Page 26 - 1994 Mountaineering Club Review

The district is famous for its sheer mountains with long difficult ridges and for a twin-peaked pinnacle of rock called the Svolvaergeita (the Svolvaer Goat). The expedition was split into a climbing party and a trekking party.
The first part of the expedition was spent in the northern region of the main island of the group, Austvagoy. The reasons for this initial period were for the group leaders to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of their parties and for familiarisation with the terrain. During this phase the climbing party lead by Rob Finch ascended Store Higravtind, the highest peak on the island and the trekking party, lead by Chris Clipsham, made an ascent of Sautindin, in less than ideal weather.
The two parties met in the valley for tea and stickies and decid­ ed on what was to happen for the rest of the week. It became apparent that what was good terrain for the climbers in their Boreal Lasers and Lycra bodysuits was a bit too adventurous for the walkers in their Pusser’s walking boots and foulies. The two parties made their farewells and parted; the climbers moving to the Vagakallen range and the trekkers established camp at Knutmarka, outside the main town, Svolvaer.
the FAA contingent they also managed to supplement their diet with fresh cod!
The climbing party ascended many climbs around Vagakallen including Piano Turners Handle ( a rough translation from the Norwegian). An attempt at reaching the summit of Vagakallen was made but this had to be abandoned due to the severity of the route and unsafe conditions.
The last day was spent climbing the 330m high Svolvaergeita and the customary 7 ft jump between the two peaks which form the goat’s horns was made by all the party. The cold conditions and high winds made for an interesting jump between the horns and a mind focussing landing!
It must be noted that this expedition was only a week long and that only a fraction of what the Lofoten Islands have to offer was experienced by the team. However this fraction provided the expedition with outstanding views on exhilarating ridges routes and peaks.
ANNUAL REVIEW
Sultan Vikings '94
HMS Sultan Mountaineering Club Expedition to Norway
The Eastern Lofoten Islands
In August 1994 a group of 4 officers and 5 ratings, principally D uring the rest of the week the trekking party walked over 40 km
from HMS Sultan, travelled to Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands of arduous and wet terrain including the notorious Kongstindan
of Norway to rock climb, mountaineer and trek over the islands. ridge and Blatinden. Due to the fishing (poaching) expertise of
THE ROYAL NAVY & ROYAL MARINES MOUNTAINEERING CLUB
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David. Baines