LLindaC

Susan, I spent the last 2 summers hiking in Switzerland. The Mannliche hike is definitely easy but in July will be very crowded with tourists, I hear. It was crowded early in June. Gimmelwald in June was deserted. I am now over 50 and though in good shape, have a few problems with my knee..probably due to many road races. I would not do Murren to Gimmelwald. We did the opposite and it was an excellent workout, but not too difficult. Going uphill is much easier on the joints than steep dowhnhills. Have fun! There are LOTS of great hikes in the BO.

bob_brown

Enzian: That view from the top of the Faulhorn is fantastic. Believe it or not, it was my first (no pun here) major hike in the Alps on my first trip in 1998. I still treasure it as one of the great hikes of my life.

When and if you get the top, give the Finsteraarhorn a salute for me. I doubt if I will get back up there. I know my wife's knees will not be able to make the trip.

I suppose I could try it solo. But I am not in that good shape anymore.

What was it Shakespeare said about age?I
I now think he was right.

enzian

bob_brown, Faulhorn (via the Panoramaweg) was also one of my "first" hikes in the Alps, in 2001.

I will definitely send your greetings to the Finsteraarhorn---assuming the weather cooperates and we get up there to see across the valley to the peaks opposite on the appointed day for this hike. Last time, we had lovely views from First, but by the time we arrived at the Faulhorn it was socked in and drippy. We went inside for lunch instead of tackling the Gipfel. So that's high on the priority list this time.

brookwood

I will be in Lauterbrunnen on August 20 if all goes well. No objectives this time other than a couple of drive arounds. Time I visited Chillon!

susan001

LLindaC:

Yes, I've read some of your posts about your trips; I especially enjoyed your comments about the Engadine; I will have to save Guarda for another trip.

Thanks for the advice regarding the downhill hike to Gimmelwald. I'm 56 now (the new 46!) but my knees are starting to bother me -- never thought that would happen, and that's one reason I didn't want to postpone this trip one more year.

Yes, I have feared that the trails would be crowded in July... and I will be doing one of these hikes on a Saturday!
But I suppose I'd rather have hikers out on the trails than have it deserted, as I will be walking solo.

Thanks to everyone for all advice!

Susan

LLindaC

Susan, go for it! People on the trails are very geneous about giving the right of way to other walkers. My husband and I still chuckle about our hike in Soglio....we were behind a group of people in their very late 60's to 90's, I swear!! i said, "Rick, these people are never going to make it a mile!" We were behind them and one said (in French) "let the babies, pass, please!" This was BEBES, not enfants. They were chuckling. Anyway, we were in Soglio, showered , had beers and appetizers and here they came 5 hours later!
Don't worry about hiking anywhere solo. We saw lots of women doing that and it's perfectly safe and acceptable. Have a GREAT trip!!!

susan001

Funny story! Thanks for the encouragement, Linda!