Training for an 'Iron Curtain' expedition with world's leading explorers

The helicopter rises vertically and then tilts forward, heading over Lake Windermere in the direction of some of the Lake District's most impressive peaks. Inside sit Charley Boorman, the well-known motorcycle adventurer, and Leo Houlding, a British rock climber considered to be one of the best of his kind. Both are members of the G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Club, an extraordinary collection of some of the world's leading adventurers and explorers, who also count Bear Grylls, Ben Fogle and Sir Ranulph Fiennes among their ranks.

Riding shotgun in the helicopter is Justine Gosling, a young NHS physiotherapist and budding adventurer with a unique and daunting expedition ahead of her. It's a 5,000 mile route tracing the old 'Iron Curtain' from the frozen north of Finland to the waters of the Black Sea, passing through 18 countries on the way. It will be done all by human power - on foot, by bike or by kayak - and it's a significant challenge even by the exacting standards of the Cordon Rouge Club. Looking out at the shining lake below, Justine is doing a good job of hiding any nerves.

Luckily, in preparation for this expedition, she can call on some unique support. Today's excursion is a one-of-a-kind training day; a mountain hike with Leo and Charley who will use their experiences of climbing Everest and motorbiking around the world to help prepare Justine for her adventure. She'll also be able to talk to any other members of the Cordon Rouge Club before she sets off in August, just in case she wants some tips from the land speed record holder, or a few round-the-world yachtsmen.

Ben Fogle, a Cordon Rouge member famous for rowing the Atlantic Ocean and hiking across the Antarctic, founded the mentorship competition in 2014. In its first year, the competition received 40 applications from young people proposing their own expeditions, and London-based Justine won with her plan to become the first woman to walk the length of the 'Iron Curtain' route. Ben told Newsweek: "As many hopeful adventurers will tell you, getting off the starting blocks is often more arduous and difficult than the expedition itself. I have long tried to champion the future young adventurers and explorers and the mentorship scheme seemed a perfect starting point from which we can help support exciting projects like Justine's". Alongside the mentorship, sponsors Land Rover are providing a support vehicle for Justine's preparations and Canada Goose have given Justine the cold-weather clothing suited to the conditions she will face.

Hiking down paths and between rocks in glorious sunshine provided a perfect setting to discuss an expedition of the scale that Justine faces. Although the 29-year-old has not prepared for something like this before, she is no stranger to adventure. Justine recently returned from the jungle in Borneo, and also has plans to swim the Bosphorus River in Turkey this summer. Her work as a physiotherapist means she's well placed to understand the physical demands of such a trip, and has been following a strict training regime of swimming, cycling and long-distance walks. "I'm relishing the physical challenge, the highs and lows (of which I'm sure there will be many of the latter) and the sense of achievement of covering a great distance by my own physical power," Justine told Newsweek.

The route of the trip along the Iron Curtain route, is also of significance. "What will keep me going is the inspiring stories I know I'll hear along the way from people who lived on both sides of the 'curtain' and who had very different experiences. Stories of hardship and survival will put any pain or negativity I'm experiencing into perspective."

Adventurer's Top Tips

Leo Houlding - world-class climber, alpinist and adventurer

Be bold, set off cold: On a day's hike, you'll always heat up and won't want to sweat too much, so make sure you're cold before you start.

Dry bags are key: Don't let your gear in your rucksack get wet.

Load is your worst enemy: Particularly when walking a lot, be sure to travel light. 15kg is too much. Be ruthless with this, snap your toothbrush in half if you need to.

Sleep well: A comfortable sleeping set-up is so important to recover properly.

Climbing tape and Ibuprofen is your first-aid kit: Anything that can't be fixed with that will need proper medical attention, so don't overload yourself with other medical equipment.

Charley Boorman - motorcyclist and adventurer

Document your trip: It's really important to keep a record of your trip, particularly with video. Have a set list of questions you force yourself to answer to camera each night before you sleep.

Oxo cubes for flavour: Bringing a stock cube with you is a light-weight way to add flavour to more spartan meals.

Bring a silk liner for your pillow: A soft, silk pillow liner will help you sleep and protect you from bed bugs when you're forced to stay in places you usually might avoid.

Walk with poles: Walking poles will help you save 20% energy and protect your knees on long distances.

Baby wipes: Worth their weight in gold on any kind of expedition.

Justine's expedition begins in August and she hopes to return by December.You can follow her progress at www.justinegosling.com and in Newsweek, and she will be fundraising for Help For Heroes and Hope & Homes. For more information about the G.H Mumm Cordon Rouge Club visit www.cordonrougeclub.com.