Scramble over Skrova


 

Final day, once again blessed with fantastic weather, though with a forecast of rain closing in later in the afternoon.

We walked from the hotel to the ferry terminal, taking the boat over to the island of Skrova, directly opposite Svolvær. An old fishing community, it is lovely and unspoilt, with a pretty harbour and several bays, coves and inlets, and deserted white sandy beaches.

Em opted for the easier walk, to keep Jack company, as he was still feeling a bit discombobulated.

Jack and I had a very easy amble, taking a stroll away from the coast initially, then following a grassy track down to a beautiful sheltered beach. White sand, emerald water. We had a paddle (not as cold as you might think for the Arctic Ocean) and had our lunch, whiling away a delightfully relaxing hour or so. 




On our way back to the ferry we checked out a permanent photographic exhibition in an unused road tunnel. They were a black and white collection taken by one man, showing island life from 1959 to 2004. As you’d expect they detailed fishing life, and truly enormous mountains of cod and herring, and some whales. Can’t imagine how fish stocks got so low….

Em x

The harder walk involved a steep, rocky climb to the summit of Hogskrova fell, with a rope handrail to assist us most of the way. The views at the top were phenomenal, out to the mainland Lofoten wall and Skrova’s rugged coastline below. 





After descending to the col on the other side, we continued along a rough track around the island, over a mix common heather and bilberry, to reach Merrivika bay. There we had to scramble over a field of boulders, to reach a track and the road back to the start.

Waiting for the ferry back, the first few spots of rain appeared. There was just enough time to duck into the supermarket for some cans of beer for a celebratory drink. We tried to stock the hotel fridge in preparation for this yesterday evening, but were denied by the edict of no alcohol sales after 8pm.

Really early start tomorrow to catch our flight, the Lofotens have captured our hearts with their unique character and indescribable beauty.

Joff x


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