Route: Philosophers’ Trail
Area: Switzerland
Date of walk: 18th January 2019
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 4.6 miles
Ascent: 1,100 feet
Weather: Sunshine and blue skies
The Philosopher’s Trail is one of the classic winter walks in Switzerland. We’ve walked here on three occasions in the past (click here for an earlier winter visit four years ago), and were keen to return – it’s a spectacular route that it would be impossible to tire of
After catching the train from Guarda to Punt Muragl we walked over to the nearby base station of the funicular railway, which took us up to the starting point, the Romantik Hotel on Muottas Muragl, at a height of about 8,000 feet. There are huge panoramic views along the valley from here over Celerina and St Moritz and towards the beautiful lake of Silvaplauna
The trail is well prepared and waymarked, and at the outset there is a choice of routes: the blue sign indicates a short easy circuit, red is intermediate, and black is the longest option. We chose the latter, and headed up the ridge to the far point of the walk at 9,000 feet. Although this involves an ascent of 1,000 feet the path is so well graded that it’s hardly noticeable and it’s a very easy walk. It would be difficult to get lost, and even though we had a white out when we were last here, we had no difficulties on that occasion
The black route is in essence a figure of eight, enabling different views to be enjoyed on the return leg. There are well placed benches along the way, some with blankets, and it would be easy to spend a full day up here
We arrived back at the Romantik Hotel at lunchtime, and as we were enjoying a glass of beer and gazing at the views from the outside restaurant, a pair of golden eagles circled overhead – a perfect end to a perfect day
Click on the icon below for the route map
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
Street scenes in Guarda as we wait for the village bus which connects with the train to Punt Muragl
It's a short stroll from Punt Muragl to the base station of the funicular railway
Off we go
Swiss timing
We reach the top station on Muottas Muragl at 8,000 feet
The view along Upper Engadine lakeland including St. Moritz, the Piz Palü and the Piz Bernina ...
Off we go, passing by some luxury benches
'Il Guot', Romansch for 'the drop', created by Timo Lindner, and which marks the centenary of the funicular railway
Three graded trails start in the same place and diverge later on - we will follow the black run. It's just as easy as the others, except for its longer distance
Our route will take us to the base of the mountains ahead
We arrived early, and there's hardly anyone else around
Looking down to St Moritz
One of the benches along the themed trail, with a board quoting pearls of wisdom from various philosophers who came this way
Celerina and St Moritz
We turn right here and follow the black marker
More well placed benches
Looking back down to the base station of the funicular
Celerina and St Moritz again, backed by Piz Albana, Piz Julier and Piz Nair to name but three
The path is uphill all the way to the valley head, but it's easy going
Looking back...
We turn right here and will return via the path on the left
Progress was slow as we kept stopping to take in the amazing views - the pointed peak of Piz Ot at 11,000 feet is in the centre of the photo
Approaching the head of the valley, with Piz Vadret and Fuorcia Muragl ahead
End of the trail - needless to say there's a bench, but it was occupied, so we started the return journey and left the occupants in peace
We branch right here, having ascended via the path on the left
More wonderful mountain scenery along the way...
Piz Ot again
More benches with views
The base station below
The jagged outline of Piz Julier towards the left of the photo
The pointed peak of Piz Muragl to the right
More words of wisdom
Looking back along the trail
We descend towards the base station, with St Moritz ahead
A short detour to admire 'Ils Trais Piz', the three peaks - what a good idea
The third peak on display is Piz Bernina but the blinding sun prevented a photo
It's possible to toboggan back to the start, but I didn't want to damage my camera (that's my excuse anyway)
A thrilling finale as a pair of golden eagles soared overhead - they were some distance away and the images are heavily cropped
A golden end to a golden day
