Day 5

Grimentz (1572m) to St Luc, Hotel Weisshorn (2337m)

15k             Ascend 900m    Descend 100m 

We would be parted from our luggage for the next two nights so had to make sure we packed all essentials in our day bags before we set off.

We knew we had some steep climbing to do today but the beginning of the walk was a fairly gentle hour on a forest track to Mottec.  The day was beautiful with not a cloud in the sky so we didn't mind the shade from the trees.

The next stage was a serious 1000'+ ascent, still in the shade of the trees but it did feel an effort as the path wound up without respite but as efficiently as it could.  Emerging from the forest we climbed to the high pastures where we found ourselves surrounded by the most amazing view provided by high snow covered peaks against the blue sky.

Climbing from Grimentz

Masses of butterflies

All along this high route we were accompanied by butterflies and the clicking and rasping of a million grasshoppers.

We stopped at a disused farm building to rest and enjoy an apple and a biscuit.  There was a sign saying the Hotel Weisshorn was 1hr 40min away but out notes had warned us that it was actually 2hr 15min from this point.

We stop for a rest

Boulder field

We stop here for a quick rest

Before resuming our climb

The path was less steep from this point and cut into the hillside affording us terrific views down into the valley.  We crossed a couple of boulder fields and the path wound ever upwards.

We stopped for another rest by a fast running stream and then pressed on, eventually spotting the hotel in the distance.  We took the most direct route we could see and arrived exactly 2 hours after leaving the farm building.

We spot the hotel below

A strange sculpture on the path

The hotel looked interesting, totally alone in the high alp. There appeared to be an outside seating area over two levels, with comfortable arm chairs on the lower level.  Below that was a rock garden and a small vegetable patch.  The view was stupendous, Grimentz lies far below and the hotel is perched high on the side of the valley, looking across at a vast sweeping array of mountains.

We were soon sitting in these arm chairs, drinking half litres of ice cold beer and eating myrtle tart and chantilly cream in the sun.  Carole said this must be lost Shangri-la.


The hotel was built by the British in the 1800s and is a cross between a hotel and a hostel.  Our room was tiny with no facilities, not even a wash basin, but opposite was a shower block which was clean and modern and reminiscent of municipal swimming baths.

The view from our room

Our corridor

There was no WC on our floor.  A bit awkward for my 2am wander!

Enjoying the afternoon sun

After showering we returned outdoors for more beer and sat enjoying the warmth of the late afternoon sun.  It actually set while we were having dinner.  The dining room had windows all along the side of the room and the setting sun caused a flurry of activity as people took photographs.  Unfortunately my camera was safe in our room.

Dinner was good but a lengthy affair starting at 7.30pm and ending at 10pm by which time we were almost asleep in our pudding.  This was because everyone was served each course at exactly the same time.  Not a good system when there were so many guests.

To Day 6