Switzerland Cycle Tour, August 2011
Thursday 4th August 2011 Zurich to Freiburg
Manchester to Zurich on EasyJet flight 1865, departing at 10.50, arriving in Zurich at 13.45. Hire car Peugeot 147 from Zurich Airport. Rumlang, Niederglatt, Dielsdorf to BIG 540 Regensberg then Niederweningen, Dottingen, Koblenz, Waldshut, Waldkirch, St Blasien to Weissenbachsattel BIG 176 From there to Feldberg BIG 173 through Todtnau. Kebab and a beer in the pub there listening to how the Germans in the pub would send the panzer divisions to Libya to sort Gadaffi out if they had the chance! From Todtnau to Freiburg for BIG 170 the following morning. I got a bit lost and ended up at Umkirch off the autobahn. I spent the night in the car here by a lonely Aldi store. I had missed the turning somehow for Waldkirch but will pick it up again in the morning.
BIG 540 Regensberg. A sort ride up from Dielsdorf along a green country road, not a difficult climb. I could see Regensberg from Dielsdorf. It’s a 3km steady rise , a turn to the right and into the small picturesque town. It’s very impressive with its small castle and church and quaint streets. Coming down I was a bit confused as I couldn’t find the car! I left it lower down than I thought below the main road.
BIG 176 Weissenbachsattel. I left the car at Weg above Todtmoos for the few hairpins to the top. I fancied a drink when i reached the pub at the top but one look at the men u deterred me. At the time I didn’t realise that this was the going price in Euroland. I had plenty of water anyway, I’d filled my bottles at the airport. There’s an arch up here to the left of the road that gives indications of wildlife in the area and sights to see locally. I went down the other side for about a kilometre but the view is obscured by trees. Back up again and back to the car then came back up over the top.
BIG 173 Herzogehnhorn. It was a long drive up from Todtnau to Hebelhof and noticed the large youth hostel there on the left, a hive of activity. Just past this is where the climb starts for the radio mast and weather station at the top, the ski resort on the way up. I found Franz-Klarmeyer Weg and took a left here at the back of the nature park resort complex. Keeping to the left i cycled the narrow smooth path past and under the old tower and headed for the highest point at the weather station and the mast to the left of this. There’s a good viewpoint at the top with indication boards in the walled enclosure of the views that can be seen from here. I rode back down the same way and back to the car parked below the ski resort.
Friday 5th August 2011 Freiburg to Besanḉon
BIG 170 Kandel
From Freiburg south east to Kirchzarten then up to Stegen and Sankt Peter where I left the car just north at Ebnahof to cycle BIG 170 for 1½ hours through the woods and sheltered from the sun to the clearing at the top where I had scrambled egg and ham with a couple of coffees. I needed it after sleeping in the car! Good views at the top across the Black Forest. I turned back and enjoyed the sweep back down to car then to Glottertal, Gundelfingen and through Freiburg and Schliengen to Basel. I joined the autobahn here and passed through Basel quickly at midday. I was told at the border that I didn’t have to pay the 40 CHF to use the Swiss autobahn, all cyclist I was told were exempt! I was dressed of course in my cycle shorts and BIG vest! I passed through Basel in less than ½ an hour and on to the autobahn for Delemont. This soon petered out south of Aesch in the suburbs. At Delemont a stop at MacDonalds then on to Moutier and along to Welschenrohr and parked up for the climb up the Balmberg
BIG 538 Balmberg
A narrow road from opposite the town hall at the lowest part of the town leads through the village. At a left turn by a hedge there is an indication of a 28% climb and the sign pointing to the Balmberg. At first the climb isn’t too difficult however past the next farm and a turn to the right the rise becomes very steep through the woods in short steep hairpins and a narrow road. I was glad that no cars were on that road when I was attempting the climb. I admit to having to get off the bike and push it for the final section. At the top there is a clearing and a ‘Go Ape’ area for the energetic. There were plenty of cars parked up there. Families were enjoying the activities. I took photos at the top by the height marker and was hoping someone would come over so I could ask them to take a photo of me but it didn’t happen. Over the top I could see Solothurn on the south side. Twenty minutes later I was freewheeling back down again and back to the car parked at the end of the village.
