Kungsleden 13/07/26

Day 13. Saudal to Jäkkvik

Another bright day with a light breeze, perfect walking weather for the trip to Jäkkvik.

Path through the woods 

Through the woods all the way but there were some good views over the numerous lakes.

More woods

Lots of lakes

There was one river/lake crossing to make, this time with no alternative to the rowing boats.

An old fishing boat slowly composting 

Interesting gate in a reindeer fence

Rowing across the lake 

I was lucky to arrive just as another group coming from the south had left two boats on my side.

Arrived

A return trip

It was an easy row across in a nice light aluminium boat and I didn't even have to pull it ashore as there were two people waiting to take it back.

Gravel road 

Sluice

A short walk through the woods took me to a gravel road leading to a sluice which is part of the hydro scheme linking the lakes.

Approaching Jäkkvik

The trail then follows the edge of a lake to reach Jäkkvik.

A fine set of moose antlers on a shed outside Jäkkvik 

Jäkkvik is a proper little village with a supermarket and a campsite/lodge with very good facilities. 

Jäkkvik hostel

There was a interesting mix of people of various nationalities on the campsite and we had some interesting conversations in the camp kitchen.

The campsite 

Working my way down the trail

A short day but a good chance to charge up and communicate.

12k walked 

Kungsleden 12/07/26

Day 12. Gásakláhko to Saudal

It was a clear sunny morning with a light breeze when I woke and the wind increased during the day but there were only a few fluffy white clouds.

Coming down from the camp

There was no life abut the other two tents when I left for the continuation of the path over the hill.

Lakes everywhere 

I reached the trees fairly quickly and it became a rather rocky, rooty path threading a way through swamps and lakes.

Boardwalk between lakes

It's not surprising that there are so many insects with all the ideal breeding places and a supply of hikers to provide the necessary blood.

Big bridges

At some time this morning I crossed the Arctic Circle to return to more temperate climes although the temperatures have been in the late teens every day recently.

And smaller bridges. This one would have been swept away if it wasn't tied down at both sides. It was only moved.

A big river crossing on the longest bridge so far added some extra interest as I continued through the trees with the breeze keeping the insects at bay.

The dock and boat for the lake crossing 

I arrived at the Jäkkvik cabins where, surprisingly, there is a burger van that closes for lunch? I had arrived just in time to get fed and sit in the sun and wind waiting for the boat which doesn't go until 16.00.

Boat heading back

It was the longest and the last lake crossing by power boat which landed me on a rocky shore to face a climb over another ridge.

Looking back to the lake from above the treeline.

The gradient wasn't too bad and I was soon out of the trees, over the top and down into the trees on the other side.

I thought about camping by the small lake

There were loads of places to put the tent on top of the hill but it was a bit windy but more importantly no water.

Camp for the night

I found a nice little spot in light woodland and near a stream, not insect free but not a bad place.

17k walked 

450m ascent

Kungsleden 10/07/26

Day 10. Kvikkjokk to Goabddábákte 

It was a calm overcast morning and I walked down after an excellent breakfast at the Fjällstation to get a boat across the lake.

Morning reflections 

The boatman was a very interesting character who had lived in the area all his life and told us all about the changes he had seen in the rivers and lakes.

Bjorn the boatman

There has been a more growth recently and nearly all the sand banks are now green with interesting channels winding between them.

Path up through the trees 

Another fairly hot climb up through many kilometres of forest before it thinned out to allow a slight breeze through.

One of many little lakes

The walking became very pleasant through a scrubby area with stunted birch trees which allowed long views of the hills around.

Long bridge over the river

The open birch areas are much less humid than the pine forest with consequentially less insects, much better.

I wasn't the only one there

The path then descended to a bridge over the Tsielejkåhkå river where there is an emergency shelter and phone.

There were plenty of boardwalks

I thought I could have lunch in the shelter but like the surrounding area it was infested with mosquitoes so I carried on for a short distance up the other side and found a nice rock in a breezy place for my lunch.

