GIN Hikers – September 2nd 2021 – Bellevue, Morgins

If at first you don’t succeed…….so at the third attempt, the weather favoured an ascent of the Pointe de Bellevue in Morgins, two years on from the first time Stephen proposed the hike. 10 eager hikers, seduced by the organiser’s enthusiasm, signed up for the climb. In the event, Rob, Mark2r and Mervyn had to pull out at short notice, leaving Stephen, PeterT, Mark2t, David, Richard, Philip and, new-comer to this group, Paul met at the church in Morgins more or less at the agreed hour of 09.30. The car sharing group from Divonne had a slow start due to heavy frontalier traffic but still managed to arrive ahead of David coming from Villars, who ensured that his somewhat tardy record was maintained.

The hike started from the town centre past an excellent boulangerie – but no time to sample its delights as the leader was on a mission to get to the top and onto the lunch-time restaurant. The leader had also neglected to tell the group that the 814m climb was almost straight up, intially through the hillside chalets on the road and then out into the open spaces.

Early stages….up and up from Morgins

The target in sight

The frequent procession of cars passing us on the way up also indicated that Stephen had been economical with the truth in not suggesting that the uphill pain could have been seriously curtailed. By the time the Portes de Culet had been reached, the group was well spread out, giving the early arrivers time to chat with other hikers and admire the view across to the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc.

A breather at the Portes de Culet

Despite suggestions that there was an alternative, easier route circumnavigating the Bellevue peak, there was a unanimous will to attack the final ascent in order to get the promised views

Relaxing on the final ascent

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The Pointe de Bellevue is in sight

Arrival at the top was staggered with the more reckless walkers bounding ahead whilst the experienced walkers savoured the ever-expanding vistas. By the time everyone was at the Pointe de Bellevue, most of the red wine had been consumed (partly due to sharing its benefits with two lively ladies who had passed us in a car and taken a shorter route up).   However, Paul produced the means to toast Absinthe (or was it absent?) friends.

Sharing the Bellevue (and red wine) with 2 belles.

Conversation took a bizarre direction including a Rolls Royce and a crucifix….please defer to Peter for the full story. Since we were a little behind the exact schedule, the restaurant was phoned to suggest that we might be delayed by an hour only to hear that the chef went off duty at 14h. The group was rapidly assembled and a sense of urgency was given to the descent!

On the way down

Restaurant with a view

In the event, the advance party reached the Ferrage restaurant way before the “n0 croûte” time and we were all seated and drinking beer (or alternative) with time to spare to order. Lunch was spectacular for the view across to the Dents du Midi and the Muveran as well as the brochette specialities of the restaurant.

Menu du jour….a flaming sausage!

That’s what you call a lunch!

Dessert tarts were shared and coffees taken before a gentle 45 minute traverse back to Morgins through pleasant grass and woodland track until we hit the tarmac for the chalet dwellings on the outskirts of the town. The path passed above the 7 Peaks brewery, in the shadow of the 7 peaks of the Dents du Midi.

Despite the need for Mark to get back to host a drinks evening, a detour was taken to Stephen and Kate’s chalet, allowing a sampling of home brew beer, coffee and teas as desired. Kate had been watching our progress, even claiming to have seen us on the top of Bellevue from the chalet. Return to the town centre completed the 14km circuit about 7h30m after the start.

A great day out blessed with good weather, good views, good company and good exercise. Only sorry that not everyone was able to make it but I’m sure a repeat can be organised…………..