Category: Hiking

Finally, a sunny break in the weather allowed us to undertake our annual hike by the Lac de Joux, our previous attempt a fortnight ago having been aborted.  Eleven GINhikers had signed up with six indicating that they would meet us at the parking spot at the Southern end of the lake and five of us meeting in Divonne.  Whilst the former group, mostly driving directly from Vaud, had no difficulties in reaching the lake at the appointed time, the knock-on effects of an accident on the autoroute led to Divonne being paralysed by traffic.  Access to the autoroute was impossible and attempts to pass through Crassier were thwarted by long queues.  No alternative but for our noble driver Ralph to do a u-turn and double back via Gex and the Faucille.  Needless to say, our arrival was predicted to be delayed by half an hour, so team A with three impatient doggies sensibly set off around the lake to Le Rocheray where they enjoyed a coffee in the bright sunshine.  Team B arrived and although thoroughly caffeine-starved, elected to press on to try to keep to our schedule.  

The water level in the lake, like many others in the region, was high but with no wind and blue skies, the surface was smooth and afforded wonderful reflections of the opposite bank.  

Photo stops were made on much-reduced spits of shingle and the path close to the lakeside was much appreciated.  

After the only significant climb of the hike, a brief pit stop was made where alcoholic refreshment was made available, outer garments were discarded and telephone calls made.  Shortly after setting off again past the town of Le Lieu, we entered the forest and immediately, to the delight of our four-legged companions, we met a 16-strong herd of chamois. 

 A respectful distance was maintained on both sides and the wild bunch made their exits down a steep bank.  The dogs were once again let free to roam until we were accosted by an irate amateur photographer who insisted that they be leashed as we were on a reserve, despite a complete lack of warning signs.  Kobie, Rocco and Onyx were duly tethered and we continued through the forest.  Twenty minutes later, we espied another smaller group of chamois, with almost as many photographers equipped with massive telephoto lenses.  These were probably unnecessary as the animals were quite unperturbed by human presence and could be approached quite closely.

We dropped down some steep rocky paths until the picturesque sight of Le Pont lay before us at the end of the lake.  

A brisk stroll along the promenade led us to our lunch stop, the Brasserie des Combières, who had been pre-warned of our delayed arrival.  Unfortunately, Nathan had to avail himself of the train at 13.00 back to his car as he had an appointment to maintain in Geneva, but the remaining ten were seated at a very (almost too) sunny inside table.  After what seemed like an age, thirsts were quenched by large jugs of beer and other beverages.  Conversations reached their usual heady intellectual heights and covered a wide range of subjects, with the mandatory nod to Scottish Independence.  Plats de jour, pizzas and hamburgers were dutifully devoured, coffee was consumed and then a decision had to be made about our return.  

A gap in the bus timetable at that time of the day restricted our choices to either continuing around the lake for 10 kms or so, taking two hours or more, or returning to the train station.  Our gastronomic appetites had been sated, but our physical appetites weren’t so strong as to persuade us to complete the Full Monty, so we trudged back through Le Pont and awaited the little red and white train back to Le Solliat.  Tickets were purchased and on the otherwise pleasant 15 minute trip, we were “entertained” by some extremely rowdy and chanting students and led someone to suggest that they were Millwall (sorry) fans!

A fifteen-minute stroll from the train stop brought us back to cars and we left for our various destinations.   We had hiked about 15 kms and climbed 200 metres.

The big question is, can Peter relax now and hand over the reins to Mark for snowshoeing in 2 week’s time?

Participants:  Peter T, Nicholas, Mark 2tts, Peter S, Nathan, Mervyn, David C, Andrew, Ralph, Mike H, Richard S.  

Thanks to Peters S and T and Ralph for contributing photos.

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. 

 

Due to the current heatwave, it was with some reservations that I suggested a hike on the Voirons, that dark-looking ridge across the lake from Vaud.  However, having followed the same hike some five years ago, I was reminded that much of the trail is in woodland so there would be a fair amount of shade.  Five of us in two cars rolled up at the designated time at the tiny hamlet of Le Penaz near the pleasant town of Boëge.  In the event, the skies were heavy with cloud and there was even some rain in the air.  

