Walks in the Valais – Switzerland - Europe

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July 2010

Route 11 (Ried to the Bietschhorn Hut)
Reader Mohamed Ellozy tells us that the crossing of the Nestbach (the torrent draining the Nestgletscher) mentioned on page 66 has now been made much safer by the provision of a bridge. Our thanks for this information.

Alterations to Route 85 (Arolla-Lac Bleu-La Gouille)

Please note, this route has changed substantially from that described in the 3rd edition (2003) of the guide, as follows:

Grade 3 (previously 2)
Beyond the Centre Alpin (page 230) the path enters woodland. On coming to a signed junction take the upper path (marked Chemin dificile) to Louché, Lac Bleu and La Gouille. Climbing steeply at times, at the upper tree level cross a stream below a group of alp huts, and shortly after wander across an open slope with a few more streams flowing through it.

You then come to the first of several slightly exposed sections where the path is protected by either fixed cables or chains, and continues across a very steep hillside on a switchback course. After negotiating an exposed section with a fine view of Satarma in the valley ahead, cross a high point then descend steeply (caution when wet) to cross two plank footbridges.

At the foot of the next steep descent the path forks. Take the upper branch to cross two more streams before twisting uphill among larches, finally topping a grass bluff to overlook Lac Bleu.

The rest of the route to La Gouille remains as described on page 231.