I now had a long drive into France. My route took me through Moutier, Biel, Neuchâtel and Fleurier to Pontarlier. A great deal of rain, torrential in fact, between Fleurier and Pontalier but it went off before I reached there. It was quite pleasant cycling later in coolness after the rain shower and it was totally dry for my next climb.
BIG 233 le Grand Taureau
I had some difficulty trying to find the start of the Grand Taureau and asked in the town on 3 occasions. The climb begins just south of the junction of roads south of the town coming in from Lons and Besancon. I was told the way was to Larmont but this was only to a campsite. To the south of that was the start at Chemin du Larmont with a large red building belonging to the Dia supermarket chain to the right. Just along here on the left is a large car park where I left the car. Past a farm on the left the road gets steeper and up through good scenery on an open road with great views to the west. There are six hairpins along the poplar lined road, eventually one final turn to left to the old brick fort. Two round turrets at the entrance to the fort are crowned with a tri-colour fluttering in the breeze. From here it was still a distance on to the top of Grand Taureau and its grassy top with a round viewfinder. I was running short of time as I needed to get to Besancon before dark. I would come back here tomorrow.
The following day (Saturday) I came straight back to this point and on past the fort and tourism complex on the left in the throes of being built then to the end of the wider road at a drop barrier just past this. Cars were not allowed past this point. The way forward is narrow, a slight incline and passing many stacked hewn logs, the narrow road lined with log splinters . Passing this led to an old workman’s hut and to the right of that an indication for le Grand Taureau 250 metres. This is along a rocky path to the grassy summit where there is a summit marker and a circular viewfinder.
From Pontarlier driving to Mouthier Haute Pierre and a photo of the impressive castle on the way to Besançon. The blinding of the setting sun in my eyes as I reached the city. It was too late to find accommodation so drove up to the parking area by the side of Le Citadelle and parked for the night but first off I donned a thicker cycle top and track suit trousers and freewheeled down to the town to find somewhere to eat. A kebab cafe was enough for me and locked the bike up outside and had a kebab then a burger with a couple of French Pelforth beers then back up the hill to sleep in the car.
Saturday 6th August 2011 Besançon to St Cergue
Early on the day, 6.30, i rode down to the town again and back up to La Citadelle thinking this was my next BIG, and an easy one as it was in the town and I had parked the car at the top of it. How wrong I was. I soon found out after looking at the map again that La Citadelle is not the BIG but that it was
BIG236 Fort de Chaudanne
I drove down to the river and parked the car by a shop as it was all parking meters in the town and I didn’t know how long I would be. I asked in the Ibis hotel by the river which bridge was the Pont Charles de Gaulle and rode along to it then found the sign for Fort de Chaudanne, a right turn from the bridge then a short circuit around and a bridge over the same road then up through the woods for an easy 4kmpast a quarry working to the fort in a clearing to the left after leaving the houses behind. The fort had seen some action in the Second World War when the American Army took it from German troops that used it as a base. From here I could see La Citadelle across the ravine and the red cliffs. Back down to the bridge and the car all in less than an hour.
From Besançon to the town again and the road south took me under La Citadelle and I drove south on the road for Lons le Saunier passing through open country with great views from the high ground looking west over Foret de Chaux then took a left on D467 for Salines les Bains. I took another turning through the small town, to the left on to D492 and parked the car in a large car park to the left.
