All arrived safely the next morning and were greeted by a well set up if cramped campsite, and we settled into camp life. The afternoon was spent learning the various techniques that can be employed for river crossings which we soon learnt were unavoidable – Iceland does not have bridges! The freezing sensation in our lower limbs was soon removed with a swim in the local outdoor pool and hot tub which we all frequently visited throughout the trip. The oppressive layer of cloud above us was something we all slowly got used to before it cleared two days later to reveal fantastic mountain scenery all around us. It was a rare event for the sun to shine, but when it did, we were left with awesome views and some superb sunsets to enjoy.

The main party was split into three groups, and the trekking was organized into three packets of three day walks – the highlight for my group probably being the stay in a mountain hut with fantastic views from the summit down onto a glacier and out to the sea in two directions. The fact we were up there in daylight at 2300hrs was even more incredible, and it provided a welcome break from relying on the compass to navigate us through cloud. However, the poor weather we regularly experienced ensured everyone’s navigation skills rapidly improved. Injuries were another unavoidable result of the terrain we were walking on, with sore knees and ankles a common occurrence. However, the most unfortunate was probably OCdt Wright who experienced appalling blisters which ended his trekking for the rest of the trip after just two days.

The chat both on and off the hills was excellent though, which kept everyone’s morale up, and evening entertainment was provided to allow all to forget the weather. There were also a few birthday celebrations during the trip which were unusual for students as they involved no alcohol (due to the astronomical cost in Iceland).

Reykjavik was the destination for two days R&R at the end of the trip with visits to Gulfoss (a very big waterfall), Geysir and the Blue Lagoon – a geothermal spa. This was followed by a night out in Reykjavik itself. Again the weather could have been kinder – something OCdts Cuskin and McGuiness will more than agree with as they returned to their tent at the end of the day to find their kit floating in half an inch of water!

Reluctantly, camp was packed up the next morning and everyone returned to the UK having thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Thanks must go to Major Napier and Major Milner for organising the trip and Ed Gay and the admin party for ensuring all ran smoothly once in Iceland.