Philosophers' Trail

Philosophers Trail

Eastern Swiss Alps

Route: The Philosophers’ Trail

Area: Eastern Swiss Alps

Date of walk: 20th January 2015

Walkers: Andrew and Gilly

Distance: 4.6 miles (plus 6 miles to the start and back)

Weather: sunny with cloudy spells, -2C

We walked from our hotel in Pontresina to the base station of the Muottas Muragl funicular and climbed on board the small train, which whisked us up the mountain side to the start of our walk – at a height of 8,000 feet above sea level. This was the third time we’d been up here (see my walks last June and September for the other two), and it was fantastic to be up here with thick snow all around

The Philosophers’ Trail is considered to be one of the most beautiful winter hiking trails in Switzerland and we set off full of anticipation of what was to come. The trail is well waymarked and maintained, and getting lost would be almost impossible

As we gained height along the trail, reaching an altitude of 9,000 feet, the weather improved and it turned into a glorious day – the views were incredible and it was like walking in heaven

On the way back to the start the clouds came in, and there was a complete white out – not an issue as the path was so easy to follow

We enjoyed a well earned gluhwein at the restaurant before catching the funicular back down to the start. There was more enjoyment to come as we walked back to our hotel through lovely countryside, reflecting on what had been a truly memorable day out in the mountains

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