Category: Hiking

Six participants (Peter T, Mike H, Nathan, Richard, Ross, and Peter S) with 2 dogs (Kobie and Rocco) met at the Col du Mollendruz for the last snowshoe of the 2024-2025 season. Cloudy skies, the cool temperature (3°C) and a brisk bise wind called for extra jackets, beanies and gloves. There was no sign of any snow and definitely no snowshoes or crampons required.

The trail started on the left side of the Nordic sport cabin and headed down the gravel road to the Grand Chardeve (1097m) where it met the path up from L’Isle. After a gentle climb up through the forest we reached the fallen tree for a photo reminder of a previous hike done in Aug 2024.

A little further along the contour, a quaint chalet (Chalet des Italiens) with 2 benches prompted a water break. While Peter T and Ross settled in on the benches, Mike tucked into his sandwich thinking it was picnic time.

After a short inspection of the inside of the chalet, the group continued up to the junction with the path from Montricher and then onwards to explore the archaeological site of the Chatel d’Arruffens. The panel describes its origins as a fortified refuge which was used between 1500 BC up to 150 AD by ancient Celts during “troubled times” on the plains below. Little remains of the fortifications except a small cluster of “sacred rocks” which resulted in another photo opportunity.

After some indecision, a sheltered mound was chosen for the picnic. Before tucking into his ham and cheese wrap from the Volg, Peter T demonstrated use of the new suction device (LifeVac) he had acquired in case of a choking attack. This was quickly followed by the opening of a fine bottle of Cote du Rhone which served to, as it were, wash it all down.

After leaving the picnic mound, the path led up through fields of early white and purple crocuses waiting for the sun to burst into bloom.

With the bise picking up, there was a brief stop at the cross marking the summit of Chatel 1404m) before descending down into the valley below the Buvette d’Chatel (closed in winter).

A short uphill led to the Jura Club of Cossonay where the sheltered porch allowed savouring the Corsican cedar brew from Richard’s renowned bottle.

The final stretch tracked down the road to emerge from the forest above the Chalet du Mollendruz (recently closed at the end of the winter season). The group returned to the Mollendruz parking to complete a 4.5 hour tour of 11 km, and ~500m dénivelé.

End of Season hike to La Genolière for a fondu etc in a snow storm.

The weather forecast was dreadful. But was it going to be dreadful enough to hike in ? In other words, cold enough to be a blizzard. It looked to be promising, at least before 3pm when a warming trend was expected to be coming in, so I planned a short hike in a snow storm.

And 11 signed up to join me and Kobie. Mervyn and his mate Steven (soon to join GinClub ?), Nathan, Rob, RichardS, PeterD, PeterS, Drew, Ralph, Philip, Paul.

In order to avoid worrying about sliding down the hill on thick snow in cars after the hike, a train ride up and down from Sus Châtel to La Givrine was proposed, with a hike to La Genolière Buvette avoiding the main trail. Mervyn decided to test his car.

Rob was to join at the Joy Clinic, thus the remaining 9 and a dog boarded the 10.37 train at Sus C welcoming Rob aboard at the next stop. The blizzard was scheduled to arrive at 11.07 just as we de-trained at La Givrine. It did.

As we rose up, tracking the edge of the forest, the intensity of the snowfall and wind increased, at least behind us..

We passed through a gap in the wall and traversed a field up to the ski trail ascending the forest.

As time was passing I avoided a slightly longer planned “holiday” route alternative in order to reach the Buvette by noon or shortly after.

We were soon welcomed inside, the log fire warming the dining room, Moos the hut dog, an old friend, welcoming Kobie. There were no other diners, unsurprisingly. Once inside I sensed that the spirit of the party had suddenly risen somewhat, and we were soon ensconced on two candle-lit tables.

Fine beers were swiftly deployed as was warm bread with mountain cured meat. It was not long before the hot cheese arrived and our table opted for pinot noir as accompaniment. Moos and Kobie feasted on an extensive chew selection.

The food was good as was the craic, and the beers and wines. Discussions covered many subjects (including recent lynx sitings) and genres, including a toast (on Table B) to absent friends. They were missing a treat.

In due course the dessert course arrived, succulent apple tart, not dry like the usual mountain fayre! The Bohemian Kirsch in Richard’s epic bottle, at 90° proof, went down well and was to inure us to the tribulations ahead.

With an eye to the time, we needed to leave in order to catch the 14.48 train at La Givrine. Any later and the warming weather would be drenching us. We settled the two bills in cash and made our way out into the swirling snow, now noticeably sleety. Unhappily the way down would be straight into the wind and flying ice.

