Greenland Ice Cap Crossing 2005 - The Route

Fridtjof Nansen made the first crossing of Greenland in 1888, seen by many as an unacceptably audacious and potentially suicidal undertaking. However, he proved his critics wrong and returned a hero, opening the doors to a new age of Polar exploration. Nansen's route was entirely below the Arctic Circle from Umivik on the East coast to Godthaab (now Nuuk) on the West coast.

Louise will be traversing a more northerly route starting at Ammassalik, near Kulusuk, on the East coast and making a direct course for the Russell Glacier near Kangerlussuaq on the West coast. At 335 miles (535 km) this is longer than the Nansen Route.

The journey will begin with the team being delivered onto the icecap by helicopter. They will travel an average of 18 - 20 km per day hauling sleds containing all provisions for the entire journey. Sleds will (initially) weigh 90 - 100 kg.

The first part of the traverse will involve a gradual climb to the high point of the icecap (2700 m), followed by a long descent towards Greenland's West coast.

The main challenges in terms of the terrain are envisaged at the beginning and end of the crossing where steep and crevassed glaciers must be negotiated. The descent of the Russell Glacier is thought to be one of the greatest difficulties as it has been previously reported as highly crevassed and resembling an icefall.

The Danish Polar Centre permits expeditions onto the icecap between 1st April and 1st October. This leaves two options for an icecap crossing - a spring crossing in April and May or a summer crossing between June and August. Both options have their pros and cons. A spring attempt carries a higher risk of stormy weather and deep powdery snow but may make for more favourable conditions for the descent western side. A summer attempt is more likely to enjoy stable conditions but may involve wetter and more difficult conditions for the descent.

This expedition will commence on May 5th 2005. Following final preparations, the team will be on the icecap on May 8th 2005 and should be arriving in Kangerlussuaq on 6th June 2005.

The timing of the crossing in May should allow for relatively stable conditions, although conditions may range from still sunny days to raging blizzards and whiteout conditions. Once high on the icecap (our high point shall be over 2700 m) temperatures are expected to be around or below freezing during the day, dropping to temperatures of -25ºC at night. Temperatures of about -30ºC have been previously experienced as late as July. On the eastern side of the icecap, most of the bad weather (elevated temperatures and heavy falls of wet snow) will probably arrive from an easterly direction. As the team progresses westwards easterly winds may become drier and westerly winds may be accompanied by snow. North-westerly winds from the centre of the icecap are expected to bring the driest and coldest conditions, and Piteraq storms will generally arrive from this direction.

The expedition will be led by Einar Torfi Finnsson. This will be Einar's eighth tour in Greenland and third crossing of the icecap.

Louise Scott, Edinburgh-based businesswoman and Managing Director of Tidalfire, intends to be the first Scottish woman in 40 years to successfully achieve this classic and most historic Polar journey.

Louise will be making her fifth visit to the Arctic having travelled to Uummannaq (600 km north of the Arctic circle) to compete in the Drambuie Ice Golf Championships in 2000, 2001 and 2002. As well as undertaking Arctic expedition training in Kulusuk, Greenland at the end of March, in preparation for her first Polar expedition.

As well as fulfilling a personal, long-held ambition, Louise intends to raise awareness and £50,000 for The Orchid Cancer Appeal.

The team will meet for the first time in Reykjavik for final expedition preparations on Thursday 5th May.