The coldest journey awaits Sir Ranulph Fiennes

A poll of activities for a typical 68 year old would probably include: drinking copious amounts of tea, visiting country gardens and clogging up supermarkets on a weekend.  However, for a man known as the world's greatest living explorer, adventure and progress are the order of the day.

Perhaps it was to be expected that after summiting Everest in 2009, more adventures and record attempts would lie ahead. Crossing the Antarctic on foot in summer (comparable to living in a supermarket freezer) is one thing, crossing it in winter with routine temperatures of -70C is a completely different ball game.

The team plans to cross the 2000 miles in six months and will be supported by two bulldozers pulling shipping containers, two of which will provide accommodation and hold supplies, with one reserved as a science lab.

Treacherous terrain

Sir Ranulph’s determination is beyond the realms of question having previously amputated his own frostbitten fingers with a hacksaw; however the six months of journeying, darkness and extreme cold will be something never before experienced by the team, or their vehicles.

Here’s to a recording breaking British Arctic expedition.

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