Author: Peter Taylor

Here is the Flyer I sent :-

Mark2ts usually leads this botanical adventure but he is still in Blighty, and will be so then, so I will lead. 

Let’s hope the daffs are still there. We’ve missed them before….

The map below shows the route over La Dôle, 14km and 690m so quite a tough one for us. Say grade 5. 

Picnic needed.

Last year the team of 10 was as follows :-

Each Five of us: David C, Mervyn, Nathan and 2 Marks met at the parking in Divonne and drove up together to meet Peter, Steven, Ross, 2 Mikes: Hempstead and Mathews, and 2 dogs: Kobie and Rocco, at La Givrine.

This year a novel approach was taken. I had advertised this as a hard hike (Grade 5 needs calibrating) in order to ensure that folk were well informed before accepting a harder outing than they wanted. After a kernel of tough-nut hikers seemed to be forming, Mark2rs suggested that an alternative easier approach might attract daffodil delinquents who might not appreciate mixing harder ardour with beautiful botany.

We had 8 hikers start at La Givrine for the traditional Dôle troll, and 5 botannical boffins who would come in from La Vattay and meet us in the fields of gold. Mark2rs’s Botannical Blog is given below (thanks Mark).

Meeting up on time at La Givrine (1205m) were Stephen (bravely sporting shorts), Ross, PeterSt, Mervyn, Chris, Nicolas and Onyx, and me and Kobie. Accountants and nitpicking quiz experts among you may have counted that there are only 7 Gintlemen in that list, along with 2 dogs.

We duly set off in bright weather with a light breeze. After a few hundred metres my accountant brain (such as is left of it) kicked in as I counted only 7 of us when we should have been 8. We had forgotten Michael Mathews who had planned to arrive by train but because of railworks came up on the bus, which had been delayed (as always he says). We duly turned round and on reaching a knoll we saw Michael speeding across the grass towards us. We were now all together.

The next challenge was going to be evident fairly quickly. How much snow would there be? None of us had grippers, snow shoes or ice axes and we were going to attacking the north face of La Dôle (1677m).

It was not long before we began to transit rather large snow patches.

A further slight problem arose in that Onyx seemed set on humping Kobie at every opportunity, albeit unsuccessfully each time. Nicolas was sadly having to keep Onyx on a leash in accordance too with Swiss legal requirements.. It may be that Onyx may have to be attended to in the tackle department if such behaviour is to be cured.

After 2 km of pleasant going in a SW direction we headed up past the closed Couvaloup de Crans Restaurant towards La Dôle in a general SE direction.

At this point Stephen strode ahead and took a more southerly route up the mountain.

It was clear (to me anyway) that our ascent would be aided by staying off the slushy snow and keeping to the grassy slopes to the left, meeting the ridge and then strolling up the grass on the ridge to the summit; and so it transpired, albeit Stephen preferred the snowy more direct route. We arrived at the top at noon.

There was no time for coffee or apèro, as we had a rendezvous arrival time of 1 pm and there were a few km of descent to come. We passed by some chamois which our hounds kindly gave up chasing pretty quickly and then struggled down the rubbly and rocky ridge towards the border where we hope to meet the Vattay venturers.

It was at this point that we began to spot daffodils, in small clumps.

We struggled up the hill on time at 1pm to meet our French chums (we were now in France) and a hearting greeting ensued, dogs joined in too.

A lunch spot a little off the top of the hill in the lee of the wind and next to a small triangle of daffodils served as an ideal lunch spot, facing the intermittent sun.

Bottles were opened and our picnic commenced. Red wines, Gigondas and others helped to avoid any choking incidents (as I had bought some wraps).

It was time (2.25pm) for us to part and say our goodbyes to the French Frolickers, and we eight hikers and 2 dogs set off down towards the expected golden fields.

Finally though, on the steeper sunny slopes to our left the daffodils were there laid out in all their glory.

There followed quite a tough after-lunch section up 150m or so through the forest, therefore on quite deep snow into which our boots were sinking. Stephen laid much of the trail, in whose boot-marks we struggled to follow.

Eventually we topped out on the ski run which we followed back to Couvaloup, and which I found much easier descending than on the usual grass. Was it the wine or the ibuprofen?