The hot food and libations meant that the sleet was hardly an issue and we made it down in good time for a farewell to Steven and Mervyn at the station, the train arriving on time, as we knew it would.

All went well and on the way down I made a speech bowing out of the hiking lead for 2024 and handing over the reins to our new Snow-Shoe Leader Rob, who had been handed the gavel (or ice pick in his back) by Mark2rs (who is taking on the Walking Lead).

The winter season starts in 2 weeks.

It was a good end – except that we forgot to press the Stop request button before Sus Châtel and had to travel on to the next stop – Genolier. Given that I had just resigned I did not feel responsible. Oh well – more denivellation to record.

In the end I made it 253m and 6.7km. This was perhaps a lunch with a walk, but under the conditions just what was needed to round off the Hiking Year. Oh, and I left my scarf there so Kobie and I will be back for more pie this weekend.

I shall post my record of hikes soon. And organise a lunch with spouses in January. Thanks to all for the fun, and especially to those who led hikes. And thanks for befriending my hound (those of you who did -like all of you).

Eight hikers and one dog gathered in the mist at the St Cergue Tancouex parking to catch the 9:58 am train to La Cure: Mervyn, Richard S, Nicolas with Onyx, Nathan, Stephen L, Ivan, David C and Peter S (leader). Around Col de Givrine the little red train broke through ‘band de stratus’ into bright sunshine and the group disembarked at La Cure (1,153m) in a bouyant mood.

The trail passed Restaurant Chez Mamac up to Chalet Les Coppetes (1,321m) for a short break before continuing up the valley passed L’Arziere (1,445m) and a righthand turn towards Cabane du Carroz (1,508m). On approaching the cabane, Kobie came bounding down the path with a smiling Peter T not far behind to complete the surprise!

Happiness filled the air as the group broke out sandwiches and snacks with wines from Spain and South Africa topped off with additional spirits from Richard’s bottle and Mervyn’s hip flask.

There was some discussion about the return of President Trump – not predicted by a majority at our monsoon lunch two weeks earlier.

Reassured that we now had a leader who knew where he was going, we began the descent through the woods to reach the road from La Givrine to Vermeilley. After a short stretch on the road, Peter T turned right onto his secret path that tracked through scattered forest, stone walls and leafy glades to reach a style just short of Cabane Rochefort.

Emerging from the forest passed the A-frame house we were greeted with a broad view of the Leman basin covered in mist with the Alps faintly visible in the distance.

At the junction to Chalet Derrière, we parted ways with Peter T and Kobie as they turned right towards La Givrine and we continued on to Chalet Devant/Fruitières des Nyon (1,333m).

After hearing we had come from La Cure, an elderly French couple offered up the bench in front of the wall which was a clear sign that we needed another break. The impressive views were complemented with coffee (absent milk or sugar) and chocolate McVitie’s.

After a short stretch on the path down towards La Borsatte, we were back in the mist which persisted all the way back to the Parking lot at Tancouex to complete a hike of 15 km with denivelation of 493 m. Peter T with Kobie clocked 12 km and 425 m denivelation on their tour from La Givrine to Cabane du Carroz and back.

Twelve signed up for this hike, with 4 apologists. Attending in no specific order:-

Mark2rs, Mark2ts, PeterS, RichardS, Nathan, Rudi, Stephen, Ralph, Philip, MikeH, Nicholas, me (PeterT), with dogs, Onyx, Rocco and Kobie. A fine turn out for what I had promised as a moderate hike (not much over 400m ascent) in the hills above Bassins.

In the event it was 12.25km and 444m denivellation (my watch said 416m).

We met at what3words ///revolting.though.aquatics at 971m and I wondered if this would put a curse upon us; would it rain (again) on our parade?

We all met up on time at the revolting car park above Bassins. It was good to see Stephen back with us, as well as Rudi and RichardS (albeit he had just led the Lac de Joux hike).

We headed off on time and set course across an open and level field, the wire fencing having been removed after cows had been descended. Clearly Onyx was going to run and run, while the other two hounds were slightly more sedate.

We ascended the grassy track and then the leaf strewn trail up to La Dunanche overlook, by the Toblerone line. The view from here is normally magical. Today we were in the cloud.

We continued on up and towards the outlook at Le Planet. Amazingly the skies cleared and we came out above the cloud, albeit not exactly into the sun. The wooded path takes a steady rise at the edge of the scarp up to the outlook.