BIG232 Mont Poupet
Starting on D492 Route de Saizenay then a right turn by an isolated cafe and through woods on D273 to the top. The road continues on for St Thiebaud. There is a mast at the top and a view in the clearing. Back down the same way and to the car. I had a coffee at the solitary cafe on the way down
From Salines I drove east back to Pontarlier and recommenced my climb of the Grand Taureau, this time going past the fort as I had no time to continue on yesterday as I needed to reach Besançon before dark. From Pontarlier I headed south for Metabief and asked how to get to le Morond
BIG 234 le Morond
I parked at the ski resort car park on Place Xavier Authier and asked about the path up the mountain. I bought an ice cream from one of the shops and was told it was too steep for a road bike and would need a mountain bike with very low gearing as it was so steep. Of course I proved them wrong! It was a short steep path for about 5km rising above the valley and alongside the ski lift. It crosses it at two points where there is a downhill MBX track with plenty of riders taking the plunge. I reached the top of the mountain and also the top station of the ski lift and could see le Mont d’Or across from here and there were signs to it but decided against attempting to reach from here. I would go down again and drive along to Longevilles
BIG 235 le Mont d’Or
On a narrow road up from Longevilles I parked up and rode to the top through woods. There’s a path at the top from the gravel car park that leads to a sheer cliff edge with a fantastic view of the valley down below and looking across to Mont Morond and the shape of the top of the ski station there. The path continues to Mont Morond but isn’t cyclable so glad I didn’t attempt it. Back down to the car the same way.
From Longevilles I drove back through Metabief then headed south through Vallorbe, no customs check entering Switzerland again. I took a right in Vallorbe and the road on the north side of Lac de Joux to Le Chenil through lonely countryside resembling the Scottish Highlands and back into France again briefly to La Cure and slight confusion at the road turning then took left heading south over Col de la Givrine to St Cergue and Hotel Post. I wasn’t pleased with this hotel for more than one reason. It was a more a pub than a hotel and charged too much – 90 Swiss Francs. I couldn’t sleep in the bed – it had fleas! I abandoned it without paying in at 1.00 a.m. and slept in the car. That evening though I had a very good meal at Restaurant de Jura across the road, plenty of pasta. It made up for it.
Sunday 7th August 2011 St Cergue to Bellegarde
Left early at 07.00 after another night – or part of the night – in the car then drove down the Cote de Nyon in heavy rain and took a right at the foot of the pass for Gingins just as the rain stopped. I parked the car just north of the village.
BIG 526 La Barillette
In Gingins I parked on the narrow farm road, Route de la Dole. The whole area here at the foot of Cote de Nyon is really sleepy rural. After the rain only a short while before it was really quiet in the early morning. I started my ascent of La Barillette at 08.00 a.m. taking an hour and a half to reach the top. The route up is through dense woods which for me was reassuring just in case the rain started again – it didn’t. It’s a narrow up and no cars passed me all the way so it was very quiet ascent. There’s a one way system through the woods but I wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to get lost so came back down the pass the same way I went up – and that was on the wrong way down the one way system. At a kilometre from the top there is a left turn to La Dole and right to La Barillette, both indicated. At the top is the observatory and a viewpoint in the only clearing. I could see most of Lake Geneva down below and the fountain at Geneva was clearly visible.
From Gingins I drove to the border at la Rippe, no customs formalities then to Crassier and some confusion with the road route at Divonne les Bains so asked for direction to Gex. From there the climb begins up to Col de la Faucille but didn’t bike it. I had cycled the reverse direction many years previously. I had some breakfast at the top even though it was now about 12.00. It was raining at the top and the area was shrouded in low cloud. It was same all the way down through Lajoux. I stopped off at Lamoura where I noticed the Tour de France 2000 lettering by the side of the road so perched my bike by it for a photo and did a cheat to Haut Cret from here as it was only 3km and also slightly down! This wasn’t good enough and drove on down later to St Claude to start the climb of the pass from here.
BIG 237 Haut Cret
The weather down in St Claude was much better and during the course of the day the weather improved. I parked the car on the edge of the town and started a very interesting ascent up from St Hubert to gorges at Gorges du Flumen – gorgeous! Some great views off to the right into the gorges and the white cliffs. After Septmoncel it’s more open country to Lamora and an easy finish down to Haut Cret and photos of a disappointing road summit.
From there back down the same way and drive on to Oyannax and Nantua and Ceyzériat.
BIG 240 Signal du Cuiron
Car parked just off the main road at Ceyzériat near Routede la Gare, heading north east on Rue du Docteur Rollin then left along Rue du General Lechere, Rue du Relais and La Montagne to the top at a white observation tower and mast and a good view from the top. It’s not a long or difficult climb, approx 6km and back down the same way. The way is again through woods with a view of the tower on the final bend to the left.
