The journey from Canada to the Pole has only been successfully completed once, by British explorer Pen Hadow after three attempts.

But 34-year-old Hannah McKeand, from Newbury, Berkshire has left Ward Hunt Island on the northern coast of Canada to begin her attempt.

She will confront open stretches of water, which she will have to swim across, ice ridges and the demands of the constantly shifting ice pack.

She is well prepared for the rigors of the 478-mile trek having become the fastest person to trek solo and unsupported to the South Pole in December 2006.

She hopes to complete her epic journey in 60 days.

She said: "Although the distance is shorter than the South Pole route the expedition is much tougher.

"The terrain is extremely rough and the ice drifts away from the Pole, so it is rather like being on a conveyor belt and your legs cover a lot more distance than you are moving forward."