From Bessheim to Bessvatnet, where we crossed a shoogly bridge over the torrent.
The north side of Veslfjellet had big snow fields leading up the gentle slopes to the summit ridge. The path was cairned and marked and the snow firm and rough, perfect for walking.
We could see lots of people on the main path up from Gjendesheim on the skyline long before we joined that route, making us feel glad that we had chosen our starting point. We were at the enormous cairn on the 1743m summit at 12:45. We sat iin the sunshine, avoiding the cold breeze.
I wanted to see Besseggen. The original plan had been to descend it and walk round the shore of Bessevatn, but big snow slopes on Besshoe looked potentially dangerous; I wasn’t going to risk it. Bessvatn was still frozen, so the renowned contrast between the colour of the lakes was not so evident.
I descended 120m to a final peak on the ridge, a reascent of only 20m, and a ‘sweet spot’ about 1600m for a very good view of the ridge and lakes and mountains beyond.
I returned to Judith and the summit, then we retraced out snow traverses to the river crossing. We saw ptarmigan on the way. At the river Judith saw shore lark, another first for her. We were down to Bessheim for 5:30, having not hurried. We rated Bessheim for free parking and free, warm toilets.
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