With the hot spell ending the previous day (driving rain had ended my golf on the 18th hole ) the cooler weather was welcome for our hike mostly in open areas above Villars. Fortunately the heavy rain had missed Villars and the footpath from our starting point was surprisingly dry.
The drive up had been eventful. After collecting Thatcher, Stephen and Rudi we were met with a sign of closure of the A1 between Lutry and Chexbres. This to-gether with road works on the lake road delayed our start by 1 hour. Having met up with Mervyn, Mark2tts and John Horekens who had stayed in Villars overnight, the seven of us set out following plan B. This was essentially plan A albeit at a faster pace with some short cuts.
Our first stretch along an undulating path to the Col de Bretaye was accomplished in just over 1 hour, 10 mins less than the allotted time.
Clouds had gathered on the summits as we approached Roc D’Orsay but as we progressed up Grand Chamossaire clear skies greeted us. Drinks were welcome at the top of a pretty gruelling 300m ascent.
The clouds kept at bay so we could enjoy the scenery whilst clambering down the ridge to-wards Petit Chamossaire with Leysin to the left and over the lac de Bretaye below. Not that we could enjoy views all the time; the descent required careful footwork.
Leaving the ridge, our path took us through both open and wooded areas down to Lac de Chavonnes.
Though 1 hour behind schedule the restaurant made us feel welcome. Beers soon appeared. Then just after bread had been passed round the table, 2 well groomed mountain goats jumped up to the table. One was too quick for Mark who lost his bread in one mouthful to the goat. Most of us enjoyed a traditional Roesti Montagnard. The accompanying banter covered mainly hiking exploits with Mervyn, Mark2tts and John shortly to take on the Himalayas.
A big thank-you to David for buying the beers on the occasion of his 80th birthday in a couple of days time (added by Mark).
Our return took us first alongside the lake before rising to Col de L’Ecreme being around 250m ascent. At this point Rudi produced a bottle of brandy that he had carried all the hike so everyone was duly revived. Walking conditions had been ideal until the last 10mins before Col de la Croix when we were met with light rain. All expressed appreciation for an enjoyable hike.
Distance 14 km, height gained ~680 m.
Happily there were no mishaps on the drive back.