Spring’s here (well almost), time to pack the skis in, and get the walking shoes out. And to warm up here is a walk on the island of Asmaløy on Hvaler that is not too strenuous, yet offers beautiful, varied scenery.

From the car park (see how to get there below), head towards the sea, about 100m away (you’ll see it through the trees), and follow Asmalsund to Brattestø. This part of the walk is sheltered, and follows a small sandy path along the coast. The little marina at Brattestø is a good spot for a picnic, a swim, or a spot of crab fishing. I’ve seen quite a few shells there, although never a living crab, to be honest… but then again, I’ve never brought the right fishing gear with me. There is an utedo (rustic outdoor loo) nearby, on the way towards the little Pikesten lighthouse, which is the next landmark. Here the landscape is much more open, and it can get extremely windy at times. As a result, there is not much in terms of vegetation, apart for the low lying juniper-bushes clinging to the rocks, but the views over the Oslofjord are impressive. The two islands to the southwest are Festningsholmen (with what remains of the Akerøy Fort) and Akerøy Island, the largest of the two, home to many different sea bird species, behind it. They are both part of the new Ytre Hvaler Marine National Park.

Follow the coast over the rocky slabs (which in places are completely black, because of the algae covering them) and then over a grassy area with brackish water ponds. Many flowers, including wild orchids, grow here in late spring and summer, but they are protected, so refrain from picking them. There is a tiny wooden cabin further along, with a path leading inland towards heather-covered ground, and then fenced paddocks. The area is used for grazing in summer, so don’t be surprised if you encounter a couple of cows on the way. Follow the path until you get to a crossing with a small country road, and a handful of houses. Here you take it left, and then right after about 50m, past the low-rise white house with a big garden. There are many blackberry and raspberry bushes along that road, which goes through fields for the first 500m, and then continues into a pine forest. Keep going straight for another kilometre or so and you’ll be back at the car park where you started.

How to get there: From Fredrikstad follow Rv108 toward Hvaler and head for Asmaløy, the third island. Once on Asmaløy, drive on until you see the car park at Åsebu (sign-posted) on your right, about 1km after the bridge – this is the start of the walk. Total distance: 6km. Allow 2-3 hours.