Ben Fogle’s ultimate adventure bucket list

Over the years I have been Castaway for a year on a tropical island, rowed the Atlantic Ocean, skied across Antarctica and trekked the Empty Quarter of Oman. Here, though, is my list of the best 10 adventures I’ve ever done.

Diving between the tectonic plates in Thingvellir National Park in Iceland. The crystal waters here are some of the clearest in the world giving 100 metres visibility. You can touch the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia. It is otherworldly and breathtaking.

Alternative: Diving with 10,000 jellyfish in Jellyfish lake Palau.

Rally racing across the Australian Outback. The Gascoyne Dash is like Madmax without the half humans. It’s the closest you’ll get to the Dakar rally. Dozens of cars, buggies and bikes compete in a 500km desert race across North Western Austria, Hot and exhilarating, you’ll need to get your rally licence ahead of the race which is an adventure in itself.

Alternative: Mongol Rally, 10,000 miles from Europe to Asia in a cheap car. www.theadventurists.com

The Via Ferrata in the Italian Dolomites takes you to the roof of the world, meaning Iron Path, these metal ropes were put in during WWII to allow soldiers to cross the peaks undetected. Today it provides access to places normally reserved for experienced mountaineers. You’ll need a head for heights but prepare to be astounded by one of Europe’s most beautiful mountain Scape’s.

Alternative: Climb the Rwrenzori Mountains in Uganda. Way more exhilarating than Kilimanjaro.

The Marathon Des Sables is still the daddy of all adventure races. Now in its 29th year, the six consecutive marathons cover 150 miles of gruelling sand and rock across the Sahara Desert. Running with your own supplies, the event is described as the toughest foot race on earth. One of the most painful things I’ve done but without doubt also the most rewarding.

Alternative: The Jungle Marathon, 200 km across the Brazilian rainforest www.junglemarathon.com

Flying a Fighter Jet. I passed out but from what I remember it was pretty exhilarating, if only a little nauseating. You can co-fly a MIG29 Fulcrum 20km above Earth to the edge of Space. Experience Mach 2 speed and mind numbing GForce. www.migflug.com

Alternative: Learn to Solo skydive. There’s nothing like doing it alone to get the endorphins flowing. www.skydiving.co.uk

Swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco, though this body of water and sharks proved largely impenetrable to the prisoners, with a little help you can swim one of the worlds most hazardous and notorious stretches of water. The mile and a half stretch of water is not for the faint hearted but it is one of my favourite challenges.

Alternative: swim the 6.5km Bosphorus across the straits of Istanbul from Europe to Asia.

Husky dog racing across the Arctic. There is nothing as exhilarating as racing a team of dogs across the arctic tundra. Man and his best friend working together. The ultimate race is the infamous Iditarod, thousands of km covered over 10 days. Alternatively you could do what I did and spend 5 days in the wilderness of Sweden.

Alternative: Skijoring whereby you are pulled on skis by a dog or horse

Diving with Nile Crocodiles in Botswana. I’m not sure I can wholeheartedly endorse this one even though I’ve done it. Get within a few inches of a wild 4m long Crocodile in its underwater lair. Not for the faint hearted nor the litigious.

Alternative: swimming with Great White Sharks in South Africa.

Vikingarannet Ice Skating Marathon across Sweden, 80km from Upsala to Stockholm, along the frozen rivers and fjords. Using extra long blades, open water has been a hazard in recent years. Take plenty of chocolate

Alternitive: Take the 50km course too.

The Wilderbeest Migration, watching the greatest movement of wildlife on earth is an exhilarating experience as tens of thousands of Wilderbeest gather to cross the Mara River between Tanzania and Kenya. It’s one of the most incredible sights to behold.

Alternative: the Sardine Run, a mass Migration of sardines in South Africa. Shoals can be 7km long.

If all of the above seem a little too adventurous for you, The World Shin Kicking Championships shouldn’t be missed. Based in the Cotswolds. Strongest shins are the winner. Take long socks to pack with straw.

Alternative: world worm charming championships in Cheshire.

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