John Shedden’s Fjällräven Classic 8th-12th August 2014 (Part 2)

Day 4 Alesjaure Mountain Hut – Kieron – Abiskojarure (22km)

The first part of day four follows the path close to the west side of Alesjarure for about 6 or 7 kilometres to a point where the little boat that ferries tourists and trekkers up and down the lake drops people off. Here you can go for a swim and there’s a Tepee and wooden benches for getting changed. The path swings away from the end of the lake and rises slightly to what is I suppose a vast mountain pass. From here if you look back towards the lake you get impressive views of the glaciers on Katojakka before continuing across the col and dropping quite steeply round the flanks of Kartinvare toward the checkpoint at Kieron and a treat of free pancakes and coffee. Within a kilometre of the checkpoint you enter Abisko National Park and you are limited as to where you can camp. Our final campsite of the trek was at the Abiskojarure Cabins next to the lake which has a lovely beach and idyllic shallow water swimming.

Day 5 Abiskojarure – Abisko (15km)

The final day certainly had the feeling of walking out of the mountains towards a less dramatic but none the less beautiful landscape. The route basically followed the Abiskojarure Lake and eventually the river flowing out of it towards Abisko and the finish. The terrain became more gentle and the track less rocky with a return to the mountain birch forest we experienced on the first day. At 15km this was by far our shortest day and the time seemed to pass quickly. In the last few kilometres as we approached Abisko, the river narrowed into a spectacular gorge with holes and pools eroded into the rocks by the swirling currents. Mats and Emil explained that in spring when the snows melt the whole gorge was covered with melt water. A final rest here and then just a couple of kilometres to the finish. Our hiking passes were checked to make sure we had collected all the required checkpoint stamps and then we received our badge and medal for completing the trek.

Our final night was spent at the Abisko Mountain Lodge where we were treated to a fine dinner followed by some lively entertainment at the Trekkers Inn. This was a fantastic opportunity to experience a unique event in a unique environment. With many big Scottish hill days and multi-day treks under my belt over the years I have to admit that I completely underestimated what the trek would involve, thinking that 20km / 25km an day walking through rather than over the mountains was going to be a steady few days. With a big pack and rough terrain this was a real challenge and one that will live in the memory for a long time.