Returned the same way and thought perhaps the best route to get the next climb from Hauteville Lompnes would be to continue on to Bourg-en-Bresse then take the main road south for Amberieu-
en-Bugey but driving through Bourg along the straight road i must have missed a left turn as I was on the main road for Lyon. I found the road for Lent then took a left heading east for la Vavrette on the road I needed. From there south to Tenay where the valley closes in then drove north east along more gorges at Gorges del’Albarine to Hauteville then left on a minor road for about a kilometre to Cormaranche-en-Bugey and parked up by a well and farmhouse. From here started the cycle climb.
BIG 241 Relais de Planachat
Just south of the village I found the Route de Planachat then two further left turns that led to the top through woods for about 4km. The top is crowned with a huge mast and just beyond are some seats with a plan and explanation of the surrounding area. There is a clearing at the top but the way up is through dense woods.
Returning to the car i took the shorter route north through Hauteville, Brenod (signposted) and St Martin-du-Frene to Lac de Nantua where I watched water skiing on the lake then headed east for the final climb of the day on the way to Bellegarde but I was running out of time to achieve the climb in daylight so looked for accommodation at St Germain but couldn’t find any until i reached Bellegarde. I came across the Touring Hotel on Avenue de la Gare – 40 euros with breakfast. This would do me fine and I needed some comfort for once – this was my first bed night since leaving home! There was a problem parking the car in front of the hotel but the hotel lady assured me that I needn’t pay the parking fee for parking in front of the railway station opposite. I found a really good restaurant in the town where I had a three course meal for 24 euros. The waitress was very pleasant! There was so much to eat I found it too much to finish the profiter rolls. I stumbled back to the hotel two blocks away feeling extremely stuffed. I slept very well that night!
Monday 8th August 2011 Bellegarde to Martigny
I had breakfast at the hotel and a lie in until 08.00! Out at 09.00 and drove to Tacon on the road to Nantua and took the lane for Montanges
BIG 239 Cirque des Avalanches
Parked up on the narrow road between Champfromier and Bordaz. From there for 2½km then took a right on to Rue du Cret then a right again at a farmhouse on to Rue du Diere at Communal village, ell, village – it’s just a few houses. From there along borderless short grass fields into woods to emerge at Cirque des Avalanches, white rocks where the cliff has eroded and collapsed. The way forward is only a track here as the rocks have covered the track in the past. Now the track consists of small stones where only walkers and those on MBX bikes can go. From here I doubled back, emerged from the woods on to a better road and back to Bordaz and the car.
I now had a lengthy car journey out of France, skirting the south of Geneva and across the whole southern shore of Lake Geneva to Montreaux. This drive took me about three hours and was the longest drive of the holiday. The route was through Bellegarde, Leaz, Valleiry, St Julien, Annemasse (where I stopped for MacDonalds!), Douvaine and a long traffic queue to join the Geneva to Thonon road, on through Thonon-les-Bains and Evian with its casino and posh hotels and on along the lake shore in stop-start traffic queues to St Gingolp and no border control. Over the marshes inland to Vouvry and crossing the Rhone over a blue girder bridge to Villeneuve and eventually sighting Chateau du Chillon and Montreaux at midday. From there inland to Caux where I parked the car.
BIG 543 Col de Jaman
I biked along Route de Caux, Rue des Monts through Les Echets then Route de Jaman, about 6km to the top where a restaurant marks the top. It’s not a difficult climb, the first part from Caux beding almost level as it skirts around the mountain through woods. On reaching a clearing the road rises but only severe for the last kilometre. There were plenty of walkers up there. The steepest part of the road is the series of hairpins up from Territet – Montreaux to Caux. There’s a great view of Lake Geneva from the top with Chateaux du Chillon prominent. At Caux on the way back down after emerging from the trees there’s also a good view of the lake.
Back in Montreaux i decided to head north for Gruyeres to knock off the next BIG south of Fribourg as it would be difficult to include this climb on any other day as it’s not in close proximity. I drove to Vevey and up the steep road to Châtel-St Denis, to Bulle, Gruyeres, and parked up on a lane by a milk churn cleaning place in a real rural setting at Cerniat.
