Hike to Grindane

After descending the Gråskarvet mountain, my feet were completely sore, the effect of a several-kilometer hike in new, non-worn shoes. All my plans to climb three mountains in two days was suddenly very much in doubt. I changed my shoes by the car and my feet were able to rest a bit. I decided to go to the next destination of the trip and see what to do next there. Continue the escapade or return home.

The ride lasted only a few minutes on a gravel road crossing the Smådalen valley from north to south. I arrived at the parking lot on the Grindane trail and there could only be one decision for me. I’m going up. The mountain looked impressive. The vertical, southern wall that I was looking at made an amazing impression and I could only imagine the views waiting for me up there.

I changed my shoes again, putting my unfortunate Scarpas on my feet, and moments later I was on the trail. It seemed that I was doing better this time, but the impression disappeared when the comfortable path turned further into a rocky and uneven slope.

It was still very windy and I started my hike in a jacket and a cap on my head. However, when I warmed up by walking, I had to reduce the number of layers of clothing.

The path was very spectacular from the very beginning. Apart from the summit itself, which, as I mentioned, convinced me to put on uncomfortable shoes, I could hang my eyes on other nearby mountains and on a nice lake just outside Grindane, called Grindetjernet. The route can be divided into several stages. The first is a relaxing flat walk from the parking lot until the first slope. Stage Two is this climb, leading to the Heimstølbotten Pass. It is steep but there is a comfortable path. Then you have to go to the other side of the fence (a wooden ladder has been placed for this purpose), a bit along the fence and the next point of the program begins, stones. The last stage is quite challenging. The rocky ground and the steep slope can be hard to overcome, but when you overcome them, a stone mound placed at the top is already visible in front of us. I was surprised to find it so fast, even though it’s been an hour and a half since I started the trek.

Views from the top? Just insane. Standing on the cliff, you have unlimited views of Lake Grindetjernet below, the Smådalen Valley, Lake Helin and the surrounding mountains, including the Gråskarvet I have already visited. The narrow line of the road across the valley showed how high I had been. Despite the strong wind, I took pictures, flew the drone for a while and it was necessary to get back. The way back was not so tiring. Obviously, you had to be careful with those chimps, because one careless step and misfortune were ready, but it was somehow easier. Even with still sore feet.

I got to the car finally. Taking into account the fatigue, torment my feet and the weather (strong, icy wind blew all day), I decided that I would spare myself a night in a tent and a third mountain the next day. Especially since it was supposed to be a long hike. And so I had a 4-hour ride and a night spent in my own comfortable bed.

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