Several questions were raised about whether this was the lunch stop. But it was still before noon so we had to continue onwards and upwards.

We soon reached the open fields above Le Planet and passed some cows and a stile following which we headed towards a forest road.

Mike was supportive – “yes it’s a good idea to keep going a little so that we can lunch when the sun comes out fully”.

It was not long before we were enveloped in cloud again and after a short section on a road we headed gayly off left into the forest. This was an error of map reading by the leader (who actually had a paper map – but it was fairly large scale). This trail gradually petered out as PeterS and I went ahead into the uncertain undergrowth. Happily PeterS had a phone map with satellite GPS locationing and we managed to navigate out of the thick forest onto a logging trail. Unhappily this trail was covered in a thick layer of broken and unrolled rock. A kilometre of this awful surface followed.

Happily we exited onto a smooth straight trail heading towards where I knew there would be a bench/table/bench by a hut for us to have lunch. It was at this point that it began to spot with rain. It was 1.15pm or so.

We were at the Cabane de Peney at 1275m. 6 aside on the big table. Some Valpolicella and Swiss wines were offered. Two of our team were on the wagon! Others were abstaining as per their religion (etc). But it became clear that this was to be no dry lunch, as the rain became steadier.

We were so enjoying the lunch and associated banter that we forgot to cover the subject of Scottish independence, but we did have a poll on who was going to win the US election: Harris came out on top beating Trump 6 to 4 with 2 abstensions.

Gradually the rain grew heavier and our drinks were becoming diluted. Certainly I can recall no previous lunch where we had sat out in such conditions. Happily it was not so cold. But not too warm either.

It was time to move on and escape back down to the cars.

The escape route was easy enough – via the campsite (Mervyn knows), and down the road back to the cars. Fortunately the rain begain to ease and the journey back down was not unpleasant.

A memorable hike, perhaps for a wrong reason, but good fun despite revolting aquatics – it’s just so good to be out in the fresh air enjoying nature with chums and hounds.

 A Stroll up the Môle – 10Km and 725m

With apocalyptic weather events currently affecting much of the planet it might seem churlish to be concerned about our local météo.  But there were some apprehensions expressed about the conditions we could expect on our planned ascent of the mighty Môle.  However, with Ralph’s confident prediction of a temperature of 23°(where?), Mark 2Ts, Mervyn, Nathan & Ralph confidently set off from Divonne at 9am in Mark’s new e-car to rendezvous with Ross and Peter T, plus faithful four-legged friend, at the start of the hike.

After a few minor detours, but at the last minute wisely excluding the option of going via Bourg en Bresse and Lyon, we duly arrived to be met by a slimmed-down, shaven Kobie bounding down the track to lick us all. The two-hour ascent from the parking at Chez Béroud 1160m via Plan Meulet to the summit at 1863m was completed in under the signposted 2 hours.

It began in sunshine while we traversed the forest but by the time we emerged above the tree line the clouds were gathering and the mountain tops were frustratingly obscured.

The path became steep and the heavy recent rain had made it muddy and slippery. It was reassuring to know that there was an alternative route down. 

At the top, wearing our warm outer-layers and gloves (it couldn’t have been much above freezing) we duly celebrated with champagne, chilled gamaret and warming Knockando.  

Absent friends amongst you readers were toasted. The promised full 360° panorama was not to reveal itself on this occasion, much to the chagrin of the two Môle virgins amongst us, but we did get fleeting glimpses of the some of the peaks and the lake. Another time?

The threatening shower accelerated our picnic and we quickly descended to Le Petit Môle, where it was sunny, tantalizingly revealing the peak we had just left. No-one was keen to reclimb 330m!

The easy route back down became a stony track and we were reacquainted with the cars within an hour, all the while enjoying good views of the Arve valley well below. 

I for one enjoyed the day immensely.

(PeterT Notes:- A great day out, pity the weather was not great, but it could have been worse. A really tough last few hundred metres, my heart rate went higher and for longer than any on other hike in the last 4 years…)

The previous Thursday had been a washout. So I suggested a Tonic (interim) hike to fill in before the next full hike.

As such this was to be a moderate (Tonic) hike, in part requested as such, and also because I had a bad back (after a Kobie-related incident) I wanted one too.

So a short hike in the forest above Gilly was planned, taking in the Combe de Bursins and the Sentier de Chatagnerie.

