When Ewan MacGregor and Charley Boorman set out from London in 2004 to circumnavigate the globe on their BMW R1150GS adventure bikes did they know they were about inspire an entire generation of motorcyclists to embark on their own adventures?

Probably not, but it wasn’t about inspiring others, it was about seizing the opportunity for and incredible experience, forging into the lesser-known, sparsely inhabited parts of the world and embracing what life throws at them head on.

Charley and Ewan make engaging and witty hosts as we join them on this incredible journey, (mostly) refusing to let the rigours of the road wear them down, remaining upbeat even when they are at the mercy of Kalashnikov-toting locals, a seemingly hungry Grizzly Bear and the vagaries of weather, road condition and logistics.

Through Europe, Ukraine, Russia, the steppes of Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Siberia the pair plunge on battling all the extremes of elements, exhaustion and environment, before crossing to Alaska and Canada and their final destination of New York.

The emotional and physical toil of the epic trip is plain to see, but so is the joy, the wonder and the sheer pleasure of so many of the experiences that come their way, such as meeting children from Chernobyl, and from the sense of achievement when they reach the Big Apple.

The TV series became an instant hit when first shown and now you can enjoy the full, uncut, episodes on this three disc set – and witness a journey that would be almost impossible to replicate today.