Helgafell Circle from Varmárlaug

This is an enjoyable mountain run on Helgafell, one of Mosfellsbær's local hills, rising 216 metres above sea level. The route starts at the Varmá sports centre, from where the Mosfellsbær Peaks Run is also started, and follows walking and running paths up to the hill. The path up the mountain is marked with orange posts and runs diagonally up the slope. Before the climb begins you can see a small depression in the mountain, remnants of a gold mine from around 1900, where gold was sought without success. At the top there is a short walk to the highest point. From the hill there are wide views over Mosfellsbær, Esja and the sounds, and by walking out to the southern edges you get good views over Hafravatn and towards Bláfjöll. The route is about 8 km with around 218 metres of ascent and forms a loop. The surface is mixed; a paved path at the start and then waymarked soil and gravel paths up the mountain. Note that the descent is steep and loose in places, so take care. Mosfellsbær has done good work marking and waymarking the town's trails. Parking and a swimming pool are at Varmá.