‘Twas with some trepidation that we set out to tackle the Mont d’Hermone on 5th August. Partly, because we had to traverse Geneva with its early morning traffic and roadworks and partly, because the weather forecast was following this summer’s unpredictable pattern. Well, the former was not a problem at all and everyone arrived in good time at the small unpronounceably-named village of Reyvroz in the depths of Haute Savoie. The latter did become a bit of an issue but more later on that. Seven stalwarts were in attendance and we had the pleasure of welcoming Keith Wynn to the group.
The route that we would follow was included in Janette Norton’s book “Walking in the Haute Savoie (North)” and apparently was her favourite walk and the last that she did before she sadly died in 2013. It promised extensive views over Lake Geneva, the Jura and the Alps, so hopes were high, but somewhat apprehensive!
Using perfect Swiss timing, we left the village as the church bell struck ten and sauntered off in good spirits. We had hardly warmed up our muscles when we turned onto a steep, stony jeep track which ascended unrelentingly until we reached the ridge which forms part of the GR Balcon de Léman. Although it was dry when we started and we were afforded beautiful views across the valley, the rain started after half an hour and rain gear was quickly donned. The promised views from the ridge were completely obscured by the rain clouds so we could only use our imagination! The rain was quite intense and two of us were not too shy to use our umbrellas!
We reached the chapel of Notre Dame d’Hermone in good time and considered our options for having lunch in the rain. There was a small ante-room to the chapel, the main part being barred by an iron gate, but as this was only a few metres square, it was certainly not conducive to eight burly hikers eating a picnic! Maybe it was the aura of the place, but the rains miraculously abated and we could stand outside around an (some said – sacrificial) altar and enjoy our well-earned lunches. These were washed down by Italian and Californian reds graciously supplied by Steve and Mervyn respectively and then, of course, Rob’s special whisky of the day.
We left the chapel, and three ladies who were the only other humans we saw on the whole hike, and commenced our descent. The rains started again and we cautiously picked our way down the rocky track. Perhaps it was the euphoria of feasting on wild raspberries, or maybe the yearning to walk on different surfaces than jeep tracks, but we made the decision to take a smaller side path from the prescribed route. Things then became a little tricky as there was a dearth of signposts and conflicting views on the direction we should head. Anyway, using maps, various apps such as Google Maps and Maps.Me and blind instinct, we navigated unfrequented and sometimes, barely discernible paths to reach our destination. Our route was not without our having to occasionally retrace our steps on some tracks which petered out and there were also a few slips on muddy slopes. The hike organiser accepted unconditionally the full responsibility for all the confusion!
Our first thoughts upon reaching Reyvroz were where we could quench our thirsts. The advance party questioned a local who confirmed that there were no such premises before Thonon, but he was kind enough to offer us a beer chez lui. When we told him that there were eight of us, he recoiled somewhat, although a neighbour called out that he wouldn’t mind one!
So we set off in convoy seeking some refreshment, but it was not until we saw a sign to the Port of Sciez some 20 kms away that our hopes soared. After negotiating the most tricky entrance to a car park we had ever seen, we were soon sitting around a table by the marina enjoying a well-earned “pression”.
Well, we got some good exercise, fresh air, fine drinks, good company, but unfortunately, not the extensive views that we could have enjoyed. Another time, maybe?!
Attendees: Bill, Rob, Steve, Mark, Mervyn, Keith, and Richards W and S. Regrets from the usual suspects, who were much missed.
PS. Distance was about 13km and dénivelé 750m