The Faroe Islands, June 2017

Monday 26 June 2017

My flight to the Faroe Islands was via Copenhagen, so I spent the night reading a guide book and looking at the big map I had bought.

How did I end up on this far flung cluster of islands?  Well, it started in early January 2017, I was looking for somewhere to go on holiday where I could climb alot of mountains in the run up to the Lakeland 100 I had entered.  I started at the Western Isles, moved to St Kilda, then a little further north and west and found the Faroe Islands....  a cluster of 18 rocky, volcanic islands, stunning landscapes, mountains and coastlines.... checking of flight prices and before I know it I am booked on a 10 day trip in June.

Tuesday 27 June 2017

When I landed at Vagur I walked to Sorvagur to buy some food and drink in the supermarket, then back to the airport and took a bus to Torshavn, the capital, where I found the shop that sold maps, I bought the maps I wanted and sped back to catch the next bus to Klaksvik, a town on Bordoy.

Arriving at Klaksvik I walked to the campsite which was a small patch of scrub land near the school with a portakabin kitchen and another portakabin toilet and showers.  Toilet roll provided by a fellow camper who carried her own supply.  

Wednesday 28 June 2017

I went to pay for the campsite, at Tourist Information, where the friendly staff treated me to a coffee and biscuits and lent me a desk.  After some map fondling I set off on a walk, from Klaksvik to Arnafjordur, and back.  It was a nice climb, following a route description in the guidebook, a climb, a descent and a little township at the bottom.

I returned to Klaksvik, then after some coffee and use of wifi I caught a bus to Fuglafjordur on Eysturoy.  From there I walked to Hellurnar along an old track which is littered with old stories of giants and milkmaids.

From Hellurnar I make my way to Oyndarfjordur and from there along the old village path to Elduvik and I find a nice spot to wild camp looking out to sea.  Elduvik is an ancient settlement, there are lots of old houses with turfed roofs.

Thursday 29 June 2017

After visiting the local gorge I take the path along the valley.

I follow a river, climb up the side of a waterfall, then descend to Funningsfjordur.  From there I walk firstly along the road then across boggy hills to Skalabotnur.  Here I stock up on food and drink at the petrol station, and set off to cross the ridge to Selatrad.   The climb is way marked with cairns, the land at the top is flat and stony, and as usual from the top the views are amazing.

I descend and follow the road to Selatrad, where I camp for the night on the scout campsite; the scouts were building a big camp for the weekend and helped me plan my exit the next day.  They rang the bus to ask it to come for me.

Friday 30 June 2017

The bus arrived at the stop on time and took me to Torshavn, then I took a bus to Sorvagur. I am booked on a boat from Sorvagur to Mykines, the small, most westerly of the Faroe Isles.

I help Johan, who is moving to Mykines, unload boxes onto the boat, then arriving on the island, climb up to the cluster of houses.

The weather is hot and sunny, I pitched my tent and walked up to the top of Knukkur and ran down.  There is just a Danish war ship at sea coasting along as I climb and descend.

On this walk I have my first encounter with the Great Skua.  I saw a pair circling above me for quite a while, and as I continued my ascent, as I approached their territory, they started an impressive air display, literally coming at you out of nowhere!   You sort of hear a short sharp whistle, look round and this massive winged predator is coming straight at your face!  I ducked and fell over, a few times, I was quite scared as they were clearly very protective and seemed to be going for my eyes.  As I only have one good one I am quite protective of it.

The views from the top of Knukkur were breathtaking.  I could see to the islands I had just left a few hours previously.  On reaching my tent, I bump into a man who says he is a farmer.  We talk about the Great Skua, he knows where they are, and then he says, entirely unprompted: "And those fucking hippies from San Franciso, they can fuck off.  Who the fuck are they to tell me what to do?  These are my islands and we have been here thousands of years.  And guess what, I just had some blubber!"  I just look at him, confused and don't think there is much point saying anything.

Strava

Saturday 1 July 2017

I spend the day in my tent as it's raining and windy and I didn't see any point in getting cold and wet, I read a book.

Sunday 2 July 2017

I walked up Knukkur again, and said farewell to the Great Skua, as the protective pair came at me again.  I came upon the plaque to the airplane that crashed on the side of the mountain and thought of the families affected.

I then walked to Mykinesholmur, the westernmost tip of the island, crossing a bridge across the Atlantic.  There were thousands of puffins flying around me as I walked and further on there was a gannet colony.

I flew by helicopter to Torshavn, and from there I took a boat to Tvoroyri on Suduroy, where I caught a bus to Hvalba and camped there overnight next to a massive anchor.

