Our final day on the traverse took us through yet another unique landscape. It hadn’t really sunk in where we had come from and what we had done. It was a great achievement even if we hadn’t achieved all that we set out to.

The final day on the Laugavegur trail was by far the most beautiful. Even though we were submerged in cloud much of the day, the glimpses from the high mountains down into the green valleys were spectacular.

Day 16 of the Traverse and day 2 in the Laugavegur Trail, was just just as stunning at the last. The weather was not favourable but the low hanging cloud suits the contrasting landscape.

It was our first day back on trail and we were so glad to be back. The Laugavegur trail started here. Potentially the best and most famous section of the trail and the views, although cloudy, did not disappoint.

We had no trouble filling our time off trail. We did some hiking and climbing of peaks on the eastern fjords and stopped at some tourist destinations on our way round the ring road.

We had to make a really difficult decision. The wind forecast was severe. Dangerous even. We only have so much time and no extra days built into our itinerary. But I suppose that’s what happens when you do this trips around a full time job.

Our second day in the highlands came with spectacular views but the wind and sandstorms had not subsided. A night in a shelter was needed to get out of the extreme weather and try to have a decent night of sleep.

Our first day in the highlands of Iceland was not as smooth sailing as we hoped. We made it to our campsite but the weather was brutal and relentless

We woke up just gone midnight to find ourselves in the middle of a sand storm. We hardly slept after waking up so decided to hit the trail and battle through the wind and sand but the views, as always, were well worth the effort.

Heading out of Myvatn, the wind had only gotten stronger. Today we were entering the highlands. Perhaps the biggest and toughest section of the trail.

Today we passed through some real highlights of the trail! Ásbyrgi Canyon and Jökulsárgljúfur canyon. Spectacular landscapes and some of the best hiking we have encountered so far.

Day 2 hiking the Iceland traverse. Lots of road walking but beautiful scenery and blooming fields of beautiful lupins.

Day 1 hiking the Iceland Traverse. Lots of road walking today but beautiful weather an arctic tundra like scenery.

Getting to the start of the Traverse proved almost as difficult as the hike itself. Though we met some amazing people and saw some wonderful parts of Iceland.

I am making some gear changes specifically from my trip to Iceland. Primarily to cope with harsh weather conditions.

I am making a big change to my backpacking gear list for this trip but its hard to know whether its the right decision. Iceland can be a harsh environment but its easy to pack your fears.