Dan Snow follows in Shackleton’s footsteps for History Hit doc

Dan Snow will attempt to recreate the journey undertaken by Ernest Shackleton across the island of South Georgia in an upcoming History Hit documentary.

The presenter and historian will be joined in his effort by polar explorer Preet Chandi and John Shears, who led the 2022 expedition that discovered the wreck of Shackleton’s ship Endurance.

The journey, which is being done in partnership with The South Georgia Heritage Trust (SGHT), will see the trio traverse the remote and mountainous island, following the route of Shackleton and his crew members Frank Worsley and Tom Crean.

In May 1916, the three men attempted the crossing after the loss of Endurance left their expedition stranded in the Antarctic. Their only chance of saving their crewmates was finding help at the whaling station at Stromness on South Georgia, which they did and thus began the rescue operation that brought all the men home safely.

Snow, Chandi and Shears will provide a modern perspective on the physical and psychological demands faced by Shackleton, Worsley and Crean more than a hundred years ago. Though they will have access to modern equipment and technology, they must face the same formidable terrain, weather and remoteness of the island endured by their predecessors.

The journey is expected to culminate in November with the documentary slated to air on History Hit in Spring 2027.

Snow said: “Being part of the Endurance expedition led by John Shears was a dream come true. It only heightened my amazement that Shackleton was able to survive that ordeal. It also fired my ambition to follow the rest of his epic journey. Now, it’s a privilege to continue that exploration in South Georgia, along with John and Preet Chandi, and to capture the infamous traverse on camera with the History Hit team.

“Nothing beats going to the places where history has been made. By undertaking this journey, literally in Shackleton’s footsteps, we will be able to share that story with audiences across the world, while also physically experiencing the landscape and challenges ourselves.”

Alison Neil, chief executive of the SGHT, added: “Having helped safeguard this irreplaceable piece of polar heritage for future generations, we want this documentary to bring the story to a much wider audience. It will showcase not only the grit, determination and leadership of Shackleton and his companions, but also the extraordinary landscape and wildlife of South Georgia and the importance of preserving its heritage.”