BIG 542 Haut Chia
From Cerniat a distance of 9km to the top, easy at first until a monastery is reached. Once past this the road rises in a series of bednds marked off at the time with red and white tape along the road that could be seen from below. I thought at first this was for field seperations but this was the zig-zag of the road. There’s some houses and a small restaurant at Valsainte then a stepp section, through a short section of woods then the top marked with a restaurant with a proud display of Swiss flags – I helped myself to one – not before buying a Suchard hot chocolate drink though! At a farmgate and saw the road beginning to descend and also a footpath marker pointing back to Haut Chia, I knew the restaurant marked the top. Back down the same way to the car and apologised to the farmer who was trying to clean his milk churns with my hired car in the way!
From Haut Chia at approx 5.00pm I drove south through Gruyeres and Château-d’Oex and over Col des Mosses where I had cycled many years ago. From here down to Aigle and a really scenic road descent to the Rhone Valley. From here I met with heavy rain as far as St Maurice. It was now getting dark and I took the autobahn far the final stretch into Martigny. I looked for a place to stay for tonight. It was a bit pricy but this was only my second night accommodation. I stayed at Hotel Alpes & Rhône and to offset the price ate well at a kebab take-away down the main street. It was a good night’s sleep, I needed it.
Tuesday 9th August 2011 Martigny to Vex
No breakfast, I drove from Martigny through Martigny Bourg on the main road heading for the Grand St Bernard Pass as far as Sembrancher and took a left on the Verbier road a short way then left again under a railway bridge and parked the car on lay-by to the right just under the bridge. I was at the foot of the next climb.
BIG 574 Col des Planches
A series of hairpins with fantastic views along the road of the valley to the south. There are some steep sections but it’s a good road as far as Vens then a pot-holed road to the top of the pass from Vens. The upper hairpins are wider sweeps and from here an even better view of the area around to Mont Blanc in the distance. At the top is the pass nameboard. There are some small buildings up here but no welcoming cafe which would have been good as I had no breakfast! After a few photos I returned down the same way.
BIG 576 Barrage de Mauvoisin
I drove along to Versegeres and parked up then began the ascent to the first of many dams in the Valais. Many of these dams are the culminating points for the BIG’s. It’s fairly good road along the valley that steadily climbs into a more enclosed valley. There are some steep sections before reaching Fionnay but more gradual from there as the road follows the stream coming down from the Grand Combin. The way ahead at first sight of the dam looks impossible with the wall directly ahead and the final kilometres heading for the dam wall gives a feeling of being closed in and I was wondering how the road would twist to reach the top of the wall. There was a sharp sudden drop in the road in the last kilometre then an equally steep rise then a turn to the right up from the group of buildings and car park at the foot of the dam. The road ahead was too narrow for a car and there was nowhere to turn or park at the top where the road goes into short tunnel passing metal doors that can be shut to fully enclose the concrete wall should a disaster occur. A turn to the left in the tunnel passing some walkers in there and emerged passing another set of metal doors and entering on to the top of the dam with views across to the Grand Combin. There are a series of boards up there along the walkway that tell the history of the area, the building of the dam and the people involved. Along the sides of the reservoir are waterfalls that gush out away from the mountainside into the water. I got another cyclist to take photos of me at the tunnel entrance by a huge sculpture of the dam workers. Here is the wording ‘Aux Constructeurs de Mauvoisin 1951 – 1958 Surelevation du Barrage1989 – 1991’.I got walkers up there to take some more photos of me then back through the tunnel and sweeped back down the valley with some further stops to take photos of the upper valley and the dam in the background. From here back over old bridges spanning the gorge and back to the car
At Sembrachner I filled up with petrol from the Co-op garage and ate sandwiches then drove back through Martigny and along the Rhone valley on the dead straight flat road to Riddes then a left to Leytron where i parked up at the first hairpin of the next climb just beyond the village.
