Overview
For very experienced long-distance hikers ONLY
The Southern ACT route is being developed in response to the creation of an ATV track in 2021 between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut, which partially overlaps with the original trail. The ultimate goal is to preserve the solitude and silence for hikers, but there is still significant work to be done to ensure the experience approaches that of the original trail.
Currently, the two routes are very different. In particular, the Southern route is:
- slower
- much more physically and technically demanding
- not well marked
- much more remote
Please read the following carefully and honestly assess your previous hiking experience and fitness level before deciding to undertake the southern route. You must also read the information and advice contained on the rest of the website, as it is relevant to both trails.
Terrain
Although the Southern ACT roughly the same length as the original route, it is significantly slower. Most hikers report speeds of less than 2km per hour, and hikers should allow an extra day if choosing this route.
There are several reasons for the slowness of the trail:
- there is no tread – you are walking on uncompacted tundra which means you sink with every step. This makes you slower and uses a lot more energy than hiking on a compacted trail like the original route
- challenging navigation – see below
- more altitude gain and loss – the terrain is much more hilly than the original route. Although the minimum and maximum altitudes are similar, Southern Route has an total elevation gain/loss of ±~2100m, while the original route has ±~1400m
- several technically difficult sections – there are two large rivers and some very steep ascents/descents, made all the harder as there is no trail tread. There is currently a washout area that is also very challenging, which will remain until we are able to secure funding to carry out the required work
Navigation
You must carry both a GPS device AND a map with a compass and know how to navigate reliably with both.
While there are cairns (now supplemented with poles) along the southern route, they are too few and not visible enough to be relied upon for direct navigation. They are intended to provide “confidence” that you are still on the correct route. However, you won’t necessarily be able to see the next one from where you are standing, and there is currently no defined trail tread to guide you.
Make sure you have both a GPS device and a map and compass (in case of digital failure) and have personal experience navigating with both. There’s no point in bringing them if you don’t know how to use them!
Download the current GPX track and waypoints from our general Navigation page.
Igalassat Hut
There is one hut along the Southern ACT route – Igalassat. It is located on a lake and has an outdoor dry toilet, but there is limited space for camping. You may need to look further afield to find a good campsite.
Sleeps: 6
GPS: 66.93645, -52.58760
Features:
- Benches for cooking
- outdoor dry toilet
Please read the guidelines about appropriate conduct when using huts along the ACT, and help us maintain them, along with the surrounding areas, free of trash and human waste.
Emergency Communication
You must carry a two-way emergency communication device and know how to use it
The ACT is a very remote trail with no phone reception outside of Kangerlussuaq, Sarfannguit (Southern ACT), and Sisimiut. Every hiker should carry a two-way emergency communication device, but this is especially crucial for those attempting the far more challenging Southern Route.
Two-way communication is vital in Greenland due to our very limited Search and Rescue capacity. Please read more about what is involved in an emergency and how our Search and Rescue operations work so you can understand the limitations. This will help you appreciate why it is so important to have sufficient experience and fitness before tackling the ACT.
Known difficulties
As with the original ACT, there is very little funding to make improvements to the trail. Therefore, hikers must be prepared to deal with several current obstacles including:
- Steep sections – there are several short but very steep sections of trail that will likely require some scrambling, careful placement of feet, and balance
- River crossings – there are two major river crossings on the Southern Route that can quite difficult after a rainfall
- Marshy sections – especially the last section before re-joining the original route near Kangerluarsuq Tulleq. This is very slow and you’ll have to find your own way essentially following the river. There is no “best” route through here
- Washouts – there are two washouts opposite Sarfannguit, the larger of which is difficult to get through and may require use of hands, feet and bottom
The slideshow opposite shows some of these areas.
