I decided I wasn’t tired enough from our cycle into  Seydifjordur so I decided to go for a hike while Alli had a rest day. I talked to an old guy at the info centre about possible hikes and he was very hesitant to recommend anything given the thick fog around. I eventually found a hiking map at the camp site and decided to take something relatively simple, given the conditions. I chose one that was unmarked, but rated as relatively easy with the option of taking a more difficult route to the pass (at 1050 metres) if I got really keen.

The hike was awesome. There was no marked trail and there was nobody else anywhere in sight the whole day – in fact I saw no sign that anyone had ever walked this “trail” before, not even a footprint in the mud. I’m not sure how walks are rated in Iceland but this is not one I would have described as easy. The track totally disappeared after 50 metres and the route proceeded straight up the mountain over what looked like an impenetrable cliff with loose scree and boulders.

However I was soon above the fog into a beautiful sunny day surrounded by awe inspiring views and swirling mist.

Of course I also took the difficult option and climbed up to the pass. Almost killed me, but it was so worth it to sit on top of the world with no one around but me. I couldn’t quite get to the top because there was a large ice cap I was too chicken to walk over…..

the view back down

from the top

Mist droplets in the moss

mist

The journey down was a nerve wracking almost vertical descent, again with no path whatsoever (of course I took the difficult option to go down). Arrived back at our tent exhausted but extremely happy…..not sure I’ll be able to walk tomorrow though!