Brit adventurers to follow 'Scott of the Antarctic's' footsteps

London, Mar 29 (ANI): Two British adventurers are literally set to follow the footsteps of Captain Robert Falcon Scott-who died on his return from the South Pole.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the explorer's death, Ben Saunders and Alastair Humphreys announced their plans to travel to Antarctica today - 97 years to the day since Scott's death.

And ever since Scott of the Antarctic's ill-fated expedition in 1912 took his life on his way back, no one has successfully travelled to the Pole and back on foot.

Saunders and Humphreys will start their journey from Scott's wooden hut on the coast of Antarctica in the autumn of 2011, in honour of his contribution to polar exploration and human endeavour.

The pair will drag their food and supplies on sledges, and will be alone and unaided during their 1,800-mile round-trip to the South Pole and back on foot.

They have estimated that the Scott Antarctic Expedition will take four months, and thus they will return in the centenary year of Scott's death.

"The Scott Antarctic Expedition represents one of the most severe physical and psychological challenges on earth and the journey will be a chance to test the very limits of human potential, as well as an opportunity to fulfil a dream I've had since childhood," the Daily Star quoted Plymouth-born Saunders as saying.

Saunders said that preparation would include trips to the Antarctic this year and next year, as well as numerous endurance events and fitness training. (ANI)