Monday 3 July 2017

This was an exciting walk, the plan was to walk from Hvalba in the north of Suduroy to the southernmost tip of the island.  I made it as far as Sumba covering around 25 miles, passing Nes, the Turkish Graves, Trongisvagur, Ordavik and Vagur.  There was alot of ascent, magnificent views and and I met one person on the way who said he was a farmer having a walk up a hill.

I finished in Sumba, where I knew there was a campsite, but I couldn't see one.  Some people I asked took me in a car to the campsite which was a disused football club, about a mile out of the town.  The manager of the campsite came to let me  in to the club house and assured me no one would come, as I planned to sleep on the floor of the clubhouse rather than pitch my tent.  I was tired!  Tumas assured me no one would come.

Shortly after midnight I awoke to the sound of the door to the clubhouse opening.  I was a little worried at this development and announced my presence, to the camper who had just arrived and was looking for the bathroom.  This turned out to be James, who expressed his embarrassment at being a US citizen and said he didn't identify with most of his countrymen.

Strava link Hvalba to Vagur

Strava link Vagur to Sumba

Tuesday 4 July 2017

I woke up and took a quick trip from the campsite at Sumba to Akraberg and back, had a coffee on a bench with James who was setting off heading north; then the bus took me to Tvoroyri where I caught the ferry to Torshavn.  From there I caught a bus to Giljanes on Vagar, where there was a hostel and campsite.

Wednesday 5 July 2017

I set off on a long walk without my usual rucksack and tent.  I headed for a deserted village, Slaettanes.  This walk is an opportunity for me to get some miles and ascent in.  I chat to a friendly Danish couple of walkers and then hap upon a pair of Great Skua, equally scary as the previous pair on Mykines.  I fall over ducking, and take some photos, they are extremely impressive, aggressive, protective and majestic.

As I approach the deserted village I am targetted by a hundred or so Arctic Terns, these birds don't like me being there and make sure I know it.  I spend about 15 minutes worrying about what they might do, and they only turn back and leave me alone as I reach the village where I sit on a bench and look at the sea.

Knowing that I have to get past the colony of  Arctic Terns, and then past the pair of Great Skua, I am a little anxious and manage to take a wrong line on my return from Slaettanes.  I realise I have made an error, then I have to work hard to find out my way back to where I should be, which I manage with just a little elevated heart rate.  The lost art of reorienting oneself, I understand.  It is quite an exciting hobby to have.

I arrived at the campsite at Giljanes having had a fairly long day out, the last few miles I was escorted by some whimbrels who were far more friendly than the other birds I met further out that day.

Link to Strava

Thursday 6 July 2017

I flew home.

Oh dear.  I realise soon after booking my trip that this is where the pilot whales are slaughtered, in a cruel and now unnecessary hunt, the Grindadrap.  The Faroese say this practice is not cruel, and is part of their culture.  Maybe prior to the second world war, the consumption of whale meat and blubber contributed to the economy of such an isolated community.  The islanders don't need the meat of the whales they kill, any more, but they do consider this traditional hunt is an ancient right.

The Faroe Islands are a principality of Denmark and self governing.  They are not part of the European Union and therefore the slaughter of whales is not illegal.

Heri Joensen argues that the Grindadrap is no worse than a slaughterhouse.

Sea Shepherd Global has submitted a request to the EC to launch infringement proceedings against Denmark for facilitating the slaughter of pilot whales in the Faroe Islands.

Some animal welfare activists think that instead of direct action, a different approach to the slaughter of the Grindadrap will produce results, pointing to evidence that contaminants in pilot whales and blubber indicate that there are significant health risks arising from consumption of whale meat and blubber.

In November 2008, Høgni Debes Joensen, the chief medical officer of the Faroe Islands and Pál Weihe, scientist, recommended in a letter to the Faroese government that pilot whales should no longer be considered fit for human consumption because of the high level of mercury PCB and DDT derivatives. 

I didn't want to go.  On reflection, as the weeks and months went by, I decided that most countries have poor records on animal rights and human rights abuses, why boycott these islands, when at home we are not much better, our cruelty to both humans and animals takes place usually in private, behind closed doors rather than on the beaches for the world to see and judge.

Game bird shooting for example in the UK: animal cruelty which is not prosecuted as the industry exploits loopholes in animal welfare legislation.  The slaughter of animals for sport takes place in the county in which I live.

The Western Isles also face allegations of animal cruelty, the history and practice of killing gannet chicks is no longer necessary, although there is resistance from some islanders who maintain the specific skill may become necessary in the future.

How the pilot whales are ushered into the shallow bays and killed in the Grind makes harrowing reading.

