Category: Hiking

There were two car loads of Gintlemen, one from France and one from Switzerland, signed up for this iconic hike up the Môle that was clearly described in Janet Norton’s book. When collecting his two “French” colleagues, the leader of the hike (Mark 2R) immediately asked them how to get to the start point and renamed his title as organiser.

In fact, getting to the start point was the biggest challenge for both parties as neither Chez Béroud, Bovère or even St Jean de Tholome were recognised by the car satnavs. 

Thanks to Phillip’s paper map, the French group arrived at the start point just before 10h00 and noted a new restaurant had been built and was open for coffee, which was most welcome since it was cold and cloudy (4°C) outside.

The Swiss group arrived a few minutes later having mistakenly inserted Bogève instead of Bogère in their satnav. Sadly this was below a different mountain (echoes of Rum Doodle) but happily only 23 minutes distant from Bogère. Nevertheless they had to resort to Google Maps on a phone after finding the same finding Bogère problem as the French party, but who were better prepared with a paper map.  

Shortly after croissants aux chocolate provided by le organiser had been devoured (merci Mark, Ed.), we (Richard, Phillip, Peter, Stephen, David, Mervyn and Mark) set off for the 720m ascent of the Môle. A fine day had been promised so the leader/organiser was relieved when the sun was seen to be penetrating through the cloud and it wasn’t long before we had a clear blue sky with views of the mountains showing above the clouds.

We made the sun-drenched top of the Môle (1863m) in good time for our traditional picnic lunch starting with a champagne toast to Mervyn on his 75^th birthday. The table/bar and bench combination was taken over for our relaxed break and fellow hikers were welcomed with the offer of a glass of wine. The views over the mountains were now a fantastic 360° of mostly clear summits, including the Mont Blanc range – and ever reducing cloud cover at the lower altitudes. 

Summit Bar Lunch

Mervyn read us a poem about That Try from a carton of Welsh whisky, which can be seen here 

and explained herewith :-

Penderyn « That Try » Bottling Note

Unveiled in 2015 as part of Penderyn’s Icons of Wales series, That Try honours the spectacular try scored by the Barbarians against the All-Blacks in January 1973 at Cardiff Arms Park. It’s a peated Welsh single malt whisky from Penderyn, with elegant notes of coastal breeze, orange peels and a hint of smoke. This comes presented in a black bottle featuring an illustration of Gareth Edwards (who famously ended the great passage of play with an incredible diving try) and a presentation box with black and white stripes to match the Barbarian F.C. kit.

Much refreshed and after grappa and That Try Welsh whisky (we perhaps wisely abstained from Paul’s ambulatory absinthe again) we wended our way down towards the Petit Môle, including a rocky and steep part that was the only slight difficulty of the hike.

The two youngsters took the optional trail to the Granges and back but were still amongst the first to reach the restaurant for beers on the sunny terrace.  

Signposting for the return home was no easier than the outward journey, but at least we knew where we wanted to go!

Thanks everyone for a most enjoyable day out. (Actually a stunning day out in fantastic weather, with a fine celebration of Mervyn’s birthday. Ed.)

After our somewhat wet outing two weeks ago, it was a relief to awake to clear skies and importantly, a favourable weather forecast for the day.  Assembly points had been arranged at Divonne and Val Thoiry and we all met up in the church car park in Farges on time at 09.30 (five out of nine of us in shorts).  Three early birds had managed to grab a quick coffee and pain au chocolat before we all headed off up the forest roads to our starting point at 1,254m.  We hadn’t got far before the lead car had to stop whilst Andrew removed a tree trunk and branches that had fallen across the road.  Our cars survived the potholes over the 12km and we set off in good spirits up a jeep track taking advantage of a couple of shortcuts.

Once we had cleared the forest at about 1,400m, we started enjoying the wonderful countryside and views along the Jura.  Shortly after passing the Chalet du Sac, we espied the Dent d’Oche peeping above the morning clouds across the Léman basin.  Our path was not too clearly defined and despite the dearth of signposts, we attained our first summit – the Crêt du Miroir. This merited a small celebration so a nip of grappa was offered to all. There were still a few clouds around and a cool wind and we were grateful that the sun’s warmth cancelled out the low temperatures.

