At just over 100 miles long, and taking 7 to 10 days to complete, the Arctic Circle Trail crosses the largest ice-free patch of West Greenland. This splendid trekking route, lying 25-30 miles north of the Arctic Circle runs from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut (both of which have airport access).
The trail traverses remote, empty, silent and stunningly scenic arctic tundra, and is mostly gently graded with just a few short, steep and rocky slopes. However, the landscape between the two towns of Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut is extremely remote and those who choose to take on this route must be competely self-sufficient. The book includes plenty of practical information on what to take with you and when to go, as well as on safety, travel and accommodation.
Fully illustrated with a variety of photographs and its route is highlighted on continuous trekking maps. The guide also includes an optional extension to the Greenlandic ice cap.
Introduction
- Geology
- The ice cap
- Wildlife
- Plants and flowers
- History
- Culture
- Travelling to Greenland
- When to go
- Accommodation
- Toilets
- Health and safety
- Food, drink and fuel
- Language
- Money
- Communications
- Trekking in Greenland
- River crossings
- What to take
- Waymarking and access
- Maps
- Emergencies
- Using this guide
The Arctic Circle Trail
Kangerlussuaq
- Preamble – ascent of Sugar Loaf
- Optional Extension – ice cap to Kangerlussuaq
- Day 1 Kangerlussuaq to Hundesø
- Day 2 Hundesø to Katiffik
- Day 3 Katiffik to Canoe Centre
- Day 4 Canoe Centre to Ikkattooq
- Day 5 Ikkattooq to Eqalugaarniarfik
- Day 6 Eqalugaarniarfik to Innajuattoq
- Day 7 Innajuattoq to Nerumaq
- Day 8 Nerumaq to Kangerluarsuk Tulleq
- Day 9 Kangerluarsuk Tulleq to Sisimiut
Sisimiut
- Post-amble – Ascent of Nasaasaaq
Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Language notes and glossary
Appendix C Useful contacts
Paddy Dillon is a prolific outdoor writer with over 90 guidebooks to his name, and contributions to 40 other publications. He has written for a variety of outdoor magazines, as well as many booklets and brochures for tourism organisations. Paddy lives near the Lake District and has walked in every county in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales; writing about walks in every one of them. He enjoys simple day walks, challenging long-distance walks, and is a dedicated island-hopper. He has led guided walks and walked extensively in Europe, as well as in Nepal, Tibet, Korea, Africa and the Rocky Mountains of Canada and the United States.