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Grade
Even
the most experienced hillwalker will find much to stimulate and
challenge them on this trek. Due
to the remoteness of the terrain no vehicle support is possible once
on trek. Some equipment will therefore have to be divided amongst
the group and carried in rucksacks. Treks from May
to early July may encounter snow underfoot to varying
degrees. This can be a
physically demanding tour, so clients should be prepared before
departure to ensure they make the most of their Iceland experience.
Make sure that you have gear that you are comfortable with!
This
trek affords many opportunities to see and walk through an amazing
and varied landscape and the rewards soon outweigh the hardships
(i.e. the basic huts and the thought of carrying your own baggage!)
on this fantastic trip.
Daily
distances walked should not exceed 21km. However, clients should be
able to cover more than this distance in emergency conditions. The
bonus here is that at this time of the year it is light all the
time, (except for the August departure).
Equipment
& Clothing
If
you regularly walk in the hills you should already have much of the
equipment and clothing required. Iceland, despite its name is not a land
of perpetual frost! In July shorts can be worn. Warm and windproof
clothing should be brought: gaiters will be valuable. A three-season
sleeping bag and a foam insulation mat will be needed.
A detailed list of recommended clothing and personal equipment will
be sent with confirmation of reservation.
Food & Accommodation
All
meals on trek are included in the cost.
Accommodation on the three nights in Reykjavik is hostel style, and
you will need your sleeping bag; you have to pay for all meals
individually in Reykjavik.
Reykjavik
is expensive; in contrast there are few opportunities to spend any money
whilst on trek. To eat out in a proper restaurant in Reykjavik costs, at a
minimum, around fifteen pounds. This is a minimum, you may well want to
spend more. It is cheaper than this if you just want to snack on a
takeaway type meal. There are burger bars and inns that serve local dishes
such as pickled herring and vegetables for considerably less. Be warned
that a round of drinks can leave your wallet choking!
The
three huts used on the tour are simple and basic.
Accommodation in Reykjavik is in a very nice dormitory-style
pension with a kitchen area that you can use so maybe bring some tea,
packet soup or noodles for a warming snack while you are there. It may
also be worth considering bringing a hip flask of your favourite tipple.
Although strictly contrary to good mountain practice, it will be a welcome
friend in the evening time.
Food
is of a good standard and consists largely of high-energy foods and
dehydrated meals that soon spring to life when nurtured by Icelandic water
(and a bit of stirring) over the Primus!
There
will not be a specific vegetarian departure this year. However, we are
sympathetic to client's requirements and do our best to cater for
vegetarians if we are notified at the time of booking. As food is
pre-stocked in the huts, we ask clients to let us know well in advance of
their needs and to be flexible wherever possible concerning food. If on a
strict diet, vegetarians should bring some vegetarian food that does not
need much preparation.
How the trek is organised
The
trek penetrates deep into uninhabited country and uses simple huts and
pre-dumped food stocks, augmented by food carried by group members.
Group members must be able and willing to take a full part in jobs
necessary on this kind of expedition: loads of up to 20kg (44lb), 15 kg
(33lb) for women, will sometimes have to be carried.
Team spirit is an essential part of the trek.
Practicality and adaptability are the keys to comfort whilst
crossing the Torfajokull region on foot.
Books
& Maps
It
is suggested that no books are brought on the trek. Weight is at a premium
whilst backpacking. The most useful
single map is
Thorsmork/Landmannalaugar
1:100,000 map £8.00
N.B
It is possible to leave pre-packed clean clothes, etc., with the
organisers at the beginning of the trip, to be picked up at the end. This
is usually more suitable than leaving packages at the Reykjavik
accommodation.
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Outline
Itinerary
For
2008, we have departures on
10/05/08
- 18/05/08
07/06/08
- 15/06/08
12/07/08
– 20/07/08
23/08/08
- 31/08/08
Flights
from Heathrow generally fly out at around 21:00. So if you are flying
from Heathrow, you will not arrive at the hostel before midnight, but
it will be open.
Please
note that variations to these itineraries may occur due to roads being
impassable, acts of God (who is still very active in Iceland!) and
sometimes through substitution of chartered for
scheduled transport. Other circumstances may cause minor changes.
q
Day 1: Fly to
Keflavik, transfer to your accommodation in Reykjavik.
q
Day 2:
Assemble and take bus to Skogar where there is an impressive
waterfall and an outstanding local museum. Start trek up to near the
summit of Fhimmvorduhals (@ 940m), passing between the glorious
Eyjafallajokull and Myrdalsjokull ice caps. Reach Hut near to
Fimmvorouhals. Look out for the horny Icelandic sheep! (Circa 12km)
q
Day 3:
Setting out from the hut we cross over a high pass and commence a
spectacular descent to the wooded area of Thorsmork. (c. 12km)
q
Day 4: Spent
in Thorsmork, relaxing, wildlife viewing, and local walks.
q
Day 5:
A long walk today; heading north through Emstrua to the
Markarfljot Bridge, cross the river and follow the spectacular gorge
south to the Einhyrningur Hut set in a grassyarea. (c. 21km)
q
Day 6:
Descend from the hut to the glacial River Gilsa, which we have
to cross in order to find the trail heading along beside the river and
then across the rich lawns to the turf roofed Fljotsdalur Hostel
amidst its panoramic setting with sweeping vistas towards the sea and
mountains. Here you will find a little library with books concerning
aspects of Iceland. There are also good bird watching opportunities.
(15km)
q
Day 7: Free
day in Fljotsdalur: local walks etc
q
Day 8:
Departure to Reykjavik (135km) to arrive about midday. There
may be the opportunity for some or all the group to divert and return
via Gullfoss and Geysir (this
will be at an extra cost) return at about 17:00 to hostel.
q
Day 9: Heathrow
passengers flight departs at around 16.00, so they will have some time
to look around Reykjavik, one of Europe’s smallest Capital
cities. A colourful low-rise town, with some interesting new-ish
buildings such as the huge icicle-like concrete church and the dock
area, which contains some interesting if not exactly cheap
restaurants.
Transfer
to Keflavik airport.
Included
Return
flight by ‘Icelandair’ from Heathrow to Keflavik (air travel clients
only), transfer to and from
Reykjavik. All food on trek,
but breakfasts only in Reykjavik. The
Icelandic government on passengers leaving Keflavik by air levies an
“international departure tax”; it is included in quoted tour charges.
No visa is required for citizens of the EC, USA, Canada or Australia.
Important
Please
note that we work with Mr. Dick Phillips on all the departures that we
advertise. He has been operating tours to Iceland for over 40 years now
and has a wealth of knowledge of this area.
He also stocks maps and books on Iceland.
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