Another unnamed summit beckoned which gave us a view over the not-so-beautiful town of Bellegarde and the more attractive rolling hills of the Jura westwards. We then headed for the Crêt du Milieu and we tried to resist the temptation for more celebratory drinks as we could see that our lunch spot was not too far away.  However, a bottle of vin blanc miraculously appeared and quite quickly, the contents disappeared! As is becoming our custom, any fellow travellers on a mountain-top are offered a glass of wine and three delightful ladies from Paris were duly supplied.  We were later thanked with a large piece of local Tomme cheese.

Our next stop, the Crêt de la Goutte, is the highest point of the Crêt d’Eau complex at 1,621m and the orientation table there made an excellent bar on which to place the various bottles that had been kindly provided.  As usual, the orientation table showed all the peaks through 360 degrees, as well as distances to various famous cities.

However, the only explanation offered as to why Brighton was the only town in the UK mentioned was that it was Mark 2rrs’ birthplace!  On such a clear day, we had wonderful views and according to Wikipedia, we could see:
la haute chaîne du Jura, le lac Léman, le lac du Bourget ainsi que le lac d’Annecy, et les massifs du Mont-Blanc, des Aravis, des aiguilles Rouges, de la Chartreuse, du Vercors,
des Écrins, des Alpes bernoises, et de Belledone.

Lunch and a number of excellent Italian reds were consumed and what – more excellent grappa!  Somehow, the Absinthe provided by Paul earlier was untouched and lives on for another day.  We then swarmed down the mountainside reaching the strangely-named “Pierre à Fromage” which just seemed to be a faded wooden signpost

After that, maybe because of a strange lassitude, the route instructions became somewhat vague and with no discernable paths, we decided to go cross-country in the general direction of the cars.  After reaching the ski installations that rise from Menthieres, we descended on a long ski slope that could be classified as red, or possibly black, finally reaching the Chalet du Sac where we rested a while in the warm sun with some of us in T-shirts.

We retraced our steps back to the parking spot taking the two shortcuts we had taken on the way up, although David and Mark 2rrs took an additional one which took them below the cars.  A few phone calls and whistles later they appeared just as Mervyn discovered thathe had lost his fleece with his car keys and credit cards.  After much discussion, it was thought that he had left it at the Chalet, so David kindly offered to ignore the no-entry sign on the rough jeep track and drive him back in his 4×4.  We were extremely relieved to receive a triumphant call to say that said garment had been found intact!

It was a splendid hike of some 12 ½ kms and 760m with magnificent views, visiting an area that few of us knew well.  There was much evidence of diggings by wild boar, but no fauna was spotted other than other hikers enjoying the area.  However, the famous Jura nudist, seen a couple of times previously by one member, failed to make his presence felt.  Many subjects were discussed as usual and a unanimous vote was taken on a certain independence issue.  We lamented the absence of some of our regular hiking camarades.

Attendees: Peter, Mervyn, Marks 2rrs and 2tts, David, Stephen, Thatcher, Andrew and Richard
(leader)

Next Hike – 14 October 2021 – Le Salève (weather permitting) -leader Mark 2tts.

16 Sept 21

This hike was advertised to run come rain or shine. And in the main that was what happened, with perhaps much more rain than shine. Attending were 8 :- Richard S, Mervyn, Andrew (Neivens, welcome to the group Andrew), Rob, David, Mark 2rrs, Stephen, PeterT (leader).

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.”

The weather forecast seemed not too bad but as we skirted the lawns of the fine Château we donned anoraks, only to remove them soon after. A gradual line of 7.5 km and 750m deniv or so, making it roughly a 10% slope which would lead us in a WNW direction just south of Combe à Berger past Grand Chardève to the Chalet de Châtel at 1400m for lunch. (Yellow path).

Passing the water Source for L’Isle (members I think were more intent on beer sources), we skirted pasture land and moved on up into the forest.

All to soon the rains came and all but Stephen re-donned anoraks. Had he painted himself with some form of water repellant ? In any event he got to 1400m in persistent rain in a green T shirt.

This was the first rain after a long dry spell, and the autumnal leaves were beginning to appear underfoot.

