One thousand Miles
Welcome to my blog which is devoted to my Gronabandet 2013 attempt, a walk of close to one thousand miles from south to north through the Swedish mountain chain. A collective of Swedish outdoor brands have created and sponsored the 'Green Band', a challenge to the long distance walker to undertake an uninterrupted and unsupported trek through the summer sub-arctic mountain landscape of northern Scandinavia. It's a route of the walker's choice provided the journey either starts or finishes at the Swedish mountain station of Grovelsjon in the south with a corresponding start or finish at the lonely northern border stone of Treriksroset (where Sweden, Finland and Norway meet).
It's a big challenge calling for high levels of fitness and navigational ability, and perhaps the sheer bloody mindedness required to complete this journey through a spectacular and unbroken wilderness free of any significant human habitation. The rules are few but are required to be observed in order that the successful challenger is awarded the Green Band. The journey must be continuous (save for rest days), it must be unsupported (save supply boxes mailed ahead or odd supplies bought on route either from 'fjallstationer', 'fjallstugor' or 'vandrarhem' etc. (mountain huts and hostels) or perhaps the indigenous Sami), the journey must be under one's own steam and means crossing the big lakes of northern Lapland in rowing boats (on the 'roddled' of the Kungsleden for example).
My own route will follow south to north with one third of the walk above the arctic circle. I would hope to start at the beginning of July 2013 and to finish some 50 plus days later with my hand on the yellow concrete mass of Treriksroset. I could well be the first person from outside of Sweden to achieve this; that's not so important though as the prize is the journey itself. Success is down to some hard planning and a bit of luck along the way. So, welcome to my blog which will chart my preparation, kit chosen and the walk itself. I'll try and say something about the Swedish mountain chain ('fjallen') as there is little in English (surprisingly!) about it. It's a special place, very much Europe's last wilderness and full of opportunity for adventure, wonder and quiet contemplation. So have a read and come back and visit and see how I am getting on. The walk starts in July and by the magic of smartphones I hope to blog along the way.
If you want to know more have a look at www.vitagronabandet.se. No details in English but mail the organisers and I am sure they'll happily answer your questions in their excellent English.
It's a big challenge calling for high levels of fitness and navigational ability, and perhaps the sheer bloody mindedness required to complete this journey through a spectacular and unbroken wilderness free of any significant human habitation. The rules are few but are required to be observed in order that the successful challenger is awarded the Green Band. The journey must be continuous (save for rest days), it must be unsupported (save supply boxes mailed ahead or odd supplies bought on route either from 'fjallstationer', 'fjallstugor' or 'vandrarhem' etc. (mountain huts and hostels) or perhaps the indigenous Sami), the journey must be under one's own steam and means crossing the big lakes of northern Lapland in rowing boats (on the 'roddled' of the Kungsleden for example).
My own route will follow south to north with one third of the walk above the arctic circle. I would hope to start at the beginning of July 2013 and to finish some 50 plus days later with my hand on the yellow concrete mass of Treriksroset. I could well be the first person from outside of Sweden to achieve this; that's not so important though as the prize is the journey itself. Success is down to some hard planning and a bit of luck along the way. So, welcome to my blog which will chart my preparation, kit chosen and the walk itself. I'll try and say something about the Swedish mountain chain ('fjallen') as there is little in English (surprisingly!) about it. It's a special place, very much Europe's last wilderness and full of opportunity for adventure, wonder and quiet contemplation. So have a read and come back and visit and see how I am getting on. The walk starts in July and by the magic of smartphones I hope to blog along the way.
If you want to know more have a look at www.vitagronabandet.se. No details in English but mail the organisers and I am sure they'll happily answer your questions in their excellent English.
Man with Tea and Tent
I am Mark Waring from Sussex, England. I'm a keen walker and backpacker of some years with solid wilderness walking experience. Married to a Swede I have backpacked extensively in northern Scandinavia and know parts of my intended route already. The rest will see me draw on much Scottish experience (hard won in plenty of Highland wind and rain) and trips as far afield as the Yukon Territory in arctic Canada. I've got some cracking British kit to use on the way and I am lucky enough to be sponsored by Paramo (www.paramo.co.uk) who are providing an extensive range of clothing. Additionally, Pacer Poles (www.pacerpoles.co.uk) have supplied me with a set of their alloy poles and I know from using 'Pacers' over several years how great these are. Powertraveller are keeping my electronic gear running with the use of a 'Powermonkey Explorer' (www.powertraveller.com). Thanks further to Extremities for hats, socks and gloves (http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/). Extremities and Terra Nova's reputation for innovative and lightweight kit is evident in the products they have supplied me. I am looking forward to the opportunity this summer to use all these great British outdoor brands in the testing sub-arctic environment.
Have a look at some of my thoughts on kit and route on the following pages (more to follow). Some photos below from my walks at home and abroad. Any comments I would love to hear from you. Either email on the contact below or, indeed, follow me on 'twitter' using the 'follow' button (this will ensure notification of new content). Alternatively, see the blog page for an email subscription 'Feedburner'.
Have a look at some of my thoughts on kit and route on the following pages (more to follow). Some photos below from my walks at home and abroad. Any comments I would love to hear from you. Either email on the contact below or, indeed, follow me on 'twitter' using the 'follow' button (this will ensure notification of new content). Alternatively, see the blog page for an email subscription 'Feedburner'.
Paramo Clothing
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Powertraveller - Powermonkey Explorer
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