Ernest Shackleton's Route: The Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914–1917)

Shackleton's goal: first crossing of Antarctica via the South Pole.

Route Summary

1. Depart UK (Aug 1914) – Endurance sails Plymouth → Buenos Aires → South Georgia (Grytviken whaling station).
2. Weddell Sea (Dec 1914) – Enters pack ice; beset Jan 1915 at 76°S.
3. Ice drift (10 months) – Ship crushed Oct 1915; crew camps on floes.
4. Elephant Island (Apr 1916) – Lifeboats reach desolate shore after 497 days at sea/ice.
5. James Caird voyage (Apr–May 1916) – Shackleton + 5 sail 800 nm to South Georgia in 22-ft boat.
6. South Georgia crossing – 36-hr traverse of glaciated mountains to Stromness whaling station.
7. Rescue (Aug 1916) – Chilean tug Yelcho retrieves 22 men from Elephant Island.

All 28 men survived—a testament to leadership and endurance.