Reviews

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ginnar was excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. There are multiple river crossings - the first had a rope, the next two you could wade across fairly easily (but that will depend upon the amount of rain that has fallen recently), the last we had to link arms as it was relatively fast & above our knees. Nothing to worry about, but worth being aware of. If you have poles they are more useful for this than the general walking. Having a means to hang your wet shoes off your bag is useful. 2. Make sure you bring the right kit. The forecast for our week was wet. Luckily that was pessimistic, but we did walk in waterproofs for most of the time due to the cold wind. The campsites are flat, but basically stony, so make sure you have a good mattress 3. Cards are widely accepted, we only needed cash for the tip ! 4. If you have an early transfer for your flight, before breakfast, ask the hotel for a packed lunch 5. The geothermal baths at Sundhollin in Reykjavik are much cheaper than the Blue Lagoon & also offers multiple hot pools, up to 42C (although no face pack 😁) 6. If you worry about mobile signal, then it is pretty hit & miss on the trek, but not non-existent (check when you're up high rather than at the camps)

Most Inspirational Moment

The ryolite mountains, the steam coming out of the earth - just awesome scenery!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Competent, calm, organised and unflappable

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of layers and be prepared to get involved in the chores! It’s fun

Most Inspirational Moment

Loved all of it and its uniqueness.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The guide was amazing. Very knowledgeable about the area and was able to answer our questions in good detail. Driver was great too, very dry sense of humour!!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Layers are key to being comfortable in all weathers. All types of terrain so good, waterproof walking boots are a must.

Most Inspirational Moment

The honour of walking through imposing rock formations, steam vents and glacier valleys. The creative force of nature unfolding beneath our feet.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent! Petur was confident, engaging and witty. A strong character, who dealt with the complex organisation issues well. Although initially setting a strong walking pace, he adjusted to accommodate those at the back with more breaks. A second guide could have kept an eye on the back of the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. Use a good eye mask to shut out the light at night, to enable better sleep. 2. Ensure you have a decent, fully charged power pack, as charging phones etc is not possible in the hills. 3. Bring plenty of Krona for the time in Reykjavik.! Buying meals/drinks is expensive.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were several - daily - which largely revolved about the scenery - 'wow' moments, which will not be forgotten

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gunner was affable, stoic & professional throughout; quietly unassuming, he was the calm amidst 'our storm' - whilst we were somewhat excited by the chaos he was efficient in his acquisition of alternative accommodation - at speed

Advice for Potential Travellers

Notwithstanding the weather, this is not a moderate trip - the walks are substantive in length, & whilst the pace was not over demanding, there were several high, steep, narrow &/or exposed parts to almost every day which a more moderate walker may not anticipate

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking over a mountain of obsidian boulders/cobbles. For non geologists obsidian is a volcanic glass that appears black , shiny and breaks with sharp edges. Usually difficult to locate but here there is a whole mountain of the stuff. Being informed that Icelandic trolls are bad, big, don't live under bridges and turn to stone if caught in daylight. Familiar if you have read the "The Hobbit". Petrified Troll spotting was a highlight of most days. The company of a great bunch of Exodus clients.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Gunnar is a very experienced Icelandic guide with a flexible approach to travelling in the mountains. The forecast of high winds early in the trip meant we we didn't use a couple of exposed campsites which made the trip more enjoyable, high winds and tents don't mix! He is a wealth of knowledge on the locality, its eruptive history and the Icelandic saga's. He even coached me in local pronunciation I can now say Eyjafjnallajokull .......(I think).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes the advice in them is good especially the bit about using duty free at the airport. Gunnar carried hot water flasks for lunch tea/coffee but if you a lunchtime cuppa soup person take your own flask and packets, plenty of hot water at breakfast. Strong winds over ash produce "dust storms", take a pair of close fitting sunglasses to keep it out of your eyes. Goggles would be a little OTT.