Munkebu

Munkebu

Route: Munkebu

Area: Norway, Lofoten Islands

Date of walk: 31st July 2017

Walkers: Andrew and Gilly

Distance: 5.9 miles

Ascent: 2,100 feet

Weather: Sunny and warm

During the morning we’d driven 40 miles or so to our next base in the Lofoten Islands, in the village of Reine – and what a wonderful drive it was, full of interest all the way. The cloud base had been quite low however, covering all but the bases of the surrounding mountains, and we wondered if our planned high level walk would lack the advertised views. We decided to carry on with the plan and if we walked into mist we could always turn back

We parked in Sørvågen and after following a track for a short distance climbed up some smooth rocks to reach two lakes, both set in stunning positions. As we gained height above the lakes we encountered a particularly steep section where chains were provided, and using these we managed to haul our ageing bodies up the rocks 

By now the clouds had lifted giving way to some glorious weather. After more climbing we eventually reached a col from which there were amazing views down two valleys – one down Djupfjordheia towards the sea, and the other back down our route, past the lakes, and out to sea. From the col it was a short climb to the high point of the walk, Munkebu at approximately 1,700 feet, and from here the view was simply breathtaking. The walk continues to the Munkebu cabin which we could see in the distance, but as this involved a descent and re-ascent back to the summit we gave it a miss and retraced our steps down to the col

From here we walked along a grassy path with sheer drops to our left but the path was some distance from the chasm and there was no sense of exposure. We followed the ridge downhill, admiring yet more sensational views, and then clambered down a final steep rocky section through birch trees before rejoining our original ascent path

It had been an incredible walk, ranking among the best we’ve ever experienced, and we felt lucky to have enjoyed it in such good conditions

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