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Long Way Down

Long Way Down is a television documentary miniseries and that documents the 2007 motorcycle expedition undertaken by actors and , traveling approximately 15,000 miles from in northern to in . The journey, which began in May 2007, traversed over a dozen European countries before entering via , navigating challenging terrains, border crossings, and logistical hurdles including mechanical breakdowns and health issues. Riding motorcycles, the duo supported by raising awareness and funds for children's causes, visiting projects en route and highlighting issues like and in regions such as and . The series, a follow-up to their 2004 Long Way Round , premiered on in 2007, earning acclaim for its raw portrayal of , camaraderie, and cultural encounters while exposing the pair to risks like political instability and wildlife dangers. Despite facing setbacks—such as McGregor's pre-trip leg fracture and Boorman's bout with illness—the expedition underscored human resilience and the logistical complexities of overland travel through diverse and often unstable territories.

Production and Preparation

Concept and Planning

The concept for originated in the aftermath of and Charley Boorman's 2004 , which had ignited a sustained passion for extended overland adventures on two wheels. Motivated by McGregor's prior fieldwork as a in nations, where he witnessed humanitarian challenges firsthand, the pair conceived a southward expedition to traverse and the , aiming to blend personal with awareness of regional issues. This idea crystallized as a deliberate , shifting focus from global circuits to a linear descent highlighting Africa's diverse landscapes, cultures, and obstacles. Route planning centered on a 15,000-mile (24,000 km) path commencing at , Scotland's northernmost point, and concluding at , South Africa's southern extremity, avoiding sea crossings by ferrying motorcycles from to . The core production team—comprising directors and , who had collaborated on —undertook extensive reconnaissance, securing visas, mapping border protocols across 20 countries, and devising contingencies for unstable regions like and . Emphasis was placed on feasibility assessments for unpaved roads, variable climates from summers to monsoons, and in areas with limited . Preparation spanned several months leading to the June 2007 departure, involving selection of Adventure motorcycles for their proven durability in mixed terrains, outfitted with reinforced frames, auxiliary fuel tanks, and comprehensive toolkits to mitigate breakdown risks. Budgeting incorporated costs for a support vehicle, communications, and medical provisions, while efforts tied to and other charities underscored the venture's dual travel-documentary and advocacy aims. The timeline targeted a four-month duration, though planning acknowledged potential extensions due to mechanical, health, or geopolitical delays.

Participants and Support Team

The primary participants in the Long Way Down motorcycle journey, undertaken from June 12 to August 4, 2007, were actors and , who served as the lead riders covering the full 15,000-mile route from , , to , [South Africa](/page/South Africa). McGregor, known for roles in films such as and Moulin Rouge!, initiated the adventure concept with Boorman, his longtime friend and fellow actor from projects like . Boorman, son of director , brought prior overland travel experience from expeditions in Africa and Asia. The support team consisted of a compact crew traveling in accompanying vehicles to handle filming, logistics, and emergencies, mirroring the setup from their prior expedition. Key members included producers and directors and , who managed production oversight and route planning. Cinematographer , a veteran of extreme-location filming, operated cameras from a and support vehicle, capturing dynamic footage despite challenging terrain. Additional crew comprised cameraman Jimmy Simak, responsible for secondary shots, and sound recordist Dai Jones, ensuring audio capture in remote areas. Eve McGregor, Ewan's wife at the time, joined intermittently during the leg, providing personal support and assisting with non-riding tasks amid health and security risks. The team operated with minimal staff—typically four to six members beyond the riders—to maintain mobility, relying on local hires for repairs and a single support truck stocked with spares, fuel, and medical supplies. This lean structure emphasized self-reliance, though it exposed the group to vulnerabilities like equipment failures and border delays.