Ten turned out: Mike H, Mervyn, David, Ross, Richard W, Philip, Ralph, Mark2rs, PeterS and me, with two dogs Kobie and Rocco. The Bise was starting so we had bright clear weather and were generally sheltered by the forest.

From the initial parking, at 10 am, a 100m ascent led to the Molard Motorway, a forest track recently brought into top condition by some organisation with too much money. After about 30 minutes we reached a road coming down, and it was then I realised that very likely we were going to reach the lunch spot too early. Nothing for it but to make the hike a bit less moderate than planned, and up the road we went. It was not long before we reached the top where a fine view gave excuse for a photo opportunity.

From this vantage point there is a great view up to the Jura, with Arzier in full view. Leading back along a forest track we passed the erratic boulders deposited by the Rhône Glacier 10,000 years ago. In particular the Pierre à mille trous.

The wind was blowing a bit as we descended a ridge on the track, and soon we had a fine view over the Lake, with some believing the the Jet d’Eau was running, but I could not make it out.

A lady walking a horse overtook us (sic) before we descended a short way down to a forest track that took us to the Chataignerie Trail. It was a short pair of up and downs to the lunch area reached at an acceptable 12.15 or so.

Ten of us fitted around a picnic table with built in benches. Any more of us and we would have had to spread to another table. The sun shone, we were out of the wind, the craic was good, and my sandwich was too. Reds from Sicily and France helped conversation flow (too many subjects to relate). We drank to absent friends, I listed out all the apologies I had received, mostly substantive, especially as this was only a Tonic. Dogs were reasonably behaved, well, just.

Note – no dogs appear in the lunch photos !

Mervyn brought out his flask of Scottish fluid, but sadly M2ts was away in Blighty and there was no coffee. However people seemed happy and after it was all over we headed off down, then back up, to the cars, only about 20 minutes or so from the lunch stop. David suffered a slight knee problem on a descent – let’s hope he gets fully fit again soon. Otherwise we came through unscathed.

8km and 370m accomplished (as opposed to the 5.65km and 250m originally planned). Next hike next week, less moderate, perhaps.

The good weather in August continues so it was time to head up the Jura again from L’Isle (previously 16 Sept 2021), this time without cold rain and hypothermia.

Attending Messrs Hempstead and Rocco, Mark2ts, Finkelstein, Neivens and for lunch only, Mr R Saynor. No Kobie, as I had booked a table in the Buvette de Châtel for lunch.

This next bit was copy pasted from the 2021 Blog.

We assembled à l’heure at 10 am at the parking at the station at L’Isle, a place worth visiting for its magnificent chateau. First then some culture:-

“Also known as the “Petit Versaille de l’Isle”, this magnificent château was built in 1696 by Charles de Chandieu, a Lieutenant General in the Swiss Guard. It was the first regional monument of classical architecture.

Built in 1696 by Charles de Chandieu, the Château de l’Isle is a monument steeped in history. Originating from around 1700 during the classical era in France, this building greatly resembles that of the architectural movement of the time, where the Château de Versailles was built.

The, “La Vénoge” river has enabled the Château to benefit from a beautiful French garden, as well as a river basin bordered by two tree-lined paths. At first the Chandieu family lived in the old residence until the end of the 18th century. François Louis Roulet of Neuchâtel was the first to live there in the 19th century, and then it was handed down through marriage to the Cornaz Family of Montet Cudrefin.

In 1876, the commune of l’Isle bought and restored the château. Today it houses the municipal department of housing and classrooms. Since 1941, the château has been a listed building.”

It was indeed going to be a warm day, and for a 750m denivellation, we were going to sweat our way up. Happily most of the ascent was in the shade.

We passed by the château and it’s about-to-open Brocante in the grounds, some old and slow moving items there too.

The early part starts from 660m gently and gradually rises up, after 7.5km to the summit plateau. A long hike that for opposite reasons from 2021 we found quite trying.

We were making steady progress and not hanging about at all. In fact we arrived 30 minutes before the 1pm time of the table I had booked.

On the way up we traversed a short stretch of road, carrying a number of cars full of folk going up to eat at the Buvette. It was going to be busy up there.

At the Buvette (1395m) we were uplifted by the beaming smile of Richard who had been hoping to hike down to meet us, and only slightly disappointed that we were early. No worries we were soon ensonced at a corner table and supplied with beers from the friendly waitress.

The food was great (well my En-croute-with an egg was), the beers too, and we had no need for desserts, only coffee. Some chf 35 per head – good for Switzerland.

