Boating & Biking Adventures

Category: B(H)iking Page 9 of 37

Værøy – Nord & Sørland

A mini-pass cut through the hills takes us from the south of the island to the northern shores.

I had a slow start into the day followed by a long on-off-ride to explore some parts of the island. It was on-off due to the many quality stops while on the way. Almost 5h for just 30km. Some light gravel. Simply breath taking this scenery under the midsummer sun.

Nordland and Sørland are today the two populated villages on Værøy, a third one at the southwest end of the island called Måstad was abandoned in the 1950s. No road connectivity and proper harbour were the main drivers.

There are hardly any tourists on the island yet but that might change soon with the Norwegian summer vacation only being a wink of the eye away.

Fair winds…

Lofoten Mainland behind Mosken Island.
Gammelkirken - oldest church in Lofoten.

Bolga – Rock Hiking

The rain stopped just at the time the after-work-walk was about to start. Good timing as the Irish would say.

We were up for the second officially marked hike on the island of Bolga, which includes cutting through the Bolgtinden mountain through a tunnel cave. On the slippery grounds the hike became a climb but we made it up to the cave at the crossing‘s top. As the downhill on the other side looked even more challenging, we decided to return same way. Puppies on training!

While strolling around we realised again the diversity of this little island and its archipelago. It would not be any hardship for us to stay longer…

Fair winds…

🙋‍♀️…Bolga Brygge…🙋‍♂️

We have left Holandsfjorden in the morning just to stop after 15nm at the island-pearl of Bolga.

Although the sun does not set anymore at our current latitude, we most likely won’t see it for the rest of the week – series of rain days are forecasted.

When I spotted a two hour window during the day without drizzle, I grabbed the chance to get up to Bolgtinden, the island’s landmark. An interesting hike, easy and demanding alternating going hand in hand. Finally, crawling over the ridge on the last stretch was not for me, so I missed the summit while still getting granted with some spectacular views. Slippery when wet! Know your limit.

Some people say, Helgeland is as nice as Lofoten but less touristy. We shall find out over the next few month.

Fair winds…

Picturesque beauty despite the overcast sky.
🔎 SY Hullu Poro at Bolga Brygge.

🙋‍♀️…Engen Brygge…🙋‍♂️

As per the weather forecast, the day started with a mystical overcasted sky, which turned blue in the afternoon.

After only 15nm into the Holandsfjorden we arrived in Engen Brygge, at the foot of Engebreen, which forms part of the Svartisen Glacier.

It was time left for clearing the boat, followed by lunch and a short mini-nap before setting off to explore this glacier and its connecting lake. Standing at the glacier‘s tongue felt impressive and irritating at the same time.

Glacier water for a special cup of tea.

Impressive in terms of what mother earth has given to us and a bit irritating with reference to the global warming discussions.

It was a hard hike for me and I am glad that tomorrow is a rain & rest day.

Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️…Brusdalsvatnet…🚴‍♂️

Passing through this historical open air museum Sunnmøre near Ålesund. Very nicely arranged.

I have started to sleep with my eye mask as the nights are too bright for me to get decent deep sleep. It works.

Fully rested I jumped on the bike to explore more of Ålesund‘s surroundings. Different highlights at different waypoints made it colourful but my favourites today were the open air museum and the little hill crossing through beautiful forest.

I might have to rethink my prejudice that Norway is not a great 🚴‍♂️ country.

Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️…Sukkertoppen…🚴‍♂️

My starting point.
250m into the track.
After 500m turning point.

Sukkertoppen in Norway is the counterpart of the Great Sugar Loaf in Wicklow Mountains/Ireland with the only distinction, that the latter one has no meaning at all in terms of navigational guidance while the Norwegian formation is very helpful on the approach into Alesund. Vegetation is grossly different, both not bikeable to the summit. I turned around as the risk of fall and injury got out of proportion.

Nevertheless it became a pleasant ride through some suburbs and nearby parks showing leftovers from WW II within some lush green fjell landscape. I also bumped into The Last Bonfire in Slinnbålet, which is under full preparation for the Midsummer celebrations.

On the final miles the Norwegian hospitality showed up at its best. I got dragged from the 🚴‍♂️ invited to Coffee & Cake by the local community celebrating the opening of a new road, which included a new cycle track.

Fair winds…

Nice guesture from the local community.

Alesund’s Bird View

Customs came first, Border Control second and after that we took a quick walk to the next Politi Station inquiring about long term stay regulations in Norway, for boat and crew.

The Lady got desalted, the mess sorted.

Our after-work-walk took us a short but steep distance to Aksla Hill for an unspoiled view over the city.

We have arrived!

Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️…Harris‘ Mountains…🚴‍♂️

It was Titti pushing me out today to enjoy another funny sunny bike ride on the Outer Hebrides. Myself had the mountain pass into Tarbert in mind but also preferred some gentle ride. The light tailwinds still from northeasterly direction made it a perfect fit.
Nice pitstop on the uphill.
With two cruise ships and one tall ship moored in Stornoway for the day the holiday season seems to be in full swing. A few more vehicles on the road, but still no hassle, biking seems to be popular under the cruising guests. Also met two separate couples from UK mainland, both riding completely on titanium. 

The mountain pass itself is nice but not spectacular although it adds another layer of landscape to what we biked so far on these islands.
 
My second ride in bib shorts!
 
Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️…Crafting Tweed…🚴‍♂️

I got inspired by some photos on their website and decided to pay The Weaving Shed a visit today.

To make it a bit of a bike ride, my trip went first over the moorland before heading east again towards the sea.

It is not only the variety of yarns and its softness, what impressed me, but also the creativity and dedication of this small true family business.

Fair winds…

🚴‍♂️…Ness…🚴‍♂️

Eoropie Beach.
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse.
End Point.
Port of Ness.

My motivation was very low this morning but I felt, the weather does not leave me with the option not to go cycling. It‘s a gift you cannot let pass.

Fighting my way up north against some light northeasterly headwinds for just another lighthouse?!? My head did not get across the line until I reached Eoropie Beach and parked the bike in the dunes. This beach is another gem on the Island of Lewis followed by the incredible scenery The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse has been put in.

Last but not least the Coffee & Cake at The Breakwater overlooking The Port of Ness finally fully compensated for all the earlier physical and mental pain before flying back to Stornoway.

Fair winds…

Page 9 of 37

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