Field Journal

Announcing the Trans-Antarctic Solo Expedition: Ben Saunders attempts the first ever solo and unsupported crossing of Antarctica in memory of his friend Lt Col Henry Worsley.

In November 2017, record-breaking polar explorer Ben Saunders will set out to make the first solo and unsupported crossing of Antarctica. This west-to-east traverse from Berkner Island to the Ross Ice Shelf via the South Pole and the Shackleton Glacier was planned by Ben’s close friend Lt Col Henry Worsley, who nearly completed the expedition before falling ill and passing away in hospital in Chile in January 2016. The journey remains unfinished.

Ben Saunders is one of the world’s leading polar explorers, and a record-breaking long-distance skier who has covered more than 6,000km (3,700 miles) on foot in the Polar Regions since 2001. In 2014 Ben completed The Scott Expedition – the longest human-powered polar journey in history, and the first completion of the expedition that defeated Captain Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton, a 105-day round-trip from Ross Island on the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole and back again. Ben was also the third person in history to ski solo to the North Pole, and holds the record for the longest solo Arctic journey by a Briton.

Ben is proud to be supporting The Endeavour Fund, part of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, which supports wounded, injured and sick veterans through providing opportunities in sport and adventurous challenge. Ben is dedicated to continuing the efforts of Henry Worsley, who was raising funds for the Endeavour Fund when he died in Antarctica. Henry’s legacy raised over £500,000 for the charity, and Ben is determined to continue this fundraising in memory of him.

The Expedition is supported by Canada Goose, Jaguar Land Rover and The Bremont Watch Company.