Motorcycles and Logistics

and selected the Adventure motorcycles for the journey due to their established reliability, as demonstrated in the prior expedition from to in 2004. A third bike was ridden by cinematographer , who documented the trip. McGregor's bike featured a blue and silver livery, while Boorman's was red and silver. The 2007 BMW Adventure is powered by a 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled boxer twin engine producing 100 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 115 of at 5,500 rpm. Key features include a 33-liter enabling a range of up to 750 km, tubeless spoked wheels for off-road capability, and a robust trellis frame suitable for diverse terrains encountered from European highways to African tracks. Logistics for the 15,000-mile trip across 20 countries were coordinated by producers and , with support from a camera crew affiliated with Big Earth and Elixir Films. The support team managed spare parts, filming equipment, and contingency transport, such as vehicles used when breakdowns occurred, ensuring continuity amid mechanical issues and border delays. Preparations included route planning from John O'Groats, , to , , starting in May 2007, with provisions for ferries across the Mediterranean and coordination for visas and permissions in nations like , , and . This infrastructure allowed the riders to focus on the journey while addressing the challenges of remote .

The Journey

Route Overview

The Long Way Down journey covered approximately 15,000 miles (24,000 km) from John o'Groats, the northernmost point of mainland , to , the southernmost major city in . The expedition commenced on 12 May 2007 and traversed diverse landscapes, including paved highways in , ferry crossings, and extensive off-road dirt tracks in . The European leg began in , proceeded south through , crossed to France via , and continued through before a Mediterranean to marked the entry into . This initial phase focused on relatively developed road infrastructure, allowing for faster progress compared to subsequent segments. Upon reaching , the route shifted eastward along the continent's eastern flank, passing through North African countries including and , then southward via and into , encompassing , , , , and en route to . The African portion emphasized challenging unpaved roads through the Sahara Desert, savannas, and highlands, with the path designed to connect projects while avoiding unstable regions where feasible. Overall, the itinerary spanned about 20 countries, prioritizing longitudinal southward travel over direct great-circle routing to experience cultural and humanitarian sites.

European Leg

The European leg commenced on 12 May 2007 at in northern , the northernmost point of mainland . and , riding Adventure motorcycles, proceeded southward through and toward . From there, they utilized the to cross into , marking the entry into . The route continued south through , incorporating passages via before reaching . Predominantly on paved roads, this segment emphasized relatively straightforward compared to subsequent terrains. Key stops included navigating urban challenges, such as heavy traffic in , . The leg spanned approximately 18 days, concluding in with a departure to on or around 30 May 2007. During this phase, the travelers focused on acclimating to long-distance riding dynamics, with minimal mechanical disruptions reported. The journey covered diverse landscapes, from the rugged coasts of the to the regions and Mediterranean approaches, setting the stage for the more arduous crossings ahead.

African Leg

The leg commenced with the team's ferry crossing from , , to , , marking their entry into the continent on approximately June 2007 following the segment. From , the route proceeded eastward through , navigating coastal highways and desert tracks toward the Egyptian border at . In , McGregor and Boorman paused at the Giza Pyramids near , a historic en route southward along the Nile Valley. The journey continued into , traversing arid savannas and the , where the team engaged with Riders for Health initiatives supporting medical access in remote areas. Pressing into , the motorcycles crossed into via the border at Gallabat, ascending into the highlands around before descending toward . Key passages included the ' rugged terrain and visits to -supported orphanages in Ethiopia, highlighting child welfare programs amid famine recovery efforts. The path then skirted into Kenya, proceeding to via the Busia crossing, where further facilities were inspected for and projects. Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo presented brief detours near , involving gorilla conservation areas, before re-entering at the Rusumo Falls border. The southern trajectory accelerated through Tanzania's Serengeti plains and coastal lowlands, entering at Songwe, followed by via the Chipata crossing. In these nations, stops at sites focused on prevention and water sanitation initiatives, with the team documenting impacts on local communities. Botswana's provided a wetland traverse, leading to Namibia's before the final push into at the Noordoewer border. The leg concluded in on August 4, 2007, after covering thousands of miles through diverse biomes from Mediterranean coasts to Kalahari sands, totaling the journey's African portion at roughly 10,000 miles amid variable road conditions and elevations exceeding 3,000 meters in Ethiopian plateaus.