We made steady progress up the 10% trail eventually turning left in a southerly direction on the final slopes to the chalet. Andrew was finding his sugar levels on the low side at this point and Richard provided some essential glucose. We arrived on time at 12.30 at the Chalet, dripping wet but inside it was warmer and our table was set out in a pleasant and newly furbished room with sound baffles in the ceiling. We each showed our COVID certificates and then were allowed to move about maskless.

Cold beers soon arrived. From Appenzell.

A clear 50/50 split between those having Fondue and those having Röstiflette was established and we proceeded to enjoy a very fine lunch indeed, white Tartegnin wine supplementing the beers.

Our discourse followed the usual threads. Scottish independence, the possible definition of “woke”, problems of nasal hair, anti-vaxxers, what pivoting means, roasting absent friends, dogs, enjoying a meal with wet underwear, Boris, future hikes, etc, all the while checking that it was still raining outside. A fine camaraderie persisted among the damp diners.

The Chalet was short on their dessert of the day, tarte aux framboise, but there were 4 left so we partaged and very tasty it was indeed. Time for some furtive absinthe and Scottish fluid with our coffee before we flowed out into some unexpected but reviving sunshine.

We traversed the ridge to the N towards Mollendruz then pivoted back down towards L’Isle. It kept dry despite ominous grumblings of thunder to the south.

We arrived back at the cars reasonably quickly, the time seemed to pass quickly anyway, perhaps it was the digestifs…

Thanks to all attending. Sorry we missed Mark, Thatcher, Philip, Richard W, Peter D and others who missed a fine meal with a gentle hike, oh, and er, rain.

Mike Hempstead organised his fine debut-leader hike from the Col de Marchairuz followed by an excellent lunch at the restaurant terrace there.

The weather was not looking great – lowish cloud over the Jura, but it was dry and had the benefit of providing a very pleasant temperature.

Mike seemed to think we were ten, but in the event 11 of us turned up, one with a large dog/small golden bear. Despite following others, Mark W2tts took a holiday route to the start via Rolle after missing the Gland exit. He and Mark W2rrs were chatting intensely together.

Our leader arrived with his sports limo, but without his boots. In the event he cruised the route in his hush puppies. Rob had a close shave with the bear who tried to head butt his nose.

Attending : Mike H (Leader), Drew, David, Richard, Stephen, Rob, Thatcher, Philip, Peter (with Kobie) and Marks 2t and 2r. Apologies – Mervyn, Keith and others.

We set off on Mike’s planned 13km hike with 250m deniv – which in the event was more like 11.6km and 350m deniv – an anticlockwise loop to La Neuve and back. The going underfoot was mostly dry and pleasant, and with a fairly easy downhill start there was much crack. Kobie patrolled up and down the file of Gintleman hikers to keep us in order. The crux of the outward leg involved passing through two herds of cows intent on getting a close acquaintance to our small brown bear. Happily teamwork, fine dog-handling and some stick shaking prevailed and we hurried unmolested through the stampeding heifers.

We turned to return just before La Neuve, at which point Kobie decided to hoof off into the distance following a scent trail. That gave Mike the cue to provide some Swiss apéro wine to the patiently waiting team, while Peter went off to find his hound.

All reassembled, we headed back to the restaurant at the Col without incident arriving on time at 13.00 with a large table on the terrace for us all to fit around. Fine beer arrived. The usual banter included some reference to Scottish independence with the usual arguments. Indeed it was a most pleasant lunch with the majority going for Steak Tartare, even the sun appeared a little. Kobie managed to slip his leash and ran inside the restaurant to meet all the indoor diners, some of whom seemed to like him..

A fine day, nothing too hard but very convivial. A fine debut Mike.

Next hike – Stephen will organise a 700m ascent at Morgins if the weather allows on Thursday 2 Sept. With a mountain restaurant terrace lunch if so.

‘Twas with some trepidation that we set out to tackle the Mont d’Hermone on 5th August.  Partly, because we had to traverse Geneva with its early morning traffic and roadworks and partly, because the weather forecast was following this summer’s unpredictable pattern.  Well, the former was not a problem at all and everyone arrived in good time at the small unpronounceably-named village of Reyvroz in the depths of Haute Savoie.  The latter did become a bit of an issue but more later on that.  Seven stalwarts were in attendance and we had the pleasure of welcoming Keith Wynn to the group.