We had seen at least one skier (with his dog) on the day. Indeed there was quite a covering for those who fancy ski touring. This hike had been tougher than any previous hike led by Mark2ts, on account of the snow cover.

It was left to descend easily the road and then the soft grassy mounds to La Givrine.

I made it 16km and 740m, slightly above Mark2ts earlier assessment. Our gadgets all seem to differ.

A very pleasant hike, good chats, great to see the Botanists in France too. Sorry we missed some regulars including our daffodil guru Mark2ts. The ladies (IWCN) intend to visit the fields towards the end of April. I believe that they too will see daffs, but in the fields that were yet to sprout because of late snows. We were lucky too. May we continue to be so.

Botanical Adventure Thursday 16 April 2026 (Mark2rs)

The announcement by the hiking supremo that the route over the Dôle for this traditional botanical adventure of 14km and 690m was quite a tough one for us stimulated some stalwarts but spread alarm to others. However, instead of throwing their knapsacks down and declining outright, they proposed a less challenging route starting from la Vattay. This was reminiscent of an earlier hike when the border was closed towards the end of the Covid lockdown.

Consequently, five Gintlemen, Richard Saynor, Philip Jenkins, Rob Pashley, Nathan Finkelstein and Mark Warren, set off from la Vattay for a hike of about 5.5 km each way with a height gain of 300m on a straight forward trail. 

On discovering that the organiser was a reluctant leader, Richard led us up the direct trail, which though never difficult was covered in compacted snow remaining from the skiing season. In fact, one or two skiers were seen in the course of the day. Botanist Philip informed us of the names of several flowers, including the spring squill, but one, which we baptised the triffid, eluded him. Diligent that he is, he later informed us that the real name of the plant, ignominiously called a triffid, that we saw on the way from La Vattay yesterday, is Butterbur. The unusual flowers are only seen in early Spring. The rest of the year you only see heart-shaped leaves, which get bigger and bigger as the year proceeds and eventually are enormous (rhubarb-sized).

As expected, we arrived at our meeting place 30 minutes before the other group, which gave time to relax and watch approaching hikers for the other party who arrived on time at 1pm. Carpets of crocuses were everywhere as well as several of the promised daffodils, with many more to come. 

A leisurely and most enjoyable lunch was had by all. 

All too soon it was time to separate and return our respective ways. Philip to the lead this time, taking us perfectly through the cross-country skiing domaine to our cars. 

A most enjoyable outing. Thanks Peter and everyone.

10 kilometres and 300m height difference.

Sitting here on a very warm Easter Monday it is hard to think back to the cold winds and deep snow that we encountered and endured only last Thursday up in the Jura.

This was to be a last visit and fondu of the winter season to say farewell to Maria and her fellow crew at the Buvette de La Genolière before they close for the summer season when the place becomes a cow byre. Initially ten signed up, but we had one cancellation and one addition – that of Robert O’Riordan who was to join us for the lunch only.

So – nine of us with two dogs Kobie and Plato, met up at Tancouez (1057m) at W3W///udder.able.tilts – which as Rudolf Staehelin found is a location in Canada as well as near St Cergue. Happily he arrived safely at the parking with Joe Kutzin who accompanied his dog Plato (aged 12). I cannot recall Joe out on hikes before, albeit he is a ski regular and has attended the main club lunches – welcome Joe. Also attending the regular crew – RichardSay, Philip, Stephen, DavidC, Nathan, PeterSt and me PeterT.

The day was bright and clear but with a cold bise wind still somewhat evident. My plan was to track past Les Mouilles through the wood to fields then W and NW then SW to the Fruitières de Nyon Chalet, thence up to Cabane Rochefort 1388m for apèros. After that we would travel WSW through the wonderful “secret” forest before a drop down into Grande Combe then steeply up to La Genloière itself at 1348m.

We were all dressed well for the cold but sunny conditions, even Stephen could not be tempted to air his shorts. The initial part of the hike was on dry ground – there had been some doubt as to whether or not we should have packed snow shoes, but as this was the first hike of the hiking season, and as I had managed the same hike without such kit only 11 days earlier, I determined that we should just about be able to manage without. In the event this was just about the case.

