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Dalegubben is certainly one of the major Ørsta mountains, being the highest point on the mountain region between Follestaddalen/Standalen and Åmdalen/Bondalen. This mountain region also include tops such as Grøtdalstindane and Veirahaldet. This peak, known as Miendalstinden by the mountaineering pioneers, has superb views and is accessible to most people. An easy route runs up from the place Sæbø, and this is the route described on this page. See also the picture above.
"Dal" as in Dalegubben is Norwegian for a valley. "Gubben" means "the old man". Perhaps that is all there is to it? The old man sitting above the valley? Miendalstinden, according to the book Fotturar på Sunnmøre, can be translated to "River Valley Peak".
Dalegubben can also be ascended from Standalen. One follows the path into Nøvedalen, walks up the mountainside towards point 1306m and then follows the ridge towards Dalegubben. Local "problems" can be bypassed along the way. The route from Sæbø may be avalanche-prone in winter. Talk to local experts in Sæbø. With good snow conditions, this would surely be a delightful descent on skis.
The first ascent was done Aug. 25 1899 by Dr. Richards, William C. Slingsby and Sivert Urke, on the same route described on this page. The mountain massif has lots of potential for fine mountaineering, including the satellite peaks Litledalshornet, Lynghalstinden and Holmshornet.
Dalegubben (Norge 1:50,000: 1344m, Økonomisk Kartverk: -, UTM 32 V 366683 6902488) has a primary factor of 976m towards the higher parent mountains north of Standalen valley. The defining saddle (approx. UTM 32 V 362582 6904382) is found immediately E of Standalvatnet. Ref. Økonomisk Kartverk (5m contours), the saddle is within the range 365-370m, interpolated to 368m. Note that the 350m contour on Ø.K., is actually the 375m contour.
Personal GPS measurement read 1346m, on top of cairn (approx. 1m high) as average over a 10-minute period.
Notes: Class ratings are in reference to YDS. Click here for more information.
The trails described below are not necessarily the *easiest* trails to this mountain.
Sæbø - Dalegubben (summer/autumn)
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Access
From Ålesund, follow highway E39 towards Bergen/Volda to the ferry at Solavågen. Take the ferry over to Festøya. Turn right in the direction of Volda. Follow highway E39 approx. 35,5Km to a junction (roundabout) in Ørsta. Turn left onto road RV655 (towards Sæbø). Drive approx. 23,5Km and turn left towards the last farm (on the left-hand side of the road) before Sæbø
Drive less than 100m, turn left and then immediately right. Drive 300m straight ahead (ignore another road to Sæbø on your right-hand side) and find parking when the road turns 90 deg. to the right (east). You should find parking for one car here. If taken, find another solution.
The route
Follow the tractor road E/NE 270m and as it switchbacks up the hillside. The tractor road ends at 220m elevation. 100m (distance) *before* it ends, locate a dry creek and then look up the mountainside. Locate a wooden stair that takes you across a fence. A path, marked by red paint (here and there) begins here.
The path runs N/NW up to 370m elevation, then turns NE and tops out on a small ridge at 470m elevation. The path now descends, gradually turning left (north), crosses a wide gully and takes you into Skondalen valley. Don't bother look for any path in this valley. Just head upwards, and aim for a pass on the ridge between Dalegubben and Lynghalstinden.
Cross the ridge and walk the remaining 100 vertical meters up to the summit, on path. The hill is steep, but not difficult if you follow the path. The only noteworthy point is when you cross the ridge between the two high points (it is unclear whichever is the highest rock, so visit both) in order to get to the summit cairn. Pay attention as you step across the ridge, as a slip can be fatal.
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