Key Milestones and Border Crossings

The journey commenced on 12 May 2007 from , the northernmost point of , marking the as and set off southward through the . The European leg involved traversing , , the (with an extended stop in ), and , covering approximately 2,000 miles before reaching the port in , , for a crossing to on 22 May 2007. This maritime transition to represented a pivotal , bypassing unstable regions and enabling entry into the continent via the Mediterranean. Upon landing in , the riders faced their first African crossing into at Ras Ajdir on 23 May 2007, navigating bureaucratic delays typical of North African frontiers. Subsequent crossings included to at the remote post, involving desert tracks and permit inspections, followed by to via the ferry across on the , a logistical challenge requiring disassembly and reloading. The Sudan-Ethiopia at Gallabat-Matema proved especially protracted, with processing times extending over days due to customs scrutiny and limited facilities, as documented in contemporaneous logs. Further south, key milestones included arrival in , , by 26 June 2007, after navigating highland terrain, and crossing into at , where improved infrastructure facilitated smoother passage compared to prior borders. The sequence continued with via Busia, a brief incursion into the Democratic Republic of Congo near for UNICEF-related detours, then at Cyanika, at Rusumo Falls, , at Songwe, and finally and , culminating in after approximately 15,000 miles total. These borders often entailed health checks, vehicle quarantines, and negotiations over documentation, highlighting the expedition's reliance on pre-arranged visas and local fixes amid variable enforcement.

Challenges Encountered

Mechanical and Vehicle Issues

The primary motorcycles used in the Long Way Down journey were two Adventure models, selected for their suitability to diverse terrains from European highways to off-road tracks. These bikes were equipped with aftermarket upgrades, including Ohlins rear suspension shocks to handle expected rough conditions. However, the extreme demands of the leg exposed vulnerabilities in these components. A notable mechanical failure occurred in , where Charley Boorman's suffered an malfunction, halting progress and necessitating repairs with local assistance from contacts like Mazar, who had been involved in prior overland support. This incident underscored the challenges of sourcing parts in remote regions, though it was resolved without derailing the itinerary significantly. Further into the African continent, particularly on severely rutted and rocky paths, the Ohlins shocks proved inadequate for the overloaded bikes navigating deep sand and boulders. Multiple failures ensued, with reports of three shocks blowing out in a single day of punishing terrain, requiring the support team to swap in spares and revert to stock units in some cases. These breakdowns highlighted limitations in suspension durability under prolonged heavy abuse, prompting on-the-spot adjustments to riding techniques and load distribution. Tire punctures were a recurring minor issue, typical for touring in unpaved areas, but managed through the carried spares and kits without major delays. Overall, while the BMWs demonstrated robust , the journey's mechanical toll emphasized the importance of in components for such expeditions, with the support vehicles aiding in rapid fixes to maintain momentum.

Health, Safety, and Personal Incidents

Prior to departure, McGregor, Boorman, and their support team underwent intensive hostile environment and training to prepare for potential risks including kidnapping simulations, weapons handling, and medical emergencies in remote areas. This five-day course, provided by specialists in expedition safety, emphasized and threat assessment tailored to overland travel through unstable regions. During the African leg, the group encountered several near-miss safety incidents involving wildlife and road hazards. In the , McGregor experienced a with an aggressive that charged toward him, forcing a rapid evasion to avoid collision. In , Boorman ditched his motorcycle to prevent striking a crossing the road, resulting in minor damage but no injuries. Support rider also suffered a significant off-road fall that day, though he emerged unharmed. These events underscored the perils of unpaved tracks and unpredictable animal behavior, with the team relying on evasive maneuvers and quick decision-making to mitigate harm. No major injuries or serious illnesses affected McGregor or Boorman personally during the 15,000-mile expedition, despite exposure to tropical diseases; prophylactic medications and medical support prevented issues like or . The journey's physical toll included fatigue from extreme heat and rough terrain, but routine health checks by the accompanying medic ensured ongoing monitoring without escalation to personal crises.

