Swim, Cycle, Hike & Climb 13000km from England To Summit of Mount Everest

MITCH HUTCHCRAFT PODCAST COVER

When Mitch Hutchcraft was just 14, he saved for two years, boarded a plane alone, and climbed Kilimanjaro. At 16, he set foot at Everest Base Camp. By 21, after serving in the Royal Marines and weathering personal loss, he rowed across the Atlantic.

Now, he’s gearing up for the boldest adventure yet — Project Limitless: a six-month human-powered journey from Dover to the summit of Mount Everest, involving a Channel swim, a 10,000-kilometre cycle, and a final 1,300-kilometre trek to the roof of the world.

But this isn’t about records or speed. Mitch’s mission is steeped in meaning — a tribute to his late father, a rallying cry for resilience, and a canvas for connection. Along the way, he’s inviting strangers to join him for a few miles or a few months. “If a hundred people walk with me to base camp, it’ll be like Forrest Gump — and that’s the dream,” he says.

From war zones to wildlife sanctuaries, every step of Mitch’s life has prepared him for this — a journey of body, mind, and heart. He’s not just climbing Everest. He’s climbing out of grief, into purpose, and toward something much bigger than himself.

With the same gravel bike he rode across the U.S., support from veterans and adventurers, and a quietly growing movement behind him, Mitch is chasing the longest climb of Everest ever attempted. And he’s doing it with humility, humour, and a contagious sense of possibility.

Watch To The Episode With Mitch Hutchcraft


Listen To The Episode With Mitch Hutchcraft

  • Project Limitless – a six-to-seven-month expedition from Dover’s waters to Everest’s summit, combining swim, cycle, speed-march and trek.
  • Foundational adventuresKilimanjaro solo at 16, Everest Base Camp at 18, five and a half years in the Royal Marines honing resilience.
  • Endurance milestones – 3,000 mi Atlantic row and a 5,000 km coast-to-coast US cycle as build-up for the limitless challenge.
  • Logistics and support – a documentary crew, local escorts through Iran, Pakistan and Nepal, backed by NIMSDAI and Elite Expeditions.
  • Inclusive adventure – Mitch invites supporters to join any leg, from a day’s cycle in Europe to a speed-march in India.
  • “Your mind, not your body” – Mitch on overcoming sleep deprivation and broken bones with cheerful adversity.
  • “The pain makes the end sweeter” – reflecting on a throat infection during Ama Dablam’s ascent.
  • Adventure is perspective” – any step outside your comfort zone counts, from a lake dip to wild camping.
  • “Compartmentalize the journey” – focusing on each swim, pedal or step, never the entire 12,000 km at once.
  • English Channel swim – 34 km solo, 10–20 hours, tides and swell dictate success.
  • Cycle leg – ~10,000 km from Calais to Digha, through Europe, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and India.
  • Speed-march – 900 km run/slash/march from Digha to Kathmandu carrying a pack.
  • Trek to Everest – 350 km through Nepal’s foothills, then climb during the spring window.
  • Embrace micro-adventures – start with a local park wild camp or a cold-water swim.
  • Invite community – open any segment to friends, family or strangers for shared inspiration.
  • Fuel for extremes – work with nutrition experts to arrive in Nepal at peak health.
  • Document boldly – capture highs, lows and cultural encounters to inspire the next generation.

Call to Adventure: Mitch challenges you to step outside your comfort zone – whether that’s a dawn swim in cold water or a wild camp under starlit skies. Ready to push your limits?

Pay It Forward: Mitch supports SABSIM, a charity uniting veteran mental-health courses in zoos with wildlife conservation and anti-poaching projects. Discover how animals and nature can heal and empower those who served.

  • Follow Project Limitless – Mitch’s journey updates on Instagram: mitch_limitless.
  • Official website – full expedition details at 12000kmtoeverest.com.
  • Channel Swimming Association – learn more about official English Channel swims: CSA.
  • Elite Expeditions & NIMSDAI – expedition partners ensuring safe passage through challenging regions.

Before You Go: Inspired by Mitch’s limitless spirit? Subscribe, leave a review and start your own adventure today.