I travel to the Faroe Islands, despite all this, feeling ashamed and depressed that I am going to such a place....  I chose this holiday for the mountains but I really don't want to go.

I chatted to a few people on buses but didn't really get to know any Faroese people.  I don't think I would go back.

The Lakeland 100, 28 29 & 30 July 2017

Thursday 27^th July.  After a day packing and working, I drove 92 miles to Coniston and slept in my car as the campsite was closed by the time I arrived.  

Friday 28th July.  I registered early at race HQ, the race started at 6 pm, I would be travelling further on foot than I had driven to get here unless disaster struck.  

Registration and kitcheck was the usual well oiled machine.  I didn’t weigh as much as I thought I might but I was still overweight.  After lunch there was an hour or so of more kit faff, then a truly deep sleep in my tent, thanks to ear plugs, until it was time for the race briefing, followed by another 45 minutes faffing before I set off to be dibbed into the start pen.  Halfway there I turned and ran back to the tent and ditched the OMM waist pack.  Good move. 

Nessun Dorma  resounded as we stood in silence, courtesy of Chris Lafferty, then finally, just 3 days short of 11 months since clicking “submit”, and paying my entry fee, the race began.  Relieved and overwhelmed in equal measure I set off on the journey, through Coniston and up the miner's track. 

   

  

I had reccied most of the route, of the 105 miles there was only one 10 mile section I had never been to and that looked straightforward on the map.     

Out of Coniston, over the miner’s bridge and up the Walna Scar Road, it started spitting then raining.  I hoped that this wasn’t the backdrop for the next 105 miles.  Once we reached Brown Pike the rain stopped and ahead it was clear, check point 1 at Seathwaite came fairly quickly. 

Seathwaite behind us, the route to Boot along Grassguards Gill and Harter Fell was straightforward, a few midges could not dampen my spirit. 

At checkpoint 2 (Boot) I put my head torch on to be ready when darkness came; I felt excited to be heading out towards Burnmoor Tarn as the sky darkened, Raven Crag was invisible but I knew it was there.  

Although there were people around we moved mostly in silence.  The tarn was still and quiet and from there it was a deep and wet path to Wasdale Head where the Sunderland Strollers roller disco checkpoint was a welcome break, the dolphin basking in the river made me smile.

Again, leaving the checkpoint all I could feel was excitement.  Contouring round Kirk Fell and then up Black Sail Pass, I kept an eye on the path, to be sure I didn't take the one that went to the bottom of the valley, then I was following a train of head torches up to Black Sail Pass and over the top and down and across the River Liza; past the YHA Black Sail, and up Scarth Gap Pass. 

Saturday 29 July 

On the descent towards Buttermere, I left the rocky path and found myself scrambling across until I found the path again, by chance.  The check point at Buttermere was the first time I sat down, mainly to get stones out of my shoes; the soup and hot dog were delicious and I set off towards Braithwaite feeling good.

The long climb up to Sail Pass I found myself on another silent train; I was on familiar territory due to a recent reccie.   I liked the silence, there was a common acceptance we had to get our heads down and get on with making our way.  

Descending from Sail Pass to Braithwaite dark blue bruises appeared in the black sky which became larger as they lightened and before I reached Braithwaite I turned my head torch off.  I was in good spirits at the check pint and enjoyed pasta and snacks, I ran back to take a handful of nuts and raisins for my journey from there.  The next section was easy; I set out along the A66 then found the hidden footpath towards Keswick.  The path round Latrigg was straightforward, on to the self clip checkpoint then down to and across Glenderaterra Beck, Blencathra Visitor Centre soon came along, where the welcome and chocolate cake provided a boost after a cold and windy few hours. 

From there it was a trot down through Wescoe, underneath the A66 and along the Old Coach Road where instead of putting on a waterproof and layers when the wind and the rain came I decided I would manage until I reached Dockray, by which time I was cold, miserable and about to throw in the towel.  Other runners around me were smiling and I had no idea why or how they were so happy. 

From Dockray I was guessing the way; a mix of using the map and road book and sneaky peeks at others.  Sometimes just blank which way? at gates, then I found myself in the middle of a band of runners, we trudged up the side of a hill, around muddy tracks and along then through fields and eventually reached Dalemain where Amanda and Andreas are smiling and taking my picture and talking to me while I work out what to ditch, and what to take from my drop bag.  

  

Antiseptic wipes were great to clean my macerated feet, which I then dried out for 25 minutes.  Foot cream applied and clean socks on, even in my wet but dried out a little trainers I felt like I had put my fur boots on, I set off happier and warmer across the green fields in sunshine.  My earlier thoughts of pulling the plug on this, were dashed here.  I felt much better having seen Andreas and Amanda - how would I tell people I ditched this race because I couldn't be bothered?

