Join #TeamStGiles for our Northern Lights Trek

Explore a land of incredible contrast and natural beauty as you take on a trek to support your local hospice. Experience the wild volcanic landscapes, mountains, glaciers, hot springs, geysers and waterfalls of southern Iceland on this 5 day Northern Lights trek.

There will be snow underfoot so it’s challenging walking, but no technical expertise are required as you take in the sights of this beautiful region in winter.

Itinerary

Staying in huts miles from the nearest big towns, the dark skies will offer a great chance of seeing the spectacular Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) each evening – an unforgettable experience to share with friends, family or colleagues!

• Day 1: Depart London to Keflavik
• Day 2: Lake Þingvallavatn
• Day 3: Around Hveragerði
• Day 4: Geothermal Valley
• Day 5: Fly from Reykjavik to London

Difficulty

A good entry-level grade, perfect for your first challenge. Keep in mind that this is a challenge and everyone will find elements of the trip difficult at some point, whether it is the physical trekking, the cold temperatures or missing home comforts. While there are many challenges, the enjoyment and rewards that come from trekking the wild volcanic landscapes in Iceland are unforgettable!

Your support

Sign up on your own or with friends, family or colleagues to be a part of #TeamStGiles. After registration we will support you every step of the trek, with information on effective training, fundraising and sponsorship tips, kit lists, local information and answer any questions you might have.

What’s included

• Flights from London to Reykjavik (Keflavik) return and all transport
• All meals (except where specified), and hut accommodation
• Leaders; doctor (group size dependent); local mountain guides and drivers
• Vehicle support and back-up equipment
• Entry to any sites visited as part of the itinerary
• Airline taxes

What’s excluded

• Any meals specified ‘not included’ in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Personal spending money, souvenirs and drinks
• Tips for the local guides and support crew
• Inbound airport departure tax (no tax applied at the time of writing)
• Fees for any optional sites, attractions or activities (for example spa visit – allow approx. £70 if booked in advance)

We’re here for you… because you’re here for us

“St Giles was like a home from home for us. Staff were amazing and giving something back by taking part in fundraising events has really helped us come to terms with his loss.”

Every time sisters Ellen & Laura Knowles look to the stars, they think of their dad, Alf, who died at St Giles. So when they got the chance to join an overnight trek up Mount Snowdon on Ellen’s birthday they decided it would be the perfect way to honour his memory.

Ellen and Laura signed up a team of 14 friends and family members to join the night-time trek in August 2019, raising an amazing £5,700 for St Giles Hospice.

“We’d already done the 25km Trekfest for Dad but I thought that trekking up Snowdon through the night on my birthday would be extra special.” said Ellen.

“Reaching the summit was beautiful – something I’d definitely recommend doing. It was gruelling but, because we were a team of very close family and friends all doing it for dad, we kept each other going.

“He would have been so proud of what we’ve achieved and it’s great to think that more people will get the same end of life care as Dad because of it.”

Since Alf died Ellen and her family have raised more than £30,000 for St Giles Hospice in his memory taking part in treks and organising events.

Please join Ellen and fundraise for St Giles to help us to support local people and their families, living with a terminal illness.