you tell us more about some of the highlights?

Oh wow, a boat trip around the Phi Phi Islands and staying on the remote tiny islands was a big highlight.

Also on a rest day on the Annapurna Circuit our head guide took us up onto Annapurna and over 6,000m – that was a special few hours having the mountain to ourselves.

Russell enjoys a variety of outdoor sports.

What have your been your biggest achievements and challenges in the UK and where have they taken you?

Biggest achievement has to be my ‘hikebikerun’ challenge – I did the National Three Peaks cycling from mountain to mountain then cycled from Snowdon to Brighton in time for the marathon and ran that to finish!

My latest scoot LEJOG hasn’t sunk in yet – I’ll look back on fond memories next year, now that the swelling in my feet has final gone.

You’re an advocate of the UK and all it has to offer in terms of adventure and outdoor pursuits. What is it that makes these Isles so enthralling and wonderful to you?

The fact we have it all on our door step, so much of our islands are remote, wild and empty. Everyone is too quick to think far afield when the UK has it all here. There really is no where like the UK for green lush countryside, accessibility and kindness of people.

Hiking and exploration are two of Russell’s passions.

Do you have any exciting plans or challenges set for the rest of the year and beyond?

I’ve a list of six to seven things for the next 14 months but always have list of 20 trips I’d like to do just in the UK! There’s still a few world records and world first trips the UK has that haven’t been set yet.

How important are your website and blog to you in terms of connecting with like-minded people?

HUGELY!! I wouldn’t have the friends I have if it wasn’t for social media, in fact just over two years ago I had a email “come and meet like-minded people in a pub” – it was a group of six of us. Looking on now we’ve all gone on to do huge trips and been on life changing journeys and become successful ‘adventures’. I met my partner Jana via social media too! I love putting my experiences on a blog and knowing people are able to try something new and learn and grow from the knowledge I’ve shared.

Russell pictured on Africa’s highest point on Kilimanjaro.

What would be your advice to anyone inspired by what you do and interested in getting involved in the world of adventure?

Just get out there and do, don’t worry about it being a huge adventure or sponsorship or it making headlines. Do the trip that makes you happy, no other reason, just your trip for you! I was given this piece of advice by a dear dear friend “do the trip you’d want to tell people about in a year’s time while sat round a dinner table” and give! Give advice, share kit, make friends – I believe every good deed will come back two fold. Oh and smile, be yourself and give hugs, it’s all free and deep down we all love that stuff!