And little bridges

I continued a gentle climb up by a stream into the hills before a steeper section took me out onto a fairly level section of hillside which I followed to reach a little river.

The plateau 

Just beyond the metal bridge there was an ideal camp spot. A nice breeze to keep the insects under control, water nearby and a flat piece of dry ground.

Perfect campsite 

I sat for a while looking a the views and the huge glacial moraine nearby deciding whether to stay or go on a bit further as it wasn't very late.

Wooly Willow 

I decided to go a bit further and chance finding somewhere decent but when I stood up and put my pack on I changed my mind and put the tent up instead.

A lovely spot and a tasty walnut pasta for dinner. Best camp so far by a long way.

17k walked

780m ascent 

Kungsleden 09/07/26

Day 9. Pårte to Kvikkjokk

Another bright sunny day, the temperature went up to 23⁰. I wasn't expecting the weather to be so good, it's bound to get worse before the end.

Leaving the campsite 

Today's walk was all through the forest mostly on fairly level ground with a mixture of roots, rocks and boardwalks.

A rare open section 

There were some fine big dragonflies and for the first time I saw a female Capercaillie with a chick. I could have got some sort of photo of the chick but I waited untill I was closer and ended up with none because It flustered away.

Lake

The view opened up to the distant mountains when I reached Lake Dáhtá where there were some nice campsites along the shore.

Another glimpse of the hills 

Fallen tree on the path, at least they are easier to get around than the ones in New Zealand 

The walk finished at lunchtime when I walked into the Fjällstation at Kvikkjokk just as the restaurant was opening.

Bigger trees and wider paths at the end

The entrance to Kvikkjokk Fjällstation 

A short day but l had decided to stay here, resupply, catch up with the blog, charge my phone and generally chill before tackling the next few wilder days.

View from my bedroom window 

15.2k walked

100m ascent 

Kungsleden 08/07/26

Day 8. Aktse to Pårte.

It was a perfectly calm sunny morning and it stayed sunny all day but luckily the wind increased in the afternoon.

Waiting for the boat 

I had bought a ticket for the boat crossing last night and regretted it this morning as it would have been ideal for a morning row.

Is it a mirror or a lake

Great views up the lake to the glaciers in the distance that give the colour to the water.

Full insect kit

The pull up through the trees was not as pleasant. I had to keep well covered, complete with head net to try to avoid being bitten and with the sun and no wind I think I got hotter than I did in the sauna last night.

Swallowtail Butterfly, a long way north

I didn't expect to see many butterflies today as I hadn't seen many so far so I was surprised when what I first mistook for a falling leaf turned out to be a Swallowtail (not sure which type) and it stayed still long enough to be photographed.

One of a number of bridges 

It was a relief when I climbed clear of the trees to the open hill and enough breeze to alow me to remove the outer layers.

Above the trees

I sat on a rock for quite a while to cool down and admire the view. It wasn't labeled as a meditationsplats but could have been.

Emergency shelter 

There was a long section of open hillside, some of it quite steep and rocky but I didn't mind going slowly and enjoying myself before having to descend to the woods again.

Grouse

About halfway there was an emergency shelter, typically Swedish it had toilets a stove and a supply of wood. All perfectly clean and tidy.

Rocky path

Down into the woods then and it was actually very pleasant. The wind was strong enough to keep it cool and stop the insects and from being too much of a nuisance.

That lake is where I'm going

The guide book said that the next Fjällstuga only took cash so I thought I would find somewhere to wild camp.

But first I have to go through the trees 

It is nice to have use of the kitchen to keep away from the insects so I called in to the cabin to ask and they do take cards now.

At the lake

At least the mosquitoes aren't a problem here tonight, I think the midges are just trying to make me feel at home.

Pårte Fjällstuga 

I found a good place to camp just below the Fjällstuga, very midgey when I pitched but reasonable at bed time.

19k walked 

450m ascent