Day 33: Gryon

Day 33 Walk at Bretaye - Lac des Charvonnes

Lots of mist and heavy cloud so we delayed our start to walk to Barbalouse until after 9. The route along the road and near the little train track was steepish but with improving views as the mist and cloud lifted. 




There was a small market in the square. It was mostly local produce and preserves with a few craft stalls. The highlight was an elderly man playing a Swiss horn. 


Twenty mins later we got onto the little train for a short journey to Villars. We hadn’t realised we’d have to change trains. We crossed the road to the rack and pinion cogwheel train that took us up to the ski place Bretaye. 



There was an assortment of ski lifts, machinery and a large restaurant. The clouds were dense. Our plan was to walk to the lake - only when we got there it transpired there were four of them. Neil had carefully plotted our route on his app and discussed it with me and the kind alpine Angel (helper). Within 5 mins of walking we had veered off our route to walk round one of the four lakes. There were so many wild flowers . They are really beautiful. 





After completing the first circular lake we tried to rejoin the main path but must have gone wrong as soon we were climbing steeply uphill on an evermore slippery uneven path.with a tricky descent. 


After about 45 mins we rejoined the original path and saw the second lake which was full of weeds. It wasn’t far to the restaurant at the Lac des Charvonnes which was busy so we sat by the water and had a snack . 


The sun had come out. Neil showed me the route around this larger lake. So setting off we soon realised the lower path was flooded. A tricky higher level path with little land slips, entwined tree roots and mud was the option. At the far side of the lake we had to decide which path to take to head up and around the far side of the lake. One path was steeper and one a gentler incline but boggy in places. We opted for the boggy route which got wetter as we climbed and muddier too. Within no time we both had wet muddy shoes and socks! My toes started to rub on the wet socks and there was still the steepish climb to the road. I was not impressed! 







Once we reached the main path it was a mere 40 minute walk back to the train. Lake four; a small black lake was below us.


 Our return journey was uneventful apart from experiencing the lovely views now that all the cloud and mist had gone.



 We were surprised to find that we had walked over 7 miles as we’d planned a short walk today!!



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