Sletthaug - Fjords And Mountains

It’s supposed to be light and pleasant but ended on a 20-kilometer march and climb to Sletthaug (480 m above sea level). But let’s start from the beginning.

In recent weeks my mountain activity is not too big. The reason is that I’m trying to recover my achilles tendons. That is why, as long as I’m getting out to stretch my legs, I usually choose some flat routes. And it was supposed to be this time too. I left the house with the intention of going up to 10 kilometers. However, on the way I remained an interesting road where I was with my son two years ago. My kid was pretty tired or (and) discouraged and we had to go back without knowing where the route was leading. Taking into account the location, I realized that probably this road could connect to one of the roads south of Aurdal valley. So, if I could get to Aurdal that way, I could easily make the loop and get home.

*The route that I planned to go (blue line) and route I made (red one).*

This new road began at Route 737 leading to Blikrabygda. It is not marked as a tourist trail, so it is probably used only by the local community. After turned off the asphalt road 737, I passed a couple of houses and two farms. After the last buildings I found my road. There were pastures, forests and behind them the mountains with a perfectly visible top of the Åksla. Curious cows greeted me on the road. I passed them and went on. The road was unpaved, but well maintained. I passed the stream and soon reached the forest wall. This is the point where we once returned with Tymek. The next route was terra incognita.

Soon I realized that I am not going to Aurdal. The road didn’t lead in that direction, it was also becoming increasingly steep every minute. I thought I had just discovered the mysterious trail to Sletthaug. The rocky road was moving high but as usual, nothing good lasts forever. Soon I had to continue my march, following only a narrow path, barely visible or completely lost in the brushwood. Sometimes I miss the trail and after a few minutes I hit it again. At one point I found two folding chairs and accessories for barbecue. The place offered a great view of the valley below in the clearness between the trees.

Sometime later, I finally managed to get out into the open area and in the distance I saw the road leading to Sletthaug, which I had already traveled before. I saw also the three-part rock Karatesteinane lying next to the road. This mean I was so close. Indeed, after a few minutes I stood under the hut set in place. I took few photos and I could move back. I decided on the usual route leading to Aurdal. Maybe it was not less steep, but it was much safer and I could avoid breaking through the thicket.