The route that we would follow was included in Janette Norton’s book “Walking in the Haute Savoie (North)” and apparently was her favourite walk and the last that she did before she sadly died in 2013.  It promised extensive views over Lake Geneva, the Jura and the Alps, so hopes were high, but somewhat apprehensive!

Using perfect Swiss timing, we left the village as the church bell struck ten and sauntered off in good spirits.  We had hardly warmed up our muscles when we turned onto a steep, stony jeep track which ascended unrelentingly until we reached the ridge which forms part of the GR Balcon de Léman.  Although it was dry when we started and we were afforded beautiful views across the valley, the rain started after half an hour and rain gear was quickly donned.  The promised views from the ridge were completely obscured by the rain clouds so we could only use our imagination!  The rain was quite intense and two of us were not too shy to use our umbrellas!

We reached the chapel of Notre Dame d’Hermone in good time and considered our options for having lunch in the rain.  There was a small ante-room to the chapel, the main part being barred by an iron gate, but as this was only a few metres square, it was certainly not conducive to eight burly hikers eating a picnic!  Maybe it was the aura of the place, but the rains miraculously abated and we could stand outside around an (some said – sacrificial) altar and enjoy our well-earned lunches.  These were washed down by Italian and Californian reds graciously supplied by Steve and Mervyn respectively and then, of course, Rob’s special whisky of the day.

We left the chapel, and three ladies who were the only other humans we saw on the whole hike, and commenced our descent.  The rains started again and we cautiously picked our way down the rocky track.  Perhaps it was the euphoria of feasting on wild raspberries, or maybe the yearning to walk on different surfaces than jeep tracks, but we made the decision to take a smaller side path from the prescribed route.  Things then became a little tricky as there was a dearth of signposts and conflicting views on the direction we should head.  Anyway, using maps, various apps such as Google Maps and Maps.Me and blind instinct, we navigated unfrequented and sometimes, barely discernible paths to reach our destination.  Our route was not without our having to occasionally retrace our steps on some tracks which petered out and there were also a few slips on muddy slopes.  The hike organiser accepted unconditionally the full responsibility for all the confusion!

Our first thoughts upon reaching Reyvroz were where we could quench our thirsts.  The advance party questioned a local who confirmed that there were no such premises before Thonon, but he was kind enough to offer us a beer chez lui.  When we told him that there were eight of us, he recoiled somewhat, although a neighbour called out that he wouldn’t mind one!

So we set off in convoy seeking some refreshment, but it was not until we saw a sign to the Port of Sciez some 20 kms away that our hopes soared.  After negotiating the most tricky entrance to a car park we had ever seen, we were soon sitting around a table by the marina enjoying a well-earned “pression”.

Well, we got some good exercise, fresh air, fine drinks, good company, but unfortunately, not the extensive views that we  could have enjoyed.  Another time, maybe?!

Attendees: Bill, Rob, Steve, Mark, Mervyn, Keith, and Richards W and S.  Regrets from the usual suspects, who were much missed.

PS. Distance was about 13km and dénivelé 750m

Continue reading “GIN Hikers – Mont d’Hermone – 5 August 2021”

In the middle of a heat wave, a hike on the cool heights of the Jura seemed to be a good idea. Admittedly, the organising committee had taken a few attempts to arrive at this decision, much aided by Mark2Rs initiative…..the normal organiser being away on a summer break. Many of the other usual hiking members were also absent or otherwise engaged . So it was a select band of three: Rob, Mark2Rs and Stephen who met in Divonne at the old railway station at 08.30. Rob volunteered his car and with car SatNav and Mark’s help we managed to find the cable car at Crozet on first attempt, just as it was starting up for the day. The ascent was then easy up until Fierney and we happily watched from above some hikers plod up the long tortuous path from the bottom.

As happy in the télécabine on the way up as we were on the way down

At the top we started to follow the direction of the snow shoeing trail some 17 months earlier, albeit without snow. The initial plan had been to head towards La Catheline and then along the ridge to the Crêt de la Neige. However, the organising committee impetuously decided to  follow an alternative track which seemed to lead in the right direction. This it did indeed do, but circumnavigating the base of the Crêt, much lower than anticipated on a very agreeable undulating floral track, via La Calame and Curson.

