This article is sponsored by Inghams Walking.
Solo hiker Andy Wasley takes to Grindelwald’s Swiss alpine trails with six strangers on an Inghams Walking trip that would challenge the way he has chosen to experience mountainous landscapes – until now.
This was my first to Switzerland, a five-day trip to a country whose hills and mountains have appealed to me for as long as I have been hiking. My opportunity to visit came at short notice, and I turned to Inghams, an outdoor-focused tour operator, to help me plan my short getaway. I chose a tour based in Grindelwald, a village about 60km (37 miles) south-west of the Swiss capital Bern and an easy train journey from Geneva.
Main image: The Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps | Credit: Shutterstock
Grindelwald promises access to hundreds of kilometres of alpine trails to explore the region and its giant mountains; the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The village’s smart wooden chalets dot the foothills of the Eiger, Mättenberg, Faulhorn and Wetterhorn – the birthplace of the Golden Age of Alpinism in the mid-1800s, when British, Swiss and French mountaineers made a series of first ascents.
After settling into my accommodation at the impressive Hotel Belvedere, with its outstanding views of the Eiger’s severe and snow-dusted north face, I met my Inghams representative Liz Cakebread to plan my trip. Her love for Grindelwald was palpable. Liz ran me through a range of trips and walks suitable for hikers of any level of experience, each illuminated with local history and culture – Lauterbrunnen’s many waterfalls, Wengen’s close ties to British skiing history, the area’s appearances in films ranging from The Lord of the Rings to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Together, we sketched a plan: two days of hiking, one with a guided group and one self-guided; and a trip to the Top of Europe attraction at the Jungfraujoch, the 3,500m-high ridge connecting the Jungfrau to Mönch.
The Sphinx Observatory above the Jungfraujoch. Credit: Shutterstock
A solo hiker by habit, I found myself wondering what I might have missed by relying too heavily on my own knowledge and reading – how much broader my appreciation for the hills could be with a guide to take me deeper into their stories.
I also knew I would be in safe hands with Inghams. The company has been running adventure tours for almost a century, ever since Austrian-born founder Walter Ingham advertised and led a 14-day ski tour in the Austrian Tyrol in 1934. Inghams soon offered ski tours, walking holidays and winter mountain tours in Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland, all linked by Walter’s near-heroic commitment to his guests. (Reputedly he rested barely a day between fourteen-day tours – a work ethic seemingly shared by my rep, Liz, who was available day and night for advice and support.)
Today Inghams is part of Hotelplan, a Swiss travel group that brings together a number of experienced tour operators across Europe. The company’s long experience in adventure travel, and its links to businesses ranging from hotels to outdoor guiding and hire companies, made it an obvious choice for me and the other walkers I met on our Bussalp hike.
A Grindelwald panorama. Credit: Andy Wasley
After a few days with Inghams in Switzerland, I’m not done with group tours – and the company offer plenty of appealing opportunities for my next adventure. Inghams Walking works in seven countries across 80 resorts. Some of Europe’s best adventure hotspots are well-served, including Chamonix, Annecy and La Clusaz in France, Italy’s Florence, Verona, Garda and Portofino and – of course – Switzerland, with 13 resorts including Grindelwald. Other hiking bases include Slovenia’s Julian Alps, Andorra and Madeira – and Inghams’ birthplace, Austria.
Challenge accepted: 5 challenging group walks with Inghams
Inghams allows you to set the pace on your group walking holiday. So, if you’re seeking the chance to stride out further into the mountains, love a good leg workout, and have a good head for heights, we’ve rounded up five of their challenging guided walks across Europe. Expect more mountainous terrain, including steep ascents and descents that demand a solid fitness level and steady footing.
Katrin, Andy’s local Inghams guide. Credit: Andy Wasley
Discovering the Alpe di Siusi (Selva, Italian Dolomites)
This circular walk is a chance to explore the largest and highest Alpine pasture in Europe, the Seiser Alm where you’ll enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You’ll start in Ortisei and take the cable car up to the Alpe di Siusi. You’ll then walk in the direction of the hamlet of Kompatsch and a mountain hut where you can have a drink and some delicious local food (payable locally), before heading back to finish the walk.
