Barbara, Bethan and I set off on the Kunsleden (Kings Trail) from Ammarnäs to Hemavan for 5 days in late July. Dave drove us the 4.5 hrs up to Ammarnäs where we got the boat taxi, operated by Törbjörn, an hour along the lakes to cut out a day of hiking! He was born in a house on the lake so had stories to tell which made the boat ride come alive. So worth the 380kr each! Our days looked like this:
Day one: 5km hiking in about 28 degrees. Tent next to little stream.
Day two: 14km in about 28 degrees. Tent in trees by private crystal clear sandy beach on lake.
Day three: 14 km in about 30 degrees. Tent next to roaring river.
Day four: 12km in 12-16 degrees. STF Viterskalsstugan Cabin for 500kr a night because it got to 0 Celcius overnight.
Day five: 8km in 2-9 degrees. 6 hours on the bus home to my bed.
Like last years hike to the same area, the bugs and biting flies were still there. But it was well worth it. I loved walking and talking with Bethan and Barbara, chatting with all the other hikers, swimming in numbing lakes and refreshing streams, being blown away by the scenery, being pretty impressed with myself and Bethan that we could carry a 14kg pack, enjoying the hiking food that I don’t think I would eat at my kitchen table and being plain exhausted!
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Lorraine Mars - Well done, Chelsea and Bethan. The scenery looks amazing, and the walking looks quite user friendly. Were there steep bits to climb? I don’t blame for booking a hut in those low temperatures, especially when I saw the snow! Love Lorraine