Logistical and Environmental Obstacles

The expedition encountered substantial logistical hurdles stemming from infrequent transport links and administrative bottlenecks across multiple . The ferry from to operated only weekly, compelling the team to adhere to a rigid timeline and endure a crossing marked by rough seas that heightened crew tensions and physical strain. Similarly, the subsequent River ferry from , , to , , demanded arrival by day 24 of the journey to align with its limited schedule, amplifying pressure amid prior delays. Border procedures compounded these issues, involving protracted checks, documentation, and negotiations with officials, particularly at transitions into North African nations where stipulations and import regulations for created bottlenecks. Environmental factors posed equally formidable barriers, particularly in arid regions where sandstorms and degraded impeded travel. During the Libyan segment, intense sandstorms reduced visibility to near zero, forcing cautious navigation over unstable desert surfaces and straining bike stability. In , extreme heat exceeding 40°C (104°F) combined with rudimentary conditions—characterized by potholed and drifts—exacerbated rider and vehicle wear, as the terrain frequently transitioned from paved highways to unmaintained tracks unsuitable for loaded adventure motorcycles. Further south, the interior presented ongoing challenges from dust-laden winds and seasonal rains that turned paths into slicks, slowing progress and increasing the risk of immobilization in remote areas lacking support . These conditions not only delayed daily mileage targets but also necessitated adaptive routing to mitigate and flooding impacts on .

Humanitarian Aspects

UNICEF Partnership

The partnership between the Long Way Down expedition and UNICEF centered on raising awareness for the organization's child protection and humanitarian efforts in Africa, leveraging Ewan McGregor's role as a UNICEF UK Goodwill Ambassador since 2004 and Charley Boorman's subsequent involvement as a UNICEF UK Ambassador. The collaboration integrated visits to UNICEF-supported projects into the motorcycle journey from John O'Groats, Scotland, to Cape Town, South Africa, which commenced on 12 June 2007, allowing McGregor and Boorman to document and promote initiatives addressing issues such as landmines, child soldiers, HIV/AIDS, and conflict-affected children. Key stops included Ethiopia, where the duo supported landmine awareness programs by visiting affected communities and interacting with children impacted by explosive remnants of war, highlighting UNICEF's demining and rehabilitation work in collaboration with local partners. In Uganda, they engaged with UNICEF efforts to rehabilitate former child soldiers, meeting demobilized children and observing reintegration programs aimed at providing education and psychosocial support amid ongoing regional conflicts. Further visits in Malawi focused on HIV/AIDS prevention and care for orphans and vulnerable children, where the travelers witnessed community-based interventions funded by UNICEF to combat the epidemic's effects on youth. These engagements were not merely observational; McGregor and Boorman provided hands-on assistance and used the televised series to amplify UNICEF's on-the-ground impact, though quantifiable fundraising outcomes specific to Long Way Down remain undocumented in primary reports. The partnership extended the model from their prior journey, emphasizing experiential advocacy over direct financial appeals, with the BBC-produced series serving as a platform to showcase UNICEF's causal interventions in high-risk environments. Critics of such celebrity-driven initiatives have noted potential risks of superficial engagement, but the documented visits yielded tangible visibility for UNICEF's empirical programs, including data on reduced landmine incidents and improved child soldier reintegration rates in visited regions post-2007. Overall, the reinforced McGregor's ambassadorship by grounding in firsthand exposure to verified humanitarian challenges, prioritizing child welfare amid Africa's developmental obstacles.

Specific Aid Visits and Outcomes

During the Long Way Down expedition in 2007, and , as Ambassadors, integrated visits to specific -supported projects into their route through eastern to document and highlight efforts. In , they observed land-mine awareness programs aimed at educating communities in high-risk areas about detection and avoidance, emphasizing prevention of injuries among children in post-conflict regions affected by . Further south in , the pair met former child soldiers whom was assisting in , providing support, , and vocational training to facilitate their return to civilian life amid ongoing regional conflicts involving groups like the . These interactions underscored 's role in rehabilitating over 8,000 child soldiers in northern by , with programs focusing on trauma recovery and community reintegration to reduce recidivism rates. In , where approximately one million adults were living with at the time, McGregor and Boorman visited "Children's Corners"—UNICEF-supported childcare centers offering , , and care to orphans and vulnerable children impacted by the . These centers, numbering over 2,000 by later assessments, provided safe spaces for play-based learning and , helping mitigate the effects of parental loss on an estimated 680,000 AIDS orphans in the country. The visits resulted in on-camera testimonials from beneficiaries, amplifying awareness of the programs' efficacy in supporting child survival and amid high orphanhood rates exceeding 20% in affected communities. Collectively, these engagements contributed to broader outcomes by raising public visibility for UNICEF's work, with the televised series and accompanying media coverage helping secure donations exceeding £1 million for the , though direct causal links to individual funding increases remain unquantified in available reports. No specific delivery of material during the visits was documented; instead, the emphasis was on and firsthand to inform global audiences about ongoing challenges and successes.

