Eleven hikers and three dogs met at the Fort l’Ecluse parking at 10am. Present were Peter T with Kobie, Nicolas with Onyx, Michael with Rocco, Stephen, Robert, David, Rudi, Richard S, Andrew, Nathan and Peter S who led the walk.
Immediately after leaving the car park, the group had to navigate a hazardous crossing of the D984 with cars speeding around the corner on the left and appearing out of the dark tunnel on the right. This was followed by a steep uphill climb on the lefthand side of the lower fort
to reach the ‘Fort Supérieur’. Onyx decided to go exploring above the fort which gave the group a chance to appreciate the views to the west and east of the Rhone valley.
From the fort the route tracked gently downwards to Longeray and then headed back upwards for following signs to Les Marais.
After about 30 minutes of ascent just before the path exited the woodland there was a long overdue water break. Richard provided the lubrication for a lively discussion about the merits of generic drugs championed by Michael and an update from Robert on the latest opinion poll on Scottish independence.
The next section of the hike provided expansive views of Le Vuache on the left and the Plateau de Retord on the right with rolling countryside stretching towards the French Alps in the distance.
The path continued downwards towards Lèaz with the dogs happily exploring the now cow free pastures. The second crossing of route D984 was surprisingly easy with the driver of a large truck with Lithuanian license plates stopping to let hikers and dogs cross safely. Passing through the village of Lèaz there was a brief stop at the memorial to “Les enfant du village” who had died in the great wars of 1914-1918 and 1939-1945. The picnic was enjoyed, with the dogs in close attendance, on top of a hill in the shade of ruins of an old chateau topped by a statue of the Madonna. From this “Belvédére de Leaz” there were fine views across the Rhone valley back towards the forts and the narrow passage between the Jura and Le Vuache mountains.
After lunch, the path descended quite steeply through beech forests towards the Rhone.
Kobie, Onyx and Rocco made a short excursion for a swim in the river.
The trail passed the ruins of the Moulins de Condière and then crossed the TGV rail line at the hamlet of Lavaux. The warm afternoon sun prompted a final repose in the shade with the dogs happily clambering over drowsy hikers.
The car park was reached around 3:30pm to complete a walk of 12km with 620m denivelation.
We toasted to absent friends and Scottish independence. Or was it absent independence and Scottish friends?
A really great hike with a magnificent picnic spot in brilliant October weather. Many thanks Peter S!