Category: Walking

There were 14 of us (Alan B, Brian A, Bryan C, Trevor D, David S, Tim G, John B, Mike C, Mike P, Paul S, Phillip J, Richard S, Tom B and MarkLW) and a dog who set off down the Grand Rue towards the Pont de Grilly/Pont Bugnon). Grilly has a history going back to at least Roman times and was famous in the 13^th century for a certain Jean de Grilly or Grailly who effectively ran Aquitaine for Edward I of England. Its actual bridge which dates from the 17^th century was the principal crossing from the Mont Mussy to Coppet until the development of Divonne; it spans the River Versoix (the boundary between France and Switzerland) and there is still an albeit unmanned customs post. Mme de Stael famously escaped from France to Coppet over it.

Our walk continued along the riverside towards the Moulin de Grilly. This Moulin is privately owned but there is an interesting explanation of the use of watermills in the Pays de Gex – including wood cutting, diamonds for the watch trade, generating electricity and of course food. At this time, we had beautiful views over both the alps and the Jura and could see woods and fields with little evidence of human construction. A grey heron, a great white egret as well as crows gave a safari aspect with horses making the loudest noise.

After a loop of five kilometres, we were back at our starting place by the Auberge de Grilly where ten of us concluded the morning with an excellent lunch.

A lovely morning which was further improved by only having the rain when we came out from lunch.

We were 10 on today’s walk. We walked beside the Versoix river down to Versoix, then back up to the starting point along the canal. Most people were unaware of the route we took and so it was very successful. Then 6 of us had lunch in Les Gravines, and very good it was!

The starting point is directly underneath the autoroute at the point where it is elevated at the Vengeron. If you take the back road behind Versoix heading towards Geneva, you find the Sports club of Versoix, then a bit further on you pass Les Gravines Restaurant. The starting point is to the left immediately after that restaurant and directly under the autoroute where it is easy to park.

Organised walks are off at the moment to avoid groups of more than 5. But I would highly recommend individual walks in the Arboretum at Aubonne. Especially at this time of year while the magnolias are at their best.

I went last Friday with Lynda and it was almost deserted.

12 members of this fast expanding group celebrated St George’s Day in style by penetrating this  large mixed deciduous and coniferous forest at a 
perfect time of the year. Leaves were bursting forth their spring greenery, 
tracks were dry and we had the expanse of the Bois de Chênes almost to 
ourselves. Whilst no Sangliers made an appearance and bird song was rather scarce, our group and its various conversations made up for whatever nature did not provide. 

As always, the Auberge de Coinsins – one of GIN’s favourite lunch locations 
– offered us a wide-ranging selection of lunchtime and a la carte meals, 
enjoyed outside in the sun, on their large terrace. 

Watch the website for news on forthcoming walks, all of which are of course open to all our GIN members.  Also, do offer us new ideas for future 
expeditions, please. Alan Baker”. 

Fourteen of us on a little known walk from chateau Voltaire in the centre of Ferney to the airport perimeter fence and back by a different route. Ably guided by Richard Saynor with Mark Warren as sweeper. Most then had lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Sadly, Bryan Clark tripped on a tree stump during last week’s walk at Prangins and cracked 3 ribs.  That makes walking our most dangerous activity – until someone falls off a chair at bridge!!

This walk was led by Brian Allardyce and took us from the  plage de Promenthoux, through the Domaine Imperial Golf Club , past the Villa Rose and back to our cars.

We had a grand turnout of 12:- Brian Allardyce, Alan Baker, Tom Boult, John Burley, Bryan Clark, Dave Gernandt, Tim Goodyear, Dave Gwilliam, Tony Raeburn, Richard Saynor, Mark Warren, Mark Watts. Eight of us stayed on for lunch at La Barcarolle.

Sadly Bryan took a nasty tumble and may have broken a rib. This just goes to show that all activities, except sitting at home drinking a beer, are dangerous.

Here is a photo of the group in front of the new GIN clubhouse.

Our 5 April walk along the old Versoix Canal was most pleasant and the sun eventually came out to add to our good cheer. Full marks go to Brian Allardyce for suggesting and organising it. Seven of us (Brian Allardyce, Alan Baker, John Burley, Ian Cappin, Mike Clayton, Mike Price and Tony Raeburn) walked the 4+ kms, with 6 continuing on (by car) to Commugny to partake of delicious pizzas etc. During lunch, we prepared some forward planning for spring and summer walks. Watch this space.

It had rained/snowed for 4 days without any respite. That did not stop 4 brave Walking Group members from tramping along the Morges lakefront on 12 December, observing local birdlife and absorbing Ian Cappin’s most interesting stories about some of the old and newer local properties facing Lac Leman. We may have influenced the weather, as the rain soon stopped. Thereafter, we repaired to the Morges Tennis Club Restaurant, were joined by 2 other group members and enjoyed an excellent plat du jour. Fortunately, we had pre-booked a table in this extremely popular location.

Several group members have already proposed a range of walks to be taken after this dreary winter has passed. Active group membership is open to anyone in GIN, so perhaps we may expect large groups to share in our basically “flat” walks and wide-ranging chats during the coming year.

Alan  Baker (Walking Group Coordinator).

Enjoy what promises to be a very wet the walk in Morges today. Sorry I can’t join but I’ve got a ‘free lunch’.  More realistically a lunch that I’ve already paid for through my taxes. Ainées Christmas lunch.