GIRLS TRIP 2026

A rare North-West Traverse of Svalbard, one of the least travelled and most striking parts of the High Arctic

Self-guided 5 female polar adventurers (plus camerawoman).
Expedition approx 18-20 days.
April–May 2026

Supporters

Behind every expedition like this is a group of people and organisations who choose to back something bigger than the journey itself. Our sponsors and supporters have not only helped make this expedition possible but have also bought into the purpose behind it

Their support goes far beyond equipment and logistics, it’s a shared belief in the power of adventure to inspire, connect, and create lasting change. We’re incredibly proud to have them alongside us as part of the Girls Trip story.


Fundraising for Girls on the run

Through the Girls Trip expedition, we are proud and excited to be raising funds for Girls on the Run

At an age when girls are constantly trying to measure up to ideas of who they should be or how they should act, Girls on the Run leads them to understand that their potential isn't just enormous, it’s beyond measure.

Girls on the Run reaches over 200,000 girls each year, helping them recognise their own limitless potential through programmes that blend physical activity with emotional resilience, teamwork and a deep sense of belonging.

As we raise funds for Girls on the Run, we will also collaborate with their community, forming part of their curriculum for 2026, amplifying the impact, reach and purpose of our expedition.

We take a boat from Longyearbyen to Ekmanfjørden, ski the NW traverse to Magdalenefjørden, then return to Longyearbyen via sailboat

MEET THE ADVENTURERS

CAT BURFORD

  • Expedition leader

  • Dentist with a sweet tooth

  • 13th woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole

  • Prone to hanger: keep well fed

  • Happily trapped in 90s nostalgia

  • Loves a daydream

  • Easily led astray

  • Often questions whether this is a midlife crisis

AMELIA RUDD

  • Expedition manager and guide for Shackleton

  • 7th Woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole

  • Proudest (and coolest) mum of four

  • Gets scared but does it anyway

  • Not afraid to turn her life upside down to follow her dreams

  • Makes notes and lists of literally everything

  • Addicted to marmite and skittles (possibly in the same mouthful)

JEN MCKEOWN

  • Arctic Nature Guide

  • Scottish/Norwegian in training

  • Obsessed with glaciers

  • Proudly 100% nerd

  • LOVES singing to the Spice Girls

AYUKA KAWAKAMI

  • Snow-loving Japanese New Yorker

  • Wall Streeter turned to data investigative person

  • Highly social introvert who likes to get preoccupied with philosophical thoughts

  • Proud citizen scientist for polar glaciology research

EMMA MAHER

  • Midwife at your cervix

  • “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” 

  • Favourite all time snack: boiled egg (what’s not to like)

  • Most home at the sea (but hoping that won’t be the case on this exped)

AMelia Steele

  • Our Camera Woman!

  • ‘Woman of Steele’

  • Big mountains and climbing are her passions…… as well as ‘Big Blue,’ her camper.

  • Ski and skateboard queeeeen!

PREVIOUS ADVENTURES FROM THE TEAM