The ice is a scary monster, it is a big, dangerous animal especially from the Canadian side

Dave Mill Explorer

The challenge has proved too much for explorers because of the extreme rigours of trekking into the Arctic ice floes.

He will spend nearly two months enduring temperatures as low as minus 50C, slicing winds, and treacherous ice terrain for 400 miles, as well as the prospect of running into polar bears.

Mr Mill, who runs survival courses, said: "The feat has been achieved only once, but from the relatively easier Russian side.

"No-one has ever reached the North Pole over moving ice from the Canadian side.

"Because the ice is travelling from Russia, when you tackle the pole from that side for every 10km you walk you are actually travelling 12 or up to 14kms.

Charity

"From the Canadian side, the reverse is true. For every 10km travelled over ice, the actual distance is much shorter because of the opposing flow of the ice."

He added: "There is no doubt that it is a frightening prospect. The ice is a scary monster, it is a big, dangerous animal especially from the Canadian side.

"In terms of a solo and unaided trip it is certainly one of the last great challenges left to achieve."

Mr Mill has supported Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Mr Mill will pull a sledge carrying his own food and shelter, with his only contact with the outside world a radio and an emergency back-up system which will pinpoint his position at all times.

Last year, he lasted 35 days before having to radio for assistance by draining the last power from nine torch batteries strapped together to raise a signal.

This time, his efforts are set to raise �200,000 towards a charity that has been founded to provide local leisure and sports facilities in his home area of Aberfeldy and nearby Kenmore.

The explorer is being sponsored on his expedition by a number of local companies.

He added: "Knowing that local youngsters back in Aberfeldy and Kenmore will benefit from my North Pole walk will provide extra encouragement for me to get there.

"I am totally confident that I can do it but when my spirits fall, as they inevitably will at some point, it is the knowledge that I will be helping the local community that will keep me going."