Professional slackliner Alexander Schulz from One Inch Dreams has been the first human to walk from mainland Skye to the Macleods Maidens, June 7th 2021.

A low-impact journey to an extraordinary place.

The world record-holder is internationally known for his daring aerial projects, such as walking The Old Man of Hoy in Orkney and between the iconic WWII Maunsell Forts in Essex. This June he sailed around the British coast with his producer, Johannes Olszewski, for a new challenge; to rig and walk a slackline at one of the most spectacular landmarks in the Isle of Skye.

Leaving No Trace

The idea was to make the journey as CO2 efficient and environmentally responsible as possible. Just reaching the Maidens involved travelling hundreds of miles by sailboat, paddling a dinghy, a vertical rock climb and covering more multiple miles on foot. It was a challenging task that involved storms at sea, brave climbing skills and gruelling night hikes with heavy bundles of rope. But by choosing more labour-intensive ‘slow travel’, Alexander and his team were able to absorb more of the natural and historical landscapes of Scotland.

The sailing voyage was led by Dave Dykes, who is the director of Sails & Trails Ltd and an important travel partner to One Inch Dreams. The journey began at the Sails & Trails base in London and the team sailed up the East Coast of England, past the gannet-covered Bass Rock and along Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal towards Skye.

Later, the team was joined by Skye-based eco-adventurer, Katie Tunn, who helped ensure that there was no impact on any local flora or fauna.

One Inch Dreams made sure that no traces of activity were left in the area after completing the challenge while adhering to UK climbing rules which include avoiding all seabird nesting sites.

Leaving our comfort zones

The global pandemic has had a huge impact on our lifestyles. We now have to re-adjust to our freedom and, for many of us, that means leaving our comfort zones. Alexander wants us to face our fears. Although he looks completely at ease on the slackline, Alexander faces his own fears each time he steps off the ledge. Despite multiple safety precautions, the sheer scale of these locations provokes an instinctive human response and a vulnerable feeling of being exposed to the natural elements.

Comfort zones were also challenged via skill sharing as Alexander and Johannes learned sailing skills from travel partner, Dave, and vice versa the couple took their Captain out in the air on their line.

Appreciating Scotland

Taking the time to travel slowly and transport heavy gear by hand was also lesson in appreciation. Sailing and hiking to the location was a chance to see more of Scotland and meet it’s people and wildlife. The team was blown away  by the beauty of the Highlands and Islands and the welcoming nature of the local folk they encountered. Alexander said, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness and friendliness of the communities we’ve met along the way and I feel very grateful for all the experiences I made during travelling.”

Johannes Olszewski, director and producer of One Inch Dreams, said of the location, “I love the raw, wild and untouched nature and I’m fascinated by the magic of the sea. I try to visualise all of this in my pictures.”

A short film of the project is currently in post-production and is scheduled for release this summer. Alongside Alex and his team, the film will feature local musicians and voices.

Covid Precautions

The expedition followed all necessary UK covid guidelines, including obtaining regular testing and staying in a bubble within the sailboat.

Press materials

Alex is available for interview and further features. Please contact Johannes Olszewski on +49-17684828426 or info@oneinchdreams.com to arrange a call.

Pictures & videos about the expedition are available online.

A detailed report on the expedition is e available here.

Press Contact
Johannes Olszewski
johannes.olszewski@oneinchdreams.com
+49-17684828426
One Inch Dreams GmbH
Wachtelweg 18b | 83024 Rosenheim | Germany.