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Rain was forecast, but only seriously after midday. Cancel or what ? Mike H indicated his preference to stop after lunch gave me the idea to ascend to St Cergue and return by train after lunch. There seemed to be a small dry window between 9 am and noon so a flyer went out expecting little response.

With Himalayan returnees doing their washing and with others including Rob, Nicolas, Rudi, RichardS, MikeM and Stephen providing reasonable excuses for absence, I was pleased in the event that seven signed up.

Attending :- Mike H, Peter D, Peter S, Mark 2rs, Nathan, Andrew, Philip and me Peter T. No dogs, but heck – 3 Peters !

We assembled at the parking at 585m above Genolier station, which in W3W is greet.wiser.sailors (something to do with our sailing contingent ?). Setting out at 10.15 am, with the dry window seeming to hold, we were in good cheer. It was almost T-shirt weather, and in fact one participant eventually did strip down to just that.

Heading over the train tracks the route turns sharp left for a kilometre before a right turn up a steeper forest trail at 690m taking us through the Côtes de Genolier.

This trail takes one to the upper track at 830m from which it is almost a direct if slightly winding line to St Cergue. The pace was such that there was much time for chatting and a serious discussion of how to cultivate leeks ensued.

Stopping for a breather at the Parapente Seat to take in the view we could see misty swathes of rain approaching from the south west.

Philip managed to identify a leafy lambs-ear plant as mallain, with internet assistance. We duly contiuned happy with the knowledge that we had already covered 360m of the 470m for the planned hike. After the pleasant traverse across the cliff with steep drops on the left we chanced upon a herd of unfazed chamois in the forest, the St Cergue mafia.

It was not long before we arrived, still in the dry, in St Cergue, 1044m. I had hoped to book a table at the restaurant Les Cytises but, a little worringly, it had not been accessible by phone. The reason was found to be that it had permanently closed in June after failing. So eight hungry hikers marched into St Cergue looking for lunch. Despite not booking a table, the Cafe Restaurant du Jura took us in warmly and provide a 4 a-side table for 8 in a nook of its main salle.

After a small beer apero, we enjoyed a rather fine meal – the plats du jour being either lasagne or pork with fettuccine, with good service. Comfortingly the expected rain had arrived and was tumbling down outside. We toasted absent friends and ourselves, and the conversation roamed between, inter-alia, the changing zeitgeist, Trump, vegetable growing, Garsington opera and the fact that in 100 years from now everyone alive today will be dead.

All too soon coffee then the bill arrived and we had to depart for the 2.03 pm train, which left from the station a five minute stroll in the light rain away.

Snoozing in the luxury of the warm carriage it was hard to get up after La Joie Clinique to press the button for the Sus Châtel stop.

We made it back to the cars without any serious wetness. A pleasant short and dry hike of 450m and 6km with a fine warm lunch and a good chance to chat and chew the fat. With my thanks to all who joined.

Next GIN hike Thursday 9 November. I will be travelling. Please would someone come forward to lead that day, Merçi.

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.  

Nathan initially proposed a hike that he knew well from the Col de la Faucille to the Colomby de Gex. During a subsequent discussion, Mark Warren indicated that there was an alternative itinerary beginning/ending at the Pailly car-park. The advantage of this route is that it is a loop rather than an up/down. The disadvantage is that it requires a bit more climbing/distance.

A compromise hike starting from the Col de la Faucille and ending at the Pailly car-park was proposed to the group. However, the 9 hardy participants (David C., 2 X Mark W., Mervyn P., Nathan F., Peter T., Peter S., Philip J. and Richard S.) unanimously preferred the longer route beginning/ending at the Pailly car-park. It was an excellent choice providing some splendid views of the Leman basin and the Alps. The weather fully cooperated with moderate temperatures and clear skies.

The hike began with a 40 minute rather steep but well marked path through the forest. Richard was not feeling well and unfortunately about halfway through the forest he decided to bail out. It was certainly a wise but painful choice for him. He managed to get back to the car-park where Carol came to fetch him. He was missed during the rest of the hike. We all felt very guilty that we did not offer to lighten his back-pack to ease his return (notably the heavy refreshment flask😂).

We enjoyed a brief pause after the steep climb.

We then followed various paths leading to the Montrond for another short pause. There, a waypost indicated 55 minutes to the Colomby. We could see the derrick in the distance, estimated that it was over 3 km from us and concluded that the waypost was somewhat optimistic.

1.5 hours later we were gathered in front of the Colomby de Gex derrick enjoying the view and beginning our well earned lunch.

While we were lunching we encountered a few hikers from the north of France who were impressed that our group of very mature men was able to hike all the way up to the Colomby, some even carrying the full weight of bottles of wine. Accepting their compliment, we shared some of our wine with them which they gladly accepted.