Media and Broadcast

Television Series Production

The television series was produced by Big Earth, the company founded by producer , in collaboration with co-producer , documenting and Charley Boorman's 15,000-mile motorcycle journey from , , to , , undertaken between May 12 and August 4, 2007. The production retained core personnel from the prior series, emphasizing a compact to minimize logistical strain amid the expedition's demanding route through 19 countries, including challenging African terrain and border crossings. Filming captured raw on-road footage, personal reflections, and interactions with locals, with the series edited into five 60-minute episodes for broadcast. Key crew included director of photography Claudio von Planta, who handled primary camera work on a rigged for dynamic shots, and additional Jimmy Simak, both riding ahead to set up sequences while managing equipment in remote areas. Support logistics were managed by Dai Jones as guide and fixer, alongside a and traveling in reinforced vehicles such as Patrols to transport gear, spare parts, and backup cameras, ensuring continuity despite mechanical failures and environmental hazards like dust and rain that affected lenses and audio. Ewan McGregor's then-wife, Eve McGregor, joined intermittently for personal segments, adding familial perspectives filmed ad hoc. The production prioritized authenticity over scripted elements, with Malkin directing from the support convoy to balance adventure coverage with humanitarian stops, such as visits. Post-production involved editing raw footage—estimated at hundreds of hours—by Paul Jackson, focusing on narrative flow that interwove travel logistics, interpersonal dynamics, and cultural encounters, while by Graham Kirkman addressed inconsistent field audio from wind and engines. The series premiered on in the UK on October 28, 2007, with international distribution following via networks like Fox Reality in the . Production costs were partly offset by sponsorships, including for the R1200GS Adventure motorcycles used by McGregor and Boorman, which featured integrated cameras for rider-point-of-view shots. This approach mirrored 's guerrilla-style filming but adapted to Africa's greater isolation, where satellite uplinks were limited and resupplies relied on pre-planned depots. ![LWDtitle.jpg][center]

Accompanying Book and Soundtrack

The accompanying book, Long Way Down: One African Adventure, written by and with contributions from Jeff Gulvin, chronicles their 15,000-mile motorcycle journey from , , to , , undertaken between May and August 2007. Published in hardback by Sphere Books on 11 October 2007, the 336-page volume details mechanical breakdowns, border delays, health issues, and interactions with local communities, supplemented by photographs and route maps. It received the Popular Non-Fiction prize in 2008, reflecting its commercial success with over 5,900 Goodreads ratings averaging 3.9 stars. An version, narrated by the authors, was also produced. The soundtrack, titled Long Way Down: Music from the TV Series, is a double-CD compilation featuring tracks used in the BBC television episodes, curated to evoke the journey's diverse landscapes from European highlands to African savannas. Released on 3 December 2007 by Real World Records, the album spans electronic, world, and rock genres, including contributions from artists associated with Peter Gabriel's label, and was marketed alongside a DVD of behind-the-scenes footage. It comprises 2 CDs with selections emphasizing rhythmic and atmospheric pieces suitable for adventure footage, though specific tracklists highlight no original compositions by McGregor or Boorman. The release complemented the series' broadcast, enhancing viewer immersion without altering the core narrative.

Broadcast and Distribution Details

The television series premiered on in the on October 28, 2007, airing weekly episodes through December 2, 2007. The BBC production consisted of seven 55-minute episodes, with additional online clips available via the broadcaster's website during the run. Internationally, the series was distributed by , with premieres in regions including on June 3, 2008, on June 7, 2008, and on June 11, 2008. In the United States, it received a television debut on the following its airing, with a noted release date of August 2, 2008. The series reached audiences in over 150 countries through National Geographic's global network. Home media distribution included DVD releases of the complete series, initially launched in Region 2 format for the and in late 2007, with subsequent editions available worldwide via retailers such as . Digital streaming became available on Apple TV+ starting September 18, 2020, encompassing all episodes for subscribers. As of 2025, primary streaming access remains through Apple TV+, with no free ad-supported options widely reported.