As usual, apart from remembering absent friends, my recollection of the lunch conversation ended up limited – and realising this would be the case I dictated this wording at the time :-

“Swiss Chateau theory and GINI coefficients (Mike), death, electric cars (Mark as his Audi has pegged out), cancel (actually Cancer – thanks Richard), Portugal, Temu, female Dentists and their warmth (patients with bald heads), no Scottish Independence, dental appointment as an excuse, Friday, excuses, excuses excuses, excuses, excuses excuses Mark Warren (?) excuses (sic).”

Also how a certain member’s spouse had been locked out of her car at Signy Centre owing to ignoring the “CHANGE THE BATTERY KEY” for several weeks, and the best ways to solve the problem, after the event.

All too soon it was time to descend and we said our farewells to Richard who was heading down to the Lac de Joux.

We set compass for the north and passed by a herd of cows, unnerving Rocco (who had been very well behaved at lunch!).

After a couple of kilometres we headed off down and right. A sketchy section on our maps showed no path connecting two tracks and the way we wanted to go. Nathan’s simple advice was “wing it”, so we did and it worked fine. Down in the clearly unfrequented Combe à Berger a series of quite remote trails led in 5 or 6 km to the outskirts of L’Isle reached shortly thereafter. Just before the edge of the forest it began to rain heavily and we donned jackets. We had heard the roll of thunder several times on the way down, but it seems back over the Lac de Joux area. The rain stopped after 2 minutes.

Some of the party (not Rocco) were now showing signs of being the worse for wear. Were we missing the digestifs (RS had some but we passed on it after our lunch) ? Last time the descent passed quickly. It had been 16.5km in total and 750m up and down in some heat, happily a bit more shaded in descent. We found salvation at the kiosk next to the château with cokes and ice creams.

On the way home (thanks Mike for driving) the temperature showed 33C on the autoroute. I was home by 6pm.

A long and steady hike but take plenty of water in hot weather, and good rain gear in poor weather…

Still in the warm August heat, but not quite so hot now, this hike repeated the ascent of the Pointe de Poêle Chaud also made on hikes of 31 Aug 23, 28 May 22, and 2 Nov 2020 with 31 May 2020 (the latter both Swiss section only).

Seven of us appeared at the five star car park at La Givrine on a fine morning, variously Ross, Thatcher, Mervyn, Nathan, RichardW, Andrew and me, and Kobie. I had apologies from quite a number of folk, most seemed genuine. We missed you all.

My plan was to ascend via my “secret” path to the col just right of the Pointe de Fin Château, then ascend the ridge to the PdPC, down to the Col de Porte and ascend to a recent lunch spot near La Barillette.

This ascent has the advantage of having morning shade.

It was sad to me to find out that, like Kathy Kirby, the Secret Path was not secret any more. We met a couple coming down and then were overtaken by a sizeable organized and fit-looking hiking group going up. The forest was cool, dank and green.

However we re-overtook that team when they stopped for a rest, and on breaching the col we found another 15 rucksacks stashed under a tree. A second team were clearly out taking in the views on the PdFC. We did not let this unexpected traffic dampen our spirits as we ascended in clear air the ridge to the PdPC, where the sun was warming things up.

We were soon at our goal.

It was apèro time and Mervyn opened a bottle of chasselas, luxury.. and we took in the views and solved the world’s problems.

Onwards downwards to the Col de Porte where we eschewed the choice of summiting La Dôle again and instead headed down left past the Chalet des Apprentis.

Down at the dip we could see on the left the hardy and brave Bent Tree still showing some greenery.

A quick scramble up to the picnic spot that we found on 18 July when we had hiked up from the Barraque a Kuffer, with a fine view to the Dôle ridge and showing stick people in silhouette.

Lunch was most pleasant – as we had the choice of sun or shade, and Richard opened his screw-top bottle of rouge. More world problems were solved and Andrew did some paperwork. Others slept. Kobie filched some quiche.

After an hour or so of lounging in the sun and shade we packed up and headed up over to the Tower of Power (apparanetly a rock group Ross knows about).

We passed by the Barillette Restaurant without stopping for beer (again!) and descended towards the tricky section past Couvaloup de St Cergue and eventually back to the restoration at La Givrine.

We were sipping beers and coffee in time to witness a large crash on the tv in the Tour de France Femmes Zwift.

A very pleasant hike, 13.5km and 564m deniv (Nathan may have a different summary). Thanks for the fun and tolerating my hound, who had a great day out too.

PS That night the heavens opened in Coppet, 34 mm of rain in as many minutes.