Hiking route
Leirvik – Øvre Økland – Klovfjellet – Sæterbø – Rydland (approx. 16 km)
From Leirvik, you can reach Øvre Økland via Landåsen and Kannelønning, following the western side of Lake Ådlandsvatnet. Alternatively, you can walk along the eastern side of the lake from Leirvik.
The farms Vatna and Øvre Økland were likely established over 2,000 years ago. For many years, they had summer farms up in Vatnadalen. From Øvre Økland, a gravel road leads north along the river, toward the dam in Vatnadalen. Vatna Power Plant was established in 1912–13 and was initially privately owned. At the time, it produced 105 kW of electricity, mostly supplied to the Leirvik area.
The municipality purchased the plant in 1918 and later expanded it, including the construction of a new dam. Since 1961, Lake Ravatnet has served as a reservoir for Stord’s waterworks. At the junction near the dam, the route continues up the valley. About halfway between the dam and Lake Ravatnet, the trail turns off the gravel road and heads west, marked by a signpost to “Prestastegen”.
The path climbs steeply through the forest towards Klovfjellet. From the top of the wooded hillside, there are beautiful views of the farms on the southeastern side of Stord and out over the Halsnøyfjord.
At around 400 metres above sea level, the forest ends and the open mountain landscape unfolds. From here, the mountains to the northeast – Stovegolvet and Skorafjellet – rise as striking formations. Once on the mountain plateau, you’ll also have panoramic views westward, toward Bømlo, the Fitjar islands, and the sea. The highest point on Klovfjellet is 518 metres above sea level. The trail continues in a northwesterly direction, descending through open mountain terrain.
Ahead lies a wide expanse of grazing land with patches of pine forest. A short detour to the viewpoint Prestavarden, at 422 metres above sea level, is also possible.
Once down on the grazing meadows, the trail is easy-going—first toward the summer farm area of Sæterbølio, and then through it. “Prestastegen” meets the road to Sæterbø just outside the cultivated land of the farm. From Sæterbø, you can either follow the road or continue through the forest to Rydland.