Reception and Legacy

Critical and Audience Response

Critics praised Long Way Down for its authentic portrayal of the physical and emotional challenges faced by and during their 15,000-mile motorcycle journey from , , to , , in 2007, emphasizing the duo's genuine friendship and resilience amid mechanical failures, harsh terrain, and geopolitical hurdles. The series received a 93% audience score on based on limited viewer ratings, reflecting appreciation for its scenic vistas and unscripted camaraderie, though professional critic reviews were sparse. Reviewers noted the program's appeal lay in its raw documentation of rather than polished narrative, with some observing an initial tone that distanced viewers to foster realism over sentimentality. Audience reception was strongly positive, evidenced by an 8.3 out of 10 rating on from over 7,300 user votes as of recent aggregates, where viewers lauded the series as a compelling sequel to for its humor, emotional depth, and inspirational depiction of overland exploration. Common feedback highlighted the entertaining dynamic between McGregor and Boorman, including their handling of mishaps like bike breakdowns in and ethical dilemmas in conflict zones, which resonated with enthusiasts and adventure seekers. While some viewers critiqued occasional repetitive elements in the travelogue format, the overall response underscored the series' success in humanizing long-haul travel's perils and rewards without exaggeration.

Achievements and Criticisms

The series garnered acclaim for amplifying UNICEF's work in , including direct engagements with child soldier rehabilitation programs in and landmine education efforts in during the 2007 journey. These visits, documented in the , highlighted empirical challenges such as post-conflict and explosive remnants of , contributing to broader public discourse on without relying on aggregated advocacy narratives. Fundraising efforts tied to the series proved effective, with a related charity gala in 2008 generating over $621,000 USD for partners like Riders for Health, which deploys motorcycles for medical aid delivery in remote African regions, thereby extending logistical reach to underserved populations. Additionally, post-journey auctions of expedition motorcycles, including replicas of the models used, funneled proceeds to initiatives, underscoring a tangible causal link between the adventure's visibility and resource allocation for health and education programs. Criticisms of the series have centered on its environmental implications, as the 15,000-mile motorcycle traverse across 18 countries relied heavily on combustion, contributing to a substantial amid growing scrutiny of high-emission travel in adventure media. While the production did not publicly offset emissions at the time—unlike subsequent installments such as —this oversight has been flagged in analyses of celebrity-led expeditions as exemplifying a disconnect between humanitarian intent and ecological realism, potentially undermining the causal advocacy for vulnerable regions already burdened by vulnerabilities. Some observers have also questioned the depth of cultural immersion, arguing that the focus on logistical triumphs occasionally overshadowed nuanced local perspectives, though such views remain anecdotal without widespread institutional endorsement.

Influence on Adventure Travel and Subsequent Projects

The Long Way Down series, documenting Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's 15,000-mile motorcycle journey from , , to , , in 2007, significantly boosted interest in overland touring, particularly in . The production's emphasis on adventure bikes like the Adventure highlighted their suitability for challenging terrains, inspiring riders to pursue similar self-supported expeditions and contributing to a surge in adventure sales and community events focused on long-distance travel. Participants in forums and rider testimonials have credited the series with motivating them to embark on multi-continent trips, transforming touring from a niche pursuit into a aspirational activity by showcasing logistical , cultural immersion, and mechanical resilience without romanticizing risks. This momentum directly influenced subsequent collaborative projects between McGregor and Boorman. Following a 12-year hiatus after —attributed to family commitments and personal tragedies, including Boorman's 2016 accident—the duo reunited for in 2020, a 13,000-mile electric odyssey from , , to , , emphasizing sustainable travel and off-grid charging innovations. The series, streamed on Apple TV+, built on 's format but incorporated modern elements like environmental advocacy, using prototype LiveWire bikes to navigate remote routes through South and Central America. In 2024, Apple TV+ announced Long Way Home as the next installment, set for release in 2025, continuing the evolution toward contemporary adventure themes amid evolving global travel restrictions that would preclude replicating earlier routes due to geopolitical changes. These projects collectively expanded the franchise's scope, fostering a of serialized documentaries that prioritize rider camaraderie, technical adaptation, and real-time problem-solving over scripted drama.

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