Skarven (1048m, prominence 661m) 17th July 2009

Torvløysa from Skarven

The summit of Skarven

I got the 9.50 am Molde bound bus, something that was to be a regular occurrence, and got off at Torvik. A track ran up Fjelldalen towards the ski centre at the head of Skorgedalen and I started walking up this track at 10.35 am. It was a well made track but it was steep at first, climbing in zig-zags, before levelling out. There were view through the trees, to Isfjorden, Innfjorden, the cliffs of Grisetskolten falling into Romsdalsfjorden and Skjerven with its head in the clouds. It was cloudy and humid, and mist shrouded most of the tops.

Kvitfjellet from Skarven

My intention had been to bash my way through the forest once I was level with Skardvatnet but the forest looked thick, overgrown and hard work. Instead I carried on along the track until I reached a path which served a number of huts. The forest here was more open so I decided to go "off piste" here, and on reaching 517m Gjøafjellet I saw Skarven for the first time. I had to descend to a swampy area but I managed to skirt around the worst of the wet ground and so keep my feet dry. I was soon clear of the forest and the ascent was easy and good views began to open up. I could see the cloud covered Romsdal peaks above Åndalsnes, Blåstolen and Trollstolen, Kvassetinden, Gravfjellet, Breidvikheia, Snortungen, Såta, Måsvasstind and many other peaks. At 1.25 pm I had a half hour lunch stop at Barfjellet, the 813m shoulder of Skarven., which offered a fine view of the summit ridge.

Skåla (667m) with Otrøya behind

After lunch it didn't take long to reach the summit, the ascent passing over a subsidiary top, before a path appeared which led to the top. I reached the summit cairn at 2.35 pm and stayed for half an hour, as the view was amazing. Apart from the peaks mentioned earlier, there was a beautiful view to Kvitfjellet and Rødvenhalvøya, Torvløysa, the mountains near Tresfjord, Skåla (1128m), the city of Molde and the island of Otrøya. It really was a beautiful scene in the sunshine, although a cloud came over the summit and hid part of the view.

Looking towards Molde

At 3.05 pm I descended to Barfjellet and then took a more direct line back to the track in Fjelldalen. It was hot and sunny, which brought out the horseflies, and I was plagued until I applied insect repellant. I reached the track at 4.45 pm and walk leisurely back to Torvik, enjoying the sunshine. I reached the bus stop at Torvik at 5.50 pm, and although there was a bus at 6.25 pm, I decided to hitch a lift. After 10 minutes I had a lift with four Russian guys in a minibus and they dropped me off near the hostel.

Skarven from Barfjellet

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