We set off at a good pace climbing up steeply through the forest, even grateful for the light rain that fell occasionally.  After an hour or so, we heard some gentle singing and came across a group of about thirty Girl Scouts who were camping in the woods.  It was a good opportunity to stop and drink some water and listen to this delightful choir.  

Further on, we skirted the grounds of the Monastery of the Sisters of Bethlehem which was built in the 1980s and housed around 100 nuns.  It had been my intention to take an extended walk along a ridge towards the Pointe de Brantaz, but the guidebook was quoting non-existent signposts so we proceeded to the Signal des Voirons, which at 1,480 meters is the highest point on the mountain. 

Apart from the Guides, we hadn’t met anyone else on the trail, but at the Signal there were many people and among them was a family from Versailles that we had seen at the monastery.  The father told us that he was visiting his sister who had been a nun for 20 years and this was the only time that she could have contact with the outside world.  She was obviously relishing being with her nieces picking bowls of wild fruit.

We had a little snifter of Armenian Brandy to fortify us and continued on our steep downward route until we reached the Notre Dame de Voirons, a five-hundred year-old chapel.  There was an invitation to ring the bell, but try as I might, I couldn’t raise a clang.  However, Mark must have been a campanologist in a previous life as his gentle touch produced a wonderful sound!  Nathan had visited the area last year and remembered a good viewpoint further on that we could use for lunch.  This proved to be ideal and we were able to perch on a large fallen log overlooking the whole Geneva basin and Jura beyond.  Mervyn produced a very acceptable Argentinian Cabernet Sauvignon and Nathan passed around his home-grown tomatoes.  Dessert was available on the low-growing blackberry bushes all around us.

Suitably bolstered, we descended down through the forest on a very steep path that looked suspiciously like a dried up riverbed until we came to open country with great views of the Vallée Verte and the Alps.  At the top of a steep bank was a Copacou, a cupule or cup stone.  Apparently, this had been used for human sacrifices where the victim’s throat was cut and the blood flowed down the steep side of the rock.  This naturally provoked a realistic enactment, but happily Mark was granted a stay of execution at the last moment.

We passed the 12^th Century castle of Rocafort (not the cheese!) on our final stretch down to the cars.

The whole area is a nature reserve, but the promised roe deer, red deer, wild boar and lynxes were obviously on their summer break as there was little wildlife to be seen. The high temperatures had finally caught up with us and there was a general consensus that beers were warranted, so we repaired to Boëge for some welcome refreshment before heading home. Many thanks for the drinks, Peter!

Present: Mark 2rrs, Mervyn, Nathan, Peter Strebel and Richard S.

Distance: 11 kms

Denivellation: 664 meters

Morgins, Portes du Soleil

There was a lot of rain in July and August but the forecast for August 3rd was promised as dry and sunny. Stephen was in Morgins for the week and suggested a hike in his favourite territory, which Rob had volunteered to co-ordinate. 7 willing hikers appeared on the day, coming from various starting points. The early-risers of Rob, Nathan, Mervyn car-pooled from somewhere near Divonne, Mike gave his Renault Alpine an outing, David hopped across the valley from Villars and Nicolas, the closest, traversed the mountain from Champery. Detailed instructions had been given so that no-one would get lost on the way to the parking nearest Stephen’s chalet. Not surprisingly, the sporty vehicle arrived first, so far ahead of schedule that Mike was able to enjoy a coffee in Morgins before heading to the meeting place. David was next, 10 minutes ahead of schedule (yes, David!!). The car-poolers arrived also just ahead of 10h. No sign of Nicolas at 10h05, 10h10, 10h20….a search party of Mervyn and Mike went in search and waited by the main road. 10h30 came and went…..telephone contact had been made with Nicolas but still no sign. At 10h40 up rolled Nicolas from the direction the search party had headed, having done a full tour of Route de la Cergnat, passing Mervyn and Mike and generously allowing them to walk back up the hill as a warm up.

