Adventurer crosses Iceland

Adventurer,  blogger, author and motivational speaker Alastair Humphreys kindly let Iceland Monitor publish an astounding video made on one of his many expeditions to the country. 

As well as expeditions such as cycling around the world, rowing the Atlantic and walking across India, Alastair was named as a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year for his pioneering work on the concept of microadventures, trying to encourage people to get outside, get out of their comfort zone, go somewhere they’ve never been. A microadventure is an adventure that is close to home, cheap, simple, short, and yet very effective.

Here is an account by Humphreys on crossing Iceland unsupported, by foot and inflatable packraft. For more of his journeys click here. Photographs by Christopher Herwig. Follow Humphreys on Twitter  @Al_Humphreys. 

Crossing Iceland

 "A note before I begin: I deliberately never talk about maps and routes on my website. It’s not meant to be a recipe book. But I get so many questions about this Iceland trip that here are a few facts for anyone wanting to do something similar:

• We walked south from Akureyri, over the highlands to the Hofsjökull glacier, then down the Þjórsá river. We walked the Landmannlaugur trail then paddled the Markarfljót to the sea.
• The rivers are quite dangerous in parts. We portaged round parts that were beyond our skill levels. Glacier travel is also potentially dangerous.
• We used Alpacka Llama packrafts and carried all our food and kit for a month.
• We bought our maps from Dick Phillips, Whitehall House, Nenthead, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3PS (01434) 381440

I hope these help if you are planning a trip. Iceland is one of the greatest places I have ever been. It would be virtually impossible to plan a trip here that wasn’t brilliant!"

An Expedition Across Iceland from Alastair Humphreys on Vimeo.