BIG 558 Ovrannaz
It was a very warm afternoon as I started the climb up the vineyards on the south facing slope of the mountainside. Below me and to the east I could see the twin towers of Sion on their small hills in the centre of the valley. A few wide hairpin sweeps through the sweet smelling vineyards and I came to the colourful ‘Ovrannaz la naturelle’ signboard surrounded by geraniums. The top is at Taurbillon 1418 metres towards Saille and Grand Muveron, this was the highest point I could see. There was no more climbing to do so turned back. I bought a drink from the Migros shop on the right then back down the way I came, great views east along the Valais on the descent.
From Leytron to Sion in the car then through the town and a right turn on a roundabout signposted for Val d’Hérens. I continued on up the hairpins to Vex where I bought food for later as I knew I’d be sleeping in the car tonight.
BIG 577 Thyon 2000
I parked up at the side of the road just beyond Vex and cycled up the road off this to the right, 14km from here to Thyon 2000, mainly through woods and plenty of hairpins. A sign indicated Thyon 2000 for walkers off to the right at a group of houses and lay by on the right so I asked the way. I was told to continue straight on as the road to the right becomes a track for walkers after a while. I think this road is Rue du Thyon anyway so it’s obvious. On the way up I passed other skiing areas Thyon 1800, Thyon 1900. At the top is a large complex almost deserted out of season. The only places open were a bar and a pizzeria which seems so out of place this high up. I could see this place would be a hive of activity in winter sports season though. I took a few photos in front of the buildings ‘Thyon 2000’ and put on jacket, trousers and gloves and freewheeled down to Thyon 1800. It was much cooler now and would be dark in an hour or so. At Thyon 1800 i was so cold I needed to stop for a warm drank and glad i spotted the bar at the entrance to the ski area. I was there an hour listening to a girl my age who was waiting on, she was telling me that she had lived many years at Corfe Castle, Dorset. Her father had been a wealthy English businessman and her mother Swiss. Both were now dead but she was telling me of all the fond memories she had of her father and still mourning his loss after many years. Back down to the car near Vex and kipped down for the night but at this height it was very cold in the early hours!
Wednesday 10th August 2011 Vex to St Luc (Chandolin)
A very early start from above Vex as i needed to get moving – so cold in the car overnight! I had to wipe the car screens inside and run the engine for a while – then dance about outside the car to get warm and remove pins and needles! I really needed some breakfast so was on the lookout for a cafe At 7.00am I arrived in Evolone and parked up. A short walk down the street and I found a good cafe where I could wash and shave then have a couple of strong coffees and croissants. The village is quaint with its wooden houses on the narrow street away from the main through route to Arolla. Another stop for another coffee and croissant elsewhere along the street and I was beginning to feel like a local! Out with the bike at 08.00 and began the 14km ascent to Arolla
BIG 579 Arolla
The climbing really begins at the right turn into the Arolla valley from les Hauderes. At Lac Bleu I really would have\ liked one of those Duvel beers seen on the hoarding there but I didn’t have an hour to spare, a few conquests were to be made today. There is a fairly flat section at Satarina but after la Monta the road made up for it by rearing up quite steeply into Arolla. The first sight is the large Hotel du Mont Collon with the Pigne d’Arolla as a backdrop. Through the small village and straight on where the road gives way to a white dusty track. A mound in the track stops cars from going further but OK for bikes. I continued on along the track into a valley, small bushes either side, and could see this would go on some distance towards the mountain but as it was more or less level I turned back and took a left that took me into the higher part of Arolla village and above the houses lay my bike on the grass and took photos and a video of a band playing nearby as I did a sweep of the mountains around on video. From there back down the mountain keeping up with a female in a flashy sports car! I got a smile and a nod down in the valley as she sped on, nothing more!
At Euseigne past Evolone I came across the impressive conical pyramids with their balancing stones as they appeared over the road and on the slopes down the valley. I’ve only seen these once before alongside Lac de Serre-Poncon near Gap, France. From here along the valley to Sion then across the valley to the north to Ayent and parked up for the next climb
BIG 560 Lac de Tseuzier
Plenty of tunnels along this road further up but fortunately it wasn’t a busy road. There’s plenty to see on the way up looking down the valley. Just below the reservoir is a great cafe where i had a meal with two other cyclists wanting to get across to Crans-Montana with mountain bikes. I found out later on when I was over there that a track existed but I’m sure it’s not possible with a road bike. I had a rosti meal at the cafe with a large beer then took in the view from the dam across the lake.there’s a large wooden crucifix overlooking the lake by the dam, on it a plaque to the builders of the wall. Back down the mountain to Ayent
A short drive from Ayent to the road up to Crans for the next climb.