When the local colony of Colomby flies discovered us, we packed up for the long descent that began through a high plateau with a couple of successfully managed dodgy bits along the way.

The downward path took us through open areas with nice views of the Leman basin & the Alps, valleys, narrow & wide trails and forests.

The downward path terminated just below our starting point and a short climb on the “paved” road brought us back to the car-park.

From the start of the descent, the group split into 2 smaller groups. The faster one (Mervyn and the 2 Peters) completely abandoned us about halfway down, racing ahead because of personal engagements at 17:30.
They arrived at the car-park at 16:45 and were able to make their appointments.

The other group arrived at the car-park at 17:45.

Accumulated climb: 900 m
Distance: 16 km
Picture credits: David Colledge, Peter Taylor & Mark Warren.

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.

 The summer heat was starting to dissipate, especially after the horror of 40C just the Thursday before. Sadly the sparkling weather only appeared on the Friday – the day after this hike – and we were faced with a cool and cloudy start with the prospect of lurking sun.

The plan was to start from the car park at La Givrine and ascend via my secret back route up to the Pointe de Fin Château, the Pointe de Poêle Chaud and La Dôle. Most of the ascent is through beautiful and little trod forest and the following ridges are airy with fine 360 views.

(I had checked this out the week before with Kobie on that hottest day of the year. We were cooked but survived…).

Eleven brave souls signed up, and with Nessie and Kobie we were a dozen plus two hounds. Attending :- Nathan, Mark2rs, Mark2ts, David, Richard S, Richard F, Philip, Bill, Stephen, Mike M (and Nessie), Peter S, Peter T (and Kobie).

Having negotiated the Easypark App, we set off from La Givrine in good spirits just after 10am. Shorts were being worn by a third of us, despite my warning of possible cool weather.

Sadly the start was not great for Kobie as he trod on an electric wire and received a shock that spooked him a bit. Cows in the Jura in summer are a hazard for the hiker and for the hound. Undeterred we escaped off up my secret path (which for the record turns left from the road up to the Couvaloup de Crans at W3W rooting.snuck.horizons). We were soon up into the very pleasant forest.

Team in good cheer on the way up

The good thing about this route is that it is shady in sunny weather and it delivers one out onto the ridge between the Pointes de Fin Chateau and Poêle Chaud. Stephen and I turned left to tick off the PdFC.

Reunited on the ridge there followed a pleasant 100m ascent up to the top of the Pte de Poêle Chaud 1629m. Duly conquered, it was time for some apèro and Richard S extracted his bottle of many dubious potions and distributed what he told us was Aquavit – very pleasant it was too.

Suitably refreshed and fortified we set off down towards the Col de Porte looking out for chamois but seeing none.

The team split several ways for the final ascent of the day, with three brave souls tackling the open and “most dangerous” path of the Jura, while others and dogs went round the back.

We were soon at the Domes of the Dôle and Stephen and Richard established lunch camp on the edge of the precipice, with what would normally be stupendous views to the alps. We could not complain though; it was warm with little wind and the view we had over the Lake was superb.

Interestingly two (Mike M and Richard F) of our party met their better halves at the top – they had hiked up from St Cergue and were lunching right next to us. They had probably done a bigger hike than us !

Stephen opened his rather impressive and heavy bottle of Salice Salentino, Epicuro, aged in oak, which went down rather nicely before some of Mark2ts’s Luins chasselas and some of my own Gruener Veltliner. We managed to remember to toast absent friends

With the team lined up as if to launch themselves over the edge and me behind them catering for a hungry Kobie, there was little opportunity for me to record conversations, but there was some talk of Spanish kissing. Happily I noticed nothing of Scottish independence. Kobie impressed me by being able to see half a dozen or so chamois grazing at a large distance below and to our right, and he took a keen interest in their progress before taking up his position between Richard and Stephen (see photo).

In due course David emerged his really rather excellent grappa and Mark2ts his strong black coffee. Thanks to all for their contributions.

Well sated, some took the opprotunity to grab forty winks.

All too soon it was time to pack up and leave, an easy route down planned via the ski slope to the Couvaloup de Crans. Again this was slightly marred for Kobie by him touching another live wire as he went through the gap in the top wall. With that and the assorted herds on the descent, I had to guide him down and around through the forest.

Suitably ensconced on the outside tables at the CdC, the beer and panaché order went in and Richard F kindly treated us all to some restorative. Mike regaled us with a tale of self control (or lack thereof) when the appendage of a nurse somehow fell into his palm. There were other tales …

All too soon it was time to saunter back down the track to the cars.

A very pleasant hike – about 11km and 550m.