- Distance: 14km
- Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 5-6 hours)
- Ascent: 590m
- Terrain: Rocky mountain paths
Krnica Valley (Krnica, Slovenia)
The Krnica Valley is located in the Triglav National Park and is surrounded by beautiful mountains. They valley is six kilometres long, starting at Lake Jasna running along the Pišnica stream towards the peak of the Razor Mountain and Vršič Mountain Pass. The walking route follows the valley through meadows and forests, with dramatic peaks all around. At the Krnica Mountain Hut you have a stop where you can buy lunch, and later there’s the option to extend the tour to the Mihov Dom Hut and Visoki Mavrinc, a mountain at 1,562 metres where there’s a summit cross and amazing views – it’s worth the extra distance.
- Distance: 16.6km
- Duration: 7 hours
- Ascent/descent: 811m
- Terrain: Mountain paths
Lac of the Chesery (Chamonix, France)
You’ll walk through the Aiguilette d’argentiere where you’ll see amazing views of the Chamonix Valley. Keep your eyes peeled for the mountain Ibex. Known locally as bouquetins, they’re known to roam these areas but if you spot one, be sure to keep your distance. When you reach the Lake of the Cheserys you’ll see wonderful Mont Blanc views and if you’re lucky and the lake is still, you’ll see the landscape reflected in the lake.
- Distance: approx. 10 kilometres
- Duration: approx. 7-8 hours
- Ascent: Approx. 950m
- Terrain: Mountain terrain with steep climbs and ladders
On the Tour du Mont Blanc. Credit: Shutterstock
Aiguilette des Posettes walk (Chamonix, France)
This walk spoils you with great scenery and fantastic views of the Chamonix Valley. First you’ll need to catch the bus to Le Tour where your walk will begin. You’ll climb your way through forests, until you’re above the tree line. The Aiguillette des Posettes is the last summit on the Tour du Mont Blanc so you’re surrounded by mountains with the Mont Blanc in the distance and the Chamonix valley below.
- Distance: approx. 9 kilometres
- Duration: approx. 6-7 hours
- Ascent: Approx. 850m
- Terrain: Mountain terrain with technical rock track
Maurerkogel summit hike from Schmittenhöhe (Zel am See, Austria)
Enjoy stunning 360-degree views on this panoramic summit hike from the top of the Schmittenhöhe cable car to the summit of the Maurerkogel. The descent is via the Rohertörl (1918m) to the Hochsonnbergalm traditional Alpine pastures where you’ll have a lunch break before the route continues past the Pinzgauer Hütte. The views are spectacular. To the north, the Kalkalpen range including Wilder Kaiser, the Steinernes Meer range and the Hochkönig. To the south, the Hohe Tauern range including glaciers of Grossglockner, the Kitzsteinhorn and the Grossvenediger.
- Distance: 11km
- Duration: approx. 5 hours
- Ascent: 630m
- Terrain: Uneven/steep mountain path or forest trail
Solo hike from Schwarzwaldalp. Credit: Andy Wasley
Skiing and snowboarding with Inghams
Walter Ingham set his company up with skiing in mind, and it’s still a core part of Inghams’ business. The company serves tours across 70 resorts in Andorra, Austria, Canada, France, Italy and Switzerland, including high-altitude resorts like Val d’Isére and many places well-suited for families and beginners. There’s a snow guarantee too, and specialist options for cross-country skiing, snowboarding and ski-in, ski-out holidays.
Lapland
I have a young son, and if he wants to meet Father Christmas somewhere more exciting than my local garden centre, I could take him on one of Inghams’ short winter trips to Finland. A Christmas break in one of the company’s four Arctic Circle resorts could bring views of the Northern Lights, a family-friendly husky excursion, snowshoeing and – of course – a meeting with Father Christmas to leave my boy with memories to treasure for years to come.
As I found during my Grindelwald trip, Inghams take care of flight and transfer bookings, and their in-country representatives can offer expert advice on self-guided adventures, attractions, food and drink to make every trip unique.
Visit inghams.co.uk for inspiration and read more about Andy’s alpine adventures in the September issue of The Great Outdoors.
