December 1916: After the loss of Endurance, Shackleton and his 27 men endeavour to cross the frozen Weddell Sea. Land lies 350 miles away, and as they drift helplessly northwards they know that soon the ice will break beneath them.

1914. Following the shattering news of Scott's death on his return journey from the South Pole, Shackleton formulates a new challenge on Antarctica. Sailing south in Endurance, his expedition will cross the vast ice continent.

October 1908. McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Forced by ice conditions to break an agreement with Scott, Shackleton has returned to Ross Island. From the expedition s base at Cape Royds an attempt to reach the South Pole is about to begin. The loss of ponies during the winter has severely limited their plans.

David Schofield takes the title role in the first of Christopher Railing's new four-part drama-documentary charting the career of the great adventurer and explorer. His fascination with Antarctica took him on four separate expeditions to the frozen continent.