The path follows the coast of the lake, and it is a fairly easy hike over a valley after which you will meet another lake. Hereafter, the path rises in some short, but sharp stretches and end with some rocky mountains. The path takes some turns while it passes a series of small lakes. On some part of path, you need to move over some cliffs. Here, you will need clear directions – especially when the atmosphere is foggy.
After the last part of the route on Amitsorsuaq, the route follows the river that runs steadily down towards another lake. The next lake, Kangerluatsiaesuaq, looks big, but compared to a much greater lake, Tasersuaw, it’s nothing. When the weather is good, you can spend some time on the nice sandy beach with clear, blue water. After this, the path rises until it moves into a rocky mountain range. The path is basically easy to follow on this part of the route, but if the weather is unclear, you must be extra careful. At around 320 meter of height – the highest point of the route – there’s a small cottage in the mountains.
Distance
22 KM
Ascent
454 meter
Descent
244 meter.
Take your departure from the canoe center and walk along the Amitsoursuaq bay. There are lakes on both sides of the path. One of these is small, while the other is quite big. If the weather allows it, you will be able to see the remarkable mountain, Pingup Sallia. Towards the end of the lake, the path leads around a canoe frame. The lake has many small rocks in this part of it which comes from the shallow water. This makes a beautiful picture. (If anyone has travelled by canoe to the Western part of the lake, it is recommended to exit the canoe now. The canoe must be pulled out of the water, turned upside down and places on the canoe frame. Secure the life vest and paddles correctly so that others can easily use it).
Walk along the lake where a stream runs. The path at first crosses a bridge and afterwards several visible marks on a cliffy hill after which the path once again crosses the river. By staying left for the river, hikers have created a new path here. If you follow this path, you don’t even need to cross the river. However, you will walk through marshland. You can take this tramped down path and mainly just follow the river. Slowly, the distance between river and path will increase. Be aware of markers if the track isn’t very clear. Down at the lake there’s an breath-taking view with mountains in the distance.
You will pass vegetation that covers over what was once very muddy ground. There are some gloomy sections in between. At this point of time, you have arrived at the Aasivissuit-Nipisat area which is on UNESCO’s world heritage list. The path changes drastically with more small climbs and falls, but generally it’s moving downhill towards a lake. By the end, you will pass a rocky pile of broken shells. Towards East you will find the noticeable mountain top that’s around 360 m. tall.
Turn left to follow the path that moves along the coast of Kangerluatsiarsuaq. The path ascends gradually but you can walk a little from the track on the climbing way. The route moves through an opening along a gravel surface. At this time, a land area goes into the lake. The map shows this as a campsite. On the other side you have to climb sharply downwards to reach a lovely beach. If the sun is out, this is really beautiful! The land moves steadily out into the water. It creates a small rim which successfully creates a small pool with water. Interestingly, the water level at this point is ca. 25 m. above sea surface. The Pingu Mountain is visible towards North.
If you walk behind the pool, you will see an unclear path. A more suitable path comes up later which pass cairns on a big visible rock placed on a green slope. In the front, you will see three cliffs. There’s a small climb, and then you will pass old, dried muddy land. The path over the two cliffs is short, sharp and rocky. The slope gets lower, and the path runs through a landscape of rocky rises and falls. The place offers an amazing view of the Kangerluatsiarsuaq lake and Tasersuaq lake which sometimes gives the impression of consisting of three separate lakes. Closer, are some small, shallow mountain lakes. Some of these lakes dry up during the summer. The height is almost 350 m. above sea surface. If the weather is unclear, you must be very aware and look after the path and cairns.
The path then slowly moves downhill and into a valley which has a series of small connected lakes. If you turn to the beginning of the lake at where there is a big mountain are, you might see the Ikkattooq cottage. However, it is hard to see at such a long distance. But if you continue taking the tramped down trail, you will finally reach its door.
Ikkattooq Hut