Beautiful alpine flower carpet

Not so beautiful hikers…..but not many of them

The final ascent to the Crêt de la Neige was not difficult and, once there, we realised how well our chosen path had taken us from the mass of day trippers.

Joining the crowds on the Crêt de la Neige

The real incentive for the hike was the promise of a rustic refuse, previuosly frequented and vetted by Mark and Richard. Reaching the Refuge de la Loge in summer did take a little longer than when visited on skis and despite some momentary doubts about direction, after descending from the main path between Crêt de la Neige and the Grand Grêt, we did indeed end up at the promised hostellerie, which lived up to it’s reputation. A hearty main dish of sausage, potato and beans (with seconds thrown in free of charge) and a few beers was followed by tarte aux mirtilles. This was rounded off by a small glass of herbal alpine spirit…kindly supplied by our host, Frank.

The first of two platefuls (and beers) and all for 14 Euro

We feared the return ascent, with attitudes more for snoozing than exercise, but as it turned out the ascent via La Catheline was not steep and the return down to the lift at Fierney brough back memories of our earlier snow shoeing adventures…..not least a cross-field section where the path we were on unexpectedly ended.

We rounded off our very successful day of ca. 15km hiking and 720m elevation difference by toasting absent colleagues at the télécabine base station. A walk definitely to be repeated.

GINs Hike – Grottes and Rochers de Naye

8 July 2021

Rob had chosen an interesting and challenging hike for this mid-summer walk. Challenging for several reasons. 1. The weather was unpredictably dubious. 2. The drive to the start at the Col du Jaman was hair-raising for those with hair as well as those without. 3. The intended hike involved an ascent up a steep cliff on ladders. 4. There was still some snow about. 5. A steep descent, after a full lunch, was hinted at. 

Attending Rob, Marks W and W, Richard S, Mervyn, David, Philip, Bill and Peter T. Apologies from several including Thatcher. 

If truth be told (which it should never be in these pages) the weather was not all bad. Heavy rains were clearing as we arrived and had started again some 30 minutes from the end of the hike, with some while we were inside having a nice lunch at the Rochers de Naye. 

Driving up to the start was interesting. At one point at a red light train barrier, a member of the car behind the leader’s car knocked on the leader’s window and had the temerity to ask if the leader knew where he was going. It seemed he thought he did, but he remarked later that this en-route questioning had been a novel experience and had been slightly unsettling for him. Google Maps had a wholly different routing from the leader’s SatNav.

 Three cars driven by Rob, Richard and Mark W2ts eventually arrived at the start col after following wet, winding and steep, narrow roads in brightening weather. We were all exhausted but the drivers perhaps exceptionally so. 

It was only 9.30am but the leader urged us to start and so we set off at regimental pace (nb without Steve, a Gintlemen in England now abed) across and up and across again to the misty cliffs guarding the summit of the Rochers de Naye.

Ignoring short cuts offered by Philip, one member decided to force a short cut across a large and steep snow patch that lay across the slope. Opting for a high path on the lip of the bergschrund his unsuitable cheap trekking boots could not get a grip and with flailing sticks and a merry shriek he accelerated down on an imaginary bum-board towards a rock below. Happily terminal speed was low and only pride was hurt. Sadly this episode was not caught on camera. 

What followed was outside the norm of our experience. A traverse across wet slabby rocks using a hand chain let to a series of long ladders following a steep line up the cliff. Mist swirled around and it was airy. In truth (see above) the party cruised this crux section with little problem. We passed the entrance to the cave of the Grottes de Naye, surprisingly partially filled with snow after a small entrance door. 

With no time or inclination for extensive speleology, we continued steeply up and breasted the crest of the ridge into the promised land of open slopes and flowers. Except there was a lot of mist about. Within 40 minutes we were ensconced, 9 to a table, in the warmth of the restaurant at the top of the RdN railway, a full hour earlier than Rob had booked for. 

Lunch was most convivial with beers and white wine washing down excellent and tasty Rösti Montagnards, sausage and chips etc served by friendly and efficient young waitresses. Oh, and Richard had a black burger. No mention was made (to my knowledge) of Scottish independence. 