BIG 561 Crans-Montana
It’s a busy road up to the resort but not so far up. After route de Corin I reached the lake on Route du Rawyl and could see there was more high ground beyond this. Just to the east of the lake is a road going up and i took this to reach the fields above the town on a path leading to Chetseron, Cry d’Er and Bella Lui. This marked the top as far as possible to take a road bike. From there back to the car the way I came – after some shopping in a supermarket, a great place for gifts to take home.
Down then to Sierre and to St Luc
BIG 581 Chandolin
I steep rise up several hairpins from picturesque Vissoie with the village huddled around the slender spire church. Parked the car here and rode up to Chandolin, it’s easy past St Luc. The village itself marks the top. It’s a small skiing resort. The top is a bit of a disappointment between shops. The most interesting point is the welcome board to the village opposite the car park! This is a wooden structure with a sloping roof over piles of logs and a plate announcing ‘Chandolin. Bienvenue a 2000 metres au-dessus de la mer’. I doubled back, past the large car park to the left, back down to Visinne then up with the car to St Luc and found accommodation for tonight. I needed it after the previous cold night in the car. I was in Hotel la Fougere for 85CHF with evening meal and breakfast. It was OK too! I had a smashing three course meal on the veranda at the back of the hotel with a wonderful view of the mountains in sunset. Sleep came easy that night.
Thursday 11th August 2011 St Luc to Staldenried,Visp
A bit of a lie in this morning. After a filling breakfast I was on the road again, heading south and all down mountain steeply to Mayoux where I parked up for the climb up to Glacier de Moiry. BIG 580
Glacier de Moiry
Some wonderful curves along lush grassy banks into geranium packed Grimentz. I called in at the Tourist Information Office for details. Just south of the pretty wooden chalet village is a large car park on the left where the wider road ends and a sudden steep section on a narrower road continues on for Lac Moiry. The road is wilder than lower down and also more wooded. A short way up there is some roadworks and a clearing being made around the back of the village. It could be that a road diversion is being built. Shortly a plateau was reached then the first view of the dam ahead. Through the upper valley then a sharp down to a bridge over the river below the dam then a sharp rise to the left, one last hairpin to the right then to the tunnel ahead. A short distance through this, a slight incline up in the tunnel and emerged at the car park to the lake. There are some lights in the tunnel and the road through is a fairly good surface. I was glad though that I didn’t meet any traffic in there. There’s room for cars to pass but I hate tunnels! At the other end I stopped briefly but would see this later when I returned from the glacier ahead. The road alongside the lake is very interesting, skirting the right hand side and only a slight rise for 3km along here to the glacier. Part way the road bends to the left following the lake then Glacier de Moiry comes into sight. There are a couple of huts to the left – one’s a toilet. Behind this is the walkers yellow sign with the white plate of the height marker at Glacier de Moiry underneath, 2349 metres. Just past this a small blue lake in front of the glacier, perfect for photos.
I perched my bike against a rock and got somebody to take a photo of me and also just along to the right where I placed my bike to a verge over the stream and got somebody else to take a photo. It was a brilliant day for the weather and so much to take in here. While I was there a helicopter was bringing in rocks on a net sling in over the mountains, back and to a few times, and lowering them down to waiting receivers at the end of the road. Quite a crowd gathered to watch. From here back to the dam, plenty of people sunbathing alongside the lake. I had a look at the cafe but didn’t buy anything. Back in Grimentz later I wheeled the bike through the narrow cobbled streets and took in the views of the watermill with moving figures, the vast array of geranium arrangements and wooden bridges. From here back down the hairpins to the car near St Jean.