We formed a sensible line with Stephen me and Kobie at the front, generally Joe and Plato to the rear. The two dogs seemed the get on tolerably well, but mostly happily ignored each other.

(I looked up the sayings of Plato. The one I liked was – “Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something”)

Very soon we were up in the sun at the Fruitières de Nyon, Chalet Devant.

There was no long stop planned here as we needed to bash on up the Cabane Rochefort for apèro refreshment, and where some Luins was joined by brandy from the famous bottle.

Calling ahead to warn Maria that we would be likely arriving closer to 1 pm than 12.30pm, I hoped that Robert would be OK on his walk up from La Givrine. Philip decided not to branch out on his own, but stayed with us, as the snow was becoming deeper with not a lot of sign of activity on the trail ahead.

Broaching the top at 1400m we turned slightly left to follow the path down along the ridge to the gap in the wall to the secret forest. Only here the snow depth completely covered the wall.

We found that the lack of snow shoes was just about justifiable.

Suddenly we arrived and entered the Buvette, meeting Robert who had safely made it too. There was a nice log fire to keep us all toasty.

Two teams tackled the fondu offering, and it seemed that the cheese was performing well. My croute was exceptional too.

We had some very pleasant Chasselas to help it all go down. Tarts were enjoyed for dessert, then coffees.

The was much to discuss and debate about the problems of the world, many stemming from Trump and the Iran war, fuel crisis looming, the Ukraine war ongoing, climate change tipping points etc. Scottish independence gained little traction. Outside Kobie played occasionally with Moos and Zwichon giving me some rest while eating.

PeterSt had to be home by 4pm so he and Robert, Richard and Philip all left with 35 minutes to spare to meet the 14.57 train at La Givrine. The remainding 6 of us chose my plan to track directly back down into the Grande Combe again, then back up and over steeply down into Combe Grasse to pick up the mountain road that leads ESE down to Tancouez.

At one point we wondered where Joe had got too. It seems that Plato was loth to leave the Buvette, he has a herding instinct and wanted to herd all the folk still there to join us. We finally spotted them coming down and across to rejoin the party.

I knew that the path into Combe Grasse was steep, and being covered in snow made it not much easier, but we all made it safely down onto the mountain road, still also with snow.

From there it was a pleasant stroll back down in the warming sun. I made it 12 km and 546m (but my I-watch seems inaccurate and Nathan’s 490m seems more true).

Our drive back (Stephen, Kobie and me) was only slightly marred by getting stuck in yet another jam on the autoroute. We listened to some good Coldplay Everyday Life to help us through.

Thanks for the company everyone. The hiking season 2026 has started. Maybe less snow next time.

POSTSCRIPT

Sunday 12 April 26

Maria had indicated that the Buvette closes on 13 April 2026 for the season. As I felt that I had left 10 days ago without saying a proper goodbye, I decided to re-hike the last route to La Genolière and give them a bottle of bubbly. It was a wet Sunday and Kobie and I waited until midday when the worst of the rain had past and it was merely moist. From Tancouez to the Buvette we encountered only one other party, the hills were damp and quiet. There was still plenty of snow in the forest and on shaded slopes – it’s going to take weeks for that to melt.

We knocked and entered at 1.40 pm with Moos and Zwikon there but no guests at all and signs that the team were packing up. There was some tart evident and Maria came down hearing Kobie’s bark. I gave her the bottle and was provided with a coffee and tart on the house. Then Maria fetched from a shelf a pair of gloves – my nice pair with wrist loops that I had left there 10 days ago and had still not noticed that they were missing! We thanked each other. Maria said that she and her team (family or friends?) move to a Mt Tendre chalet for the summer to look after the cows up there, sadly there is no buvette at that chalet. The Genolière Buvette will reopen on 6 Novembre. Put that in your agendas:

Kobie and I left and returned to Tancouez the same way as on the Gin hike. The steep snowy slope which caused consternation before, was devoid of snow and was slippy in the rain. Kobie found an impressive leg bone with a furry “tail” which he proudly carried for 45 minutes all the way to the car. As it was wet, there were many worms out on the tarmac and tracks, looking for their fortunes.

We had hiked last week but as I had planned to be absent on 13 Nov, I chose to organise an impromptu (tonic) hike up the two peaks north of La Dôle.

