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ARCTIC WALKING: Greenland | Arctic Russia | Ellesmere Island & Svalbard |
ELLESMERE ISLAND 2008Half as large again as England but with a population of less than a thousand even in the summer, Ellesmere Island is unknown to most polar travellers despite its long history of scientific exploration. The eastern coastline is broken up by long fjords dotted with icebergs that have calved from the ice-cap but the coastal fringe is remarkably productive supporting 100 species of vascular plants at 79 degrees north. The vegetation supports muskox, caribou and smaller mammals while the tundra provides nesting sites for knots, turnstones and Baird's Sandpipers. The archaeology of the area, much of which has yet to be mapped, is remarkable and includes remains from all cultures between Independence I and late Thule. Surrounded by bones preserved by the cold, dry air the abandoned hunting camps seem to have been left yesterday rather than 500 years ago. Late July, with its 24-hour daylight and spells of settled weather, is ideal for walking and camping. Most of the plants are still in flower and migrant birds have hatched but not begun migration. Our directors have long experience of working in Ellesmere Island and are unanimous that this is the area, given free choice, to which they most wish to return. Sverdrup Pass Ellesmere Island Kayak & Hike Ellesmere Island and Footsteps of Polar Explorers |
Our Ellesmere Traverse backpacking trip runs through an extraordinary mountain wilderness, located less than 700 miles from the North Pole, and offers outstanding vistas of great glaciers contrasted against scattered herds of muskoxen. We will also benefit from a food cache half way through the trip which will greatly lighten the load of our backpack for this two-week traverse. This trip is considered strenuous as we will be travelling across uneven tundra terrain, negotiating scree and moraine, and dealing with river crossings. We will move camp on most days to our next camp about 10 km away, which represents about 6 to 8 hours (including rest stops) of travel. We will have a couple of rest days in the beautiful Sverdrup pass. This coast-to-coast expedition should encounter almost every aspect of life in the High Arctic from arctic hares, foxes and muskox through Thule culture remains to some of the most prolific stands of vascular plants and a wide range of sea and shore birds. Please contact us for a detailed itinerary. Price £5750
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Kayak and walk through the fiords of Kane Basin, past icebergs, walrus, remote islands and the remains of 19th century polar explorers. Our expeditions take advantage of the short, settled summer period to reach areas inaccessible by other means. Quite apart from the wildlife and the spectacular scenery, these trips offer the opportunity to visit some of the most important locations in the history of polar exploration since Nares, Greeley, Sverdrup and Peary all passed through this area. The Footsteps expedition is our most challenging and aims, ice and weather permitting, to reach Fram Harbour, Camp Clay, Fort Magnesia and the final site of Greely's disastrous expedition of 1881-4. Please contact us for a detailed itinerary. Price: £5200 (Kayak) / £5750 (Footsteps)
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