Recce & Site Assessments
On-the-ground insight to help you make informed, confident decisions about remote and adventurous locations.
Understanding the Environment Before You Operate
A location may look perfect on paper, but what happens when you arrive and the ground is too hard for tents, the water source is dry, or there’s no access in bad weather?
Crux Outdoors provides independent, location-specific recce and site assessment services for organisations operating in unfamiliar or high-risk environments. This includes adventure travel companies, expedition providers, charities, film and TV productions, and outdoor education organisations.
We go beyond the checklist. Our service focuses on real-world suitability, not just surface-level logistics. From terrain assessments to cultural risk factors, we identify the realities that maps, local partners, and online research often miss — and we do so through a practical, field-first lens.
A professional recce is often the difference between a smooth operation and an avoidable incident. We help you reduce uncertainty, validate plans, and make decisions based on what’s actually there.
How We Support You
Independent site visits in the UK or globally, tailored to your programme type
Detailed assessment of terrain, access, route viability and weather risk
Evaluation of local infrastructure (medical, transport, accommodation, communications)
Vetting of third-party providers, homestays, fixers or community partners
Cultural, political or environmental sensitivities flagged in context
Testing of itinerary timing, transitions, and feasibility
Full debrief and reporting with media, mapping, and clear recommendations
Case Studies
Freemantle UK – Location Risk Recce in Iceland
The challenge
Freemantle UK was preparing for a documentary shoot in an isolated region of southern Iceland, involving small crews operating in unpredictable terrain with minimal infrastructure. The production required external validation that the location was suitable and that crews could operate safely with limited support.
Our solution
Crux Outdoors undertook a full recce of the proposed filming locations, assessing physical access, terrain risk, weather volatility, proximity to emergency services, and cultural/environmental considerations. We provided a detailed field risk report, an evacuation plan tailored to production logistics, and supported the design of a shoot-day safety briefing.
The production team moved forward with confidence, using our assessment to brief their crews and manage daily decision-making. The shoot proceeded without issue, and our plan was later adapted for future productions in similarly remote locations.
Camps International – Coastal Camp Feasibility Study in Tanzania
The challenge
Camps International was exploring the idea of opening a new base camp on the Tanzanian coast to offer marine conservation and coastal community projects. The organisation needed clarity on infrastructure, land use, storm impact, and environmental considerations before investing in the site.
Our solution
Crux Outdoors carried out a site visit during the dry season to assess topography, erosion risk, tidal patterns, access to safe water, road links, and relationships with nearby communities. We met with village leaders, assessed existing structures, and reviewed safety considerations related to the coastal environment and marine activities.
The site was deemed viable with specific adaptations, including relocation of key facilities away from erosion-prone areas and a revised programme structure to account for tidal access. Our recommendations informed both the physical design of the site and the planning of future activities.
Our Services
Field Safety Audits & Consultancy
Recce & Site Assessments
Policy, Protocols & Compliance
Support for Film, TV & Media Productions
Destination Risk Briefings & Intelligence
Training & Leadership
Get in Touch
If you’re weighing up a new location or route, and need to understand what’s really on the ground before committing — we can help.
We provide fast, focused recce support across the UK and internationally. Whether you need full route validation, partner vetting, or an honest assessment of risk and feasibility, we’ll give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.
