Area: Reydarfjordur, Iceland
Stunning though the ringroad scenery was, and supremely enjoyable, I was always fighting the urge to get into it, and off the beaten track. Given time constraints, options were limited, but after leaving Hofn this morning I did have a few vague plans. Initially (after a peaceful breakfast near Sefdalur, then seabird watching at Almannaskard) I parked near the tunnel beyond Budir and took the marked path into the empty and wonderful looking valley to the west. Sadly, a bridge was down and it was impossible to continue up the valley (confirmed by a chat with the farmer's wife!). No matter, I continued the drive and parked instead west of Reydarfjordur at the top of an obvious pass. Again, superb mountain scenery on all sides. The weather was dry but cloudy and somewhat threatening. Graenafell was an ideal way to get amongst it all, a small but pronounced hill surrounded by bigger mountains. Steep slopes led from the windy pass to boggy moorland and a desolate lake (Graenavatn) with golden plover. Then, rockier and drier terrain led to the summit and great views over Reydarfjordur (and a bench for sitting on!). Easy jogged descent, less than an hour for the outing. Then, the journey continued to Eggilstadir then up for a taste of the highlands before descending to Myvatn.
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