I know the route from here and apart from struggling to find the way from Dalemain to Pooley Bridge I enjoy chatting to Michelle then Jon as we make our way towards Howtown. 

Howtown Bobbin Mill checkpoint is always a rowdy affair, I load up with snacks and set off on the long slow climb up Fusedale.  I was surprised how easy the ascent was and was pleased at my newfound levels of fitness; until I turned a corner and realised I was only half way up and had entirely forgotten about this next stretch.  Up towards High Kop, a lovely run across soft bouncy bogs, down to Low Kop, and then down to Haweswater.  The trap trap trap along the nasty little lakeside path went on, but there’s nothing you can do but peer through the fern and hope the path below is not a big bog or puddle or rock which will snap your ankle.

Finally we are at Mardale check point and if I can make the climb from there up Gatescarth Pass I know I will make it to the end.  That much is certain.  Luckily for me I am eating a sandwich from the checkpoint and a bag of crisps whilst chatting to Michelle and being hugged by a turtle in orange Crocs.  The top of the pass arrives in no time and I know the end is in sight.

The descent is messy and never good to run; once near the bottom I  jog along to Sadgill and up the hen across some fields, along a little track and down to Kentmere Village Hall.  My disappointment at finding no smoothies here however was softened, as I was spoiled by the kindness of someone in sheep’s clothing who helped me by emptying my rucksack which was full of Red Bull.  My brilliant idea to carry a can of Red Bull [acknowledging my main fear, that I would be too tired to finish the race] backfired as my can exploded as my rucksack caught on a wall. The lady sheep was very kind and told me we were Facebook friends.  Someone else came to check I knew my name and what I was doing before they let me loose - I must have looked like I was unhappy but I was.

I climbed up out of Kentmere and my wet sticky clothes bothered me less; I was jogging along the track when it became less stony, down to the road and up to Troutbeck, along Robin Lane to Ambleside.  

Sunday 30 July 2017

Me and the two others I am with agreed to dib and go, and off we went, up across the stepping stones, round Loughrigg Fell, down to Skelwith Bridge then over to Chapel Stile via Elterwater.  Our group became bigger, I was tired and the route I knew looked different.  Annette kindly offered to lead our rag  tag and bobtail group out of Chapel Stile and she nimbly led us along the paths through fields of fluffy white fluorescent sheep which looked like they were brand new and full of kapok to me. 

When we reached the top of Side Pike Annette checked we’d be ok if she disappeared, we would and then we just saw her head torch from time to time bouncing around in the distance.  We made it without ending up in the bogs, to the self clip at Wrynose as dawn broke and we  strolled past the Highland cattle who sat at the side of the path, looking ultra cool, till we reached Tilberthwaite.

I had expected to hear Led Zeppelin playing when I arrived at the Tilberthwaite Check Point, and had to compensate by playing Stairway to Heaven in my head. Here I sent Amanda and Izabella messages to say I would be back at 7.30 am and we strolled  up the stairway to heaven in glorious sunshine.  The darkness and the rain were behind us; looking round a cloud inversion bathed the valley in luminous mist and I could have sat down and gazed at that sight all day. 

By this point, around 6.30 am on Sunday morning it felt normal to be ascending, the difference being this final ascent gilded with bright sunlight, sleep deprivation and a little hunger just intensifying the feeling… I had been moving now for just over 36 hours.  Climbing up, the first time I had been here in daylight in a few years, was pretty surreal.  

Reaching the top I paused before the descent and was in no hurry to start the descent on the tricky rocky path.  I made my way down and upon reaching the track John shook my hand and hugged me, then disappeared off sprinting back to Coniston with me close behind.   

I ran to the finish and any pain I had felt in my feet disappeared - the end was in sight, it's not finished until it's done.  This was such an unforeseen finish for me, I had not dared to dream I could manage this.  You never do know what you are capable of. 

  

So 105 miles after I left, I now returned to the John Ruskin school, 37 hours and 23 minutes later, I had been away for what felt a lifetime, in fact it was just a working week for some.  

I had been to some amazing places and met some incredible people.  And now to be welcomed home by my friends who had come to greet me was almost overwhelming. 

The support of the race organisers, marshalls and all involved in this event, throughout the year and most of all on the race weekend, means that these journeys are possible.  I felt proud to be on the start and at the finish.   

First male: Michael Jones 20h 22m 19s
First female Sabrina Verjee 23h 15m 22s [6th overall]

155th Sarah Smith 37h 23m 10s

223 finished of 360 starters