Route: Val Trupchun in the Swiss National Park
Area: Eastern Swiss Alps
Date of walk: 17th September 2014
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 11.8 miles
Weather: Sunny intervals, cloudy much of the time
The last day of our wonderful walking holiday in Switzerland finally dawned and when we opened the curtains in our hotel room we could see that the mountains were covered in cloud. No matter as we had a low level walk up our sleeves. After a 5 minute stroll from the hotel we were waiting at the Surova Station and 40 minutes later we arrived in the unspoilt village of S-chanf, one of the gateways to the Swiss National Park – the oldest national park in the Alps
There is a bus from S-chanf to the park but we decided to walk there, and entered the valley wondering what wildlife sightings we might enjoy along the way. The park is left untouched by human hand as far as is possible – dogs and bikes are not allowed, nor is leaving the trail – nature is allowed to develop of its own accord without interference
We started out along Val Trupchun via the high level route and could soon hear the bellowing of red deer stags – the rutting season had just begun. Further along the valley we spotted several stags and numerous hinds, also a small herd of chamois, well seen through binoculars but too far away for a decent photograph
At the end of the valley, and after a close encounter with some marmots, we returned along the other side of the river back to the start. It had been yet another fantastic walk in this area thanks not only to the wildlife but also the awesome and humbling scenery. The photos can’t possibly do justice to it all but I’ve done my best….
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After the usual hearty (and delicious) breakfast, we leave the Hotel Albris
It’s a 3 minute stroll from our hotel to Surovas Station
On board the train to S-chanf
The reformist church in S-chanf
The unspoilt village seems to be deserted
Leaving S-chanf (there is a bus to the National Park about 1 mile away, but we preferred to walk there)
Our first wildlife encounter. Autumn crocus were growing in many of the pastures
We walked along the right hand side of the valley, and would return along the other side via a lower path
The far side of the valley
Looking back
The first of many red deer sightings, not close enough for a good photo
No such problems with the marmots - they popped up at close quarters
There were plenty of wildflowers still in bloom
The head of Val Trupchon
At the head of the valley, we cross over to walk back along the other side
A distant sighting of a red deer stag on the horizon
The path takes us over the bridge below so as to avoid an impassable rock outcrop
Looking back along Val Trupchon
The park entrance, where have a thirst quenching beer before catching the bus back into S-chanf
We have 40 minutes or so to wait for our train back to Pontresina, so decide to have another wander round the village (still almost deserted for some reason)
The last photo of today’s walk and the last walk of this wonderful short holiday
The next day we return to Zurich through beautiful countryside - we’ll be back next year