The walk itself started with a pleasant detour from the initially conceived route, to avoid the construction works for the new ski cabine in Morgins, up the path in the woods by the side of the Vièze stream in the direction of the restaurant at They. Normally, this would have been a suitable refreshment point but due to the late start (and, maybe more importantly, the fact the restaurant was closed for extensive renovation) the leader encourage pressing on up the hill. Quite some encouragement was needed as this ascent was indeed steep and longer than most of the participants had expected. “Not much further” lost impact on multiple use. However, we all emerged intact, if somewhat fatigued onto the grassy slopes of what is the famous Defago piste during ski season. Stephen was pleased that his repairing tendon had passed the test.

Emerging after the steep climb. Mervyn seems happy to see a ski piste, even without snow. More a sign of relief on the faces of Rob and David.

The gentler ascent from here was much appreciated with views down the valley until we reached the col at Bonavau when the whole vista opened before us, including the first sighting of the lunchtime restaurant. Such was the keenness of some of the group to be first with a beer that they speed down the slope . Unfortunately, they headed for the wrong restaurant. More haste and less speed comes to mind…….

A rest at the Col de Bonavau, 1759m

….and now to lunch, we know the way!

Stephen had realised that lunch might be delayed so rang ahead to warn the restaurant that we would be arriving late and our table was duly waiting for us. Beers were ordered and consumed and kindly paid for by Nicolas in penance for the late start. Food orders were considered and memories of the previous year’s feast at the La Chaux Alpage resulted in agreement to share platters of spare ribs and rösti as well as other selections. In the event, the food quantity did not live up to expectations even though the quality remained good. Obviously, austerity is present in Switzerland.

With the lift back down to Morgins out of action due to its replacement, we had to walk down back to the village. I say walk down, but the first part involved walking up again, over the col above Mazde. No so easy after lunch. Once there, the group were given the choice of a direct steep descent, through the woods or a longer, gentler and indeed more scenic route around the mountain. The latter was unanimously selected. More great views of the Dents du Midi and down to Lac Leman.

Eventually back at the cars, David had to leave but the rest of the group enjoyed a rest and some home brew beer on the Long’s terrace before heading back home. Another great day in the Portes du Soleil.

Overall, ca. 15km, 625m climb and a walking time of 4h30.

Note: Due to the happy addition to the Pashley family (and certainly someone who will no doubt in the years ahead be showing a lot of Scottish independence…at least with her family) Rob has been distracted and the writing of this blog put on hold. I have stepped in with my memories of the day. I leave it to the webmaster to sort out the order of the blog to be chronologically correct. SL

The weather forecast promised a dry spell up to Thursday so it was suitable for a hike up the Salève via the Grotte d’Orjobet and back down via the Grande Gorge. Five of us duly assembled at the parking Le Coin and set off shortly after 10:00. Mervyn, Nicolas, Mike M, new member Peter Strebel and Mark 2Ts. The ascent was totally in the shade from the trees so felt reasonably cool and we made good progress with the occasional ooh and aah as we came into a clear patch and saw the views below.

Shortly after we were through the Grotte d’Orjobet with just a gentle stroll left until we arrived at our restaurant after a hike of almost exactly 2 hours.

We’d booked at the Auberge des Montagnards in la Croisette and they gave us a table with panoramic views over the alps. The food was up to the quality of the view and we left, well fortified, at about 13:30.

Our leader, me, then proceeded to get us lost, trying several descents from the plateau before we actually reached the Grande Gorge. Eventually, with the help of several phone apps, we found the correct path, further on than I had remembered and started our descent. This was as tricky as we remembered but we took it slowly, thought how much worse it would be when wet, and eventually got back to our cars at Le Coin where we replenished our energy with coffee, nuts and raisins before driving home.

A good day out, 12 km, 714 m height gain. All the ascent and descent in the shade from trees. Only the walk along the top in the sun, however this was longer than it should have been for which we blame the leader.