A large number of excuses and apologies with varying levels of credibility were proferred, all were accepted – I’m a generous soul (I think). Six of us turned out, eventually at the starting point.

This is not a place for a dispute as to the location of the start of this hike. I will simply relate the following.

My Flyer stated :-

“Meet just after 10 at the parking above St Cergue at Couvaloup de St Cergue (W3W ///piglets.decency.duke), for an ascent of the Pointe de Fin Chateau and the Poêle Chaud. 

Ross has done this with me earlier this year but I believe no one else has ever been up the path which goes directly up to the P de Fin Chateau. It’s not much above 400m of up but as it is steep I would rate it as moderate-hard.”

In the event one of our vehicles struggled a little to find the parking – and first tried the “Couvaloup de Crans” – a totally different place. We were indeed starting at W3w ///piglets.decency.duke (Michael found that piglet.decency.duke is in a Moscow suburb).

The parking is actually at 1151m at the “Refuge de la Barillette” the large black building in the photo above. I would own that there is a board at the parking which indicates that one is at L’Archette, but that does not tie with the maps, L’Archette is up the hill.

We finally got sorted though. Michael Mathews came on his e-bike, and by car came Nathan, Mervyn, Peter Strebel, new initiate Chris Newton, and me and Kobie.

We were swiftly underway, the vibe was good, the weather set fair with a bit of high cloud and intermittent sun expected later, temperature reasonable, little wind. The team were guided onto path Code-Red. Large splodges of red paint signalled the narrow path upward through pine and deciduous forest at a persistently steepening angle. We stopped a couple of times for short breathers but the trail relentlessly led upwards until finally one emerges into the open pretty much at the top of the Pointe de Fin-Château, 1556m. We had made the 400m in not much over an hour.

Once we all had recovered our breaths and rested it was time to leave, wandering down then on up the grassy ridge in still air to the Pointe de Poêle Chaud 1629m.

We enjoyed a very pleasant 45 minutes or so, sheltered from the slight breeze below a summit mound. Côtes du Rhone oiled the sluices and I did not have a choking incident. We drank to absent friends, one very far away, one with health issues. I was pleased that newly-retired Chris fitted in so well with our hike culture of reasonable effort and Last of the Summer Wine. I was also pleased that Kobie did not succeed in nicking anyone’s lunch. It seemed a very convivial affair, as are nearly all of our mountain picnic lunches.

It was all too soon time to pack up and return to the parcours. A unanimous decision was taken not to hike up La Dôle, we have all been there many times this year.

Descending to the Col de Porte (1557m) we headed down the trail towards the Chalet des Apprentis. All of a sudden a large herd of chamois appeared ahead up the slope to our left. Kobie decided to make their acquaintance and he scootered off up the hill in pursuit. The herd tracked back across our PdPC skyline and they dislodged a large rock which came tumbling down above me. Happily I could judge that it would miss me by a few metres and I watched it bash noisily into an old tree stump. We watched fascinated as the bulk of the herd traversed the Col de Porte and danced swiftly across the steep ledges underneath La Dôle seeking escape from their lumbering golden pursuer. Kobie soon could be seen returning down the path we were on, sensible lad. He needed a lot of water to quench his chase.

The Leader had decided that the more interesting return leg would be over La Barillette (1528m), albeit one of our party decided on the more direct route to return to the cars – perhaps for a sleep (etc). We were soon there having taken the skirting path to the right avoiding the steep ascent from the Bent Tree.

From the tower the route tracks down the road to the Barillette restaurant (closed – much to the chagrin of an old couple who had just driven there- they said that the internet indicated that it was open…).

We were soon back at the cars, rejoining the member who had taken the easier descent option for a snooze. We were back before 3pm and siestas were the order of the day at home.

I really enjoy this parcours and it was made infinitley better by fine company and really nice November weather. The views were stunning and the whole day will linger in the memory into the dark depths of winter. I think Chris enjoyed himself too, new and younger life for our club.

I had recorded 9.1km and 559m – my watch/iPhone Session said – “Moderate”, albeit I had had 31 minutes above Zone 1 heart rate (112bbm).

Thanks to you all for the company and for putting up with me and my hound. Kobie slept well that night, no doubt with vivid dreams of chasing chamois to no avail.