My Forum

Thanks for the, er, encouraging words Paddy!

Sleeping at Keflavik? I'm a seasoned airport sleeper but Keflavik doesn't sound good according to what I've heard.

I need to get gas for my stove so the Reykjavic City Campsite will be my first port of call. I'm going to be pushed for weight on the way in so might have to stock up on some rice and pasta on my first day.  It might mean the difference between taking a tripod or not and its got to be cheaper than excess baggage fares. I want to do some sightseeing in Reykjavic too.

Car hire -  Cheapest bus trip I found to Jokulsarlon was £135 for a 14 hour round trip and £35 for a quick afternoon trip round the Golden Circle. Fuel is cheaper than here but I've budgeted £80. It does cost more than the bus if you're just yourself but I reckon it's worth it for the flexibility to avoid the crowds and also visit other sights like Haifoss. I've heard Icelandic hire cars live pretty chequered lives! It seems to be loose gravel that catches most people out. I actually like driving on snow and ice so I'm sure I'll be fine.

Hekla - Thanks for the warning on the camping. It was recommended on Summit Post but I'll give it a miss.

Skogar - Any idea if the campsite owners will be happy to hold a box of stuff for me?

Juila Bradbury - My favourite bit was when she was saying something like "I'd be terrified if I didn't have my guide with me" lol. I'm pretty set on doing it unless it's going to be completely dire the whole time. I've got enough time to spend an extra day or two on the route if need be. Lonsoraefi sounds like one for another time. Can you suggest any better alternatives?

I'm getting my gear sorted out and it's looking a bit breezy just now so I wondering whether to take my extra set of tent poles so I can double pole my Macpac Minaret. Any idea what the lowest overnight temperatures are likely to be at beginning of August on the trail? I think I'll just take my +5c bag as the weight saving will let me take my PHD Minimus jacket. I've bivied comfortably in subzero in the Lairig Ghru with that combo so hoping that should be fine.

"112 Iceland" is a cool phone app from the Icelandic emergency services. I'm guessing there's little phone reception in the interior though. I loved this vid they did for it.

I've seen some sites saying 1st of October for your book to be released although Waterstones say they'll post it in 4-7 days!

Iceland Express were offering return flights from Edinburgh for £99 which I couldn't resist so I'm now going to Iceland for 2 weeks at the end of July. Current plan is:

1. Arrive Keflavik 11:15pm bus to KEX Hostel
2. Easy day. Get supplies 2nd night hostel.
3. Collect hire car 9am. Drive Golden Circle. Park  at junction of F225, hike to foot of Mt Hekla and camp there.
4. Climb Hekla and return to car. Drive to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. Car camp somewhere on way there or the way back.
5. On way back deposit some supplies (inc. duty free beer!) at Skogar. Car camp somewhere Reykjavik.
6. Return car. Get last supplies.
7. 8:30am bus to Landmannalaugar and start walking to Skogar
   
   Use remaining days sightseeing in Reykjavik and take in Blue Lagoon on last day back to airport before 5:40pm flight back to Edinburgh.

I've booked the hostel the first 2 nights and the car hire (as €189 for 3 days seemed a really good deal for peak time) but I'm flexible otherwise. I can even cancel these bookings if need be.

Questions:

1.  Since it's the end of Jul, can I leave the winter boots, crampons and ice axe at home?
2. Where can I get mountain weather forecasts, especially for the Landmannalagaur trail, so I can chase the weather?
3. One alternative I'm looking at is the Snaefell - Stafafell route but how can I get transport to or from Snaefell?

Here's one link I've found useful that may help others:
Online mapping of Iceland

I though I'd have another look at OM and see if they'd sorted the stupid click through multiple pages to get to the content problem but no it's still diabolical.