Wanting no dessert (other than coffee) and with little in the way of Scottish fluid in prosect, the time for dreaded descent had come and in view of the pitter patter of rain outside we kitted up for the worst. Oddly the worst was delayed for another 90 minutes and it was dryish as we descended the airy, rocky path below a herd of chamois, enjoying some excellent nourishment on the verdant slopes.

We were given tantalizing views through clearings in the cloud, down to spectacular green ridges below, finally to a window out over shining Vevey and the blue Lac with an approaching wall of grey rain still 20km away. A long, steep rocky gully was descended with little problem and we were soon speeding across the (sort of) traverse line back to the cars in order to minimize time in the inevitable heavy downpour we had seen coming. Bill spotted some cows so he was happy at last. A fit young lady with strong legs in dayglo hot pants passed us running up and many were happy at last.

The rain finally caught us and we had 30 minutes or so of drenching. We said our farewells and jumped into our vehicles out of the wetness. A convoy of cars descended a longer but easier route down through Caux, headlights blazing in the dark cloud and rain that made 4pm seem like midnight. There remained a tortuous maze of back streets of Montreux and an uneventful but wet ride back home along the autoroutes. Mark W2tts was happy, Pakistan had been bowled out for 154. 

Another memorable hike in great company. It makes the donated subscriptions that our webmaster extorts from us seem like real value. Thanks to Rob for organising such a super trip. He even carried poles this time, but never used them, so it could not have been that difficult a hike. Thanks again also to our three volunteer drivers for your heroic service. 700m deniv – or was it 880m ? 10.5km

24 June 2021

A motley crew of ten turned out for a circuit and ascent of the Moleson above Gruyères on a day that promised rain. In the event we were lucky and it kept dry.

Attending: Marks W and W, Richards Saynor and Wiley, David, Rob, Philip, Mervyn, Bill (Westermeyer freshly returned from the Rockies) and myself.

The plan was to repeat the route of 2017 where David, Peter Drew, Jonathan and myself enjoyed a misty round. As such all but two of us were new to this hill, 2007m tall, above the carpark at 1100m by the cable tramway. There was some ribaldry as we ascended the first section to the halfway station, the mountain was not visible in the cloud and a few were doubting its existence, more were worried about getting a lunch. We were joined by a dog, leaving us at the tramway station but which we met later in the day.

There was some further disbelief looking up at the lines of the via ferratas of the main cliff but the fine cows attracted attention (Bill’s in particular as he had been missing them in the USA) and we were soon supping coffee with fresh cream at Gros Plané. Philip was intent on investigating shortcuts and could see little reason why the intended route did not go straight up. I explained that he was pointing up at a possible descent route. A circumnavigation would allow an approach along a fine airy ridge from the south.

It was clear in my mind that we were not going to arrive at the summit for lunch before 2.30 pm and encouraged eating of the local patisserie at our coffee stop. Surprisingly few grumbles were heard if any, as after a downward passage and a turn left, the ascent to the ridge passed almost painlessly. We were soon treated to fabulous views across the valleys, a flower bedecked ridge kissed by misty cloud, fitful sun and a fine breeze from the west. At least one could not get lost and my worries about herding cats eased. David was striding ahead and even Rob was beginning to enjoy the airiness, the ridge provided just enough.

The final ascent to the cable station and thence up to the Moleson summit remained, and at the top we were bathed in sunshine for a minute or two with 360 degree views. There were very few other hikers around, nor many tourists back down at the cable station. Finally at 3pm inter-alia eight Gruyères cheese fondues were consumed with several bottles of Chasselas in an almost empty restaurant. Happy hikers it seemed.

There only remained the question of how to get down. Information passed around that the cablecar departed every 20 minutes. The alternative was a long knee-grind down Philip’s shortcut. Rain appeared on the window. A storm was coming. Rob was finally persuaded that others had knees that preferred the easy way down (including those of his driver). We hurried our coffees and piled into the cabin for a swift descent to the tram, where our hound of the morning was given an allocated cabin to his owner waiting below.

An enjoyable tramp along an airy ridge up a rewarding hill with a simple descent saving our knees, in great company. 10.8 km and 1080m ascent.

Apologies from many. My apologies to Thatcher – I had mis-copied the distribution list and he did not receive the email flyer I sent to Thatcher.Shellaby@gmail.co ….Sorry Bruce !