Driving down to sierra and along the upper Valais valley to Steg and conscious of passing from French to German Switzerland as suddenly the road signs and hoardings changed completely. I parked the car just north of Gampel. I toyed with the idea of taking the bike on the train up to Goppenstein from Gampel but soon found out that the line only goes east-west along the valley. It would have been cheating anyway!
BIG 563 Fafleralp
The lower part of the climb up to Fafleralp is dangerous for cycling! There are many cars going through the series of tunnels in both directions from/to Goppenstein rail station for transportation on open wagons through the Lotschberg Tunnel to Kandersteg and the Bernese Oberland. There are some diversions away from the road tunnels. At Stausee it was a relief to get to more open country and enjoy a breather along the lake. I should have taken the Hohetervistastrasse from Gampel and along the Lonza valley, a mistake. It was a pleasant ride along the upper valley through Ferden and Kippel and I had the pleasure of another cyclist with me for the short distance but he wasn’t going all the way to the top. At Blatten I stopped for a while then on through Reid and a turn to the right, bend to the left passing people of all ages raking in the grass on the slopes – worth a photo. From there to the wooden gate where a lady was selling honey and also milk from Hebridean herd. I joked with the woman that perhaps the Angus cattle were happier here than in the cold Scottish Highlands. I went over the footbridge with the bike and walked to Gletscheralp 1771 metres, a short distance from the end of the road and car park at Fafleralp. I took a rest here on a seat over the wooden river bridge and ate my lunch – the remains of my breakfast in a doggy bag. I sat and took in the view and took some photos then had a sleep! I must have needed it! There is an interesting walk across the high Alpine meadow following the Lonza stream up to Aletsch Glacier. If we’re walking in Switzerland in the future this is a must! Back then down the pass and to the waiting car below.
I drove on from Gampel to Visp then took a right through the tunnel to Saastal and a left at Staldenried to Staas Grund. I bought a couple of beers and sandwiches for later from the Denner supermarket and parked the car.
BIG 582 Mattmarksee
Following the road i rode through Saas Almagel and the woods. About a kilometre from the end the road dips down and over a bridge over the stream then rises again abruptly then a sharp turn to the rightr and up to the dam along a steep straight road to the top at an acute angle to the dam. I followed a couple on their bikes and asked her partner to take a photo of me at the top against the restaurant on the west side with the Mattmark indication on the wall.
Unfortunately I didn’t get a photo of them (as pretty as she was!) Inside the restaurant building is an exhibition of the building of the dam. I noticed a road to the west along the lake but it soon petered out beyond an unlit tunnel. On the east side over the dam I put on extra clothing for the descent and it was also becoming dusk so cooler later. Also on the east side is a wide stony track and according to the Michelin map it continues to the other end of the reservoir, south. Belalp in the distance to the north resembled the Matterhorn so took a photo but of course on checking the map later I could see it was impossible to see the Matterhorn from here as the Rimpfischhorn was between. Photos of the Alalin Glacier to the west of the dam. From here back down the car along the meandering road north and waterfalls along the way. I slept in the car on the right hand side of the road in a wide grassy lay-by near Staldenried. I had learnt to recline the passenger seat to allow more room to stretch out, put on the overshoes and gloves and all clothing brought with me as I knew it would be cold on the mountainside at night. I moved the driver seat forward to move the bike behind it and reversed it the morning. It got dark very quickly and sleep came quickly after the days’ activity.
Friday 12th August 2011 Staldenried, Visp to Fusio, north of Locarno
I woke up cold at 06.00 but last night I put on all available clothing so wasn’t too bad. I took the bike out of the car and re-arranged the front seats and repacked. From the grassy lay-by I went in search of breakfast. Down in Visp at 06.30 there was nowhere open so drove on to Brig. I wasn’t going to waste time here. If I didn’t see anywhere from the main road I’d pass through – I didn’t. I took the signs for the Simplon Pass passing the well known four tower landmark of Stockalper Castle on the way up. The road passes through many tunnels and I had fond memories of my ride over here from Domodossola first in 1978 with two lads from Belfast whose accent was so difficult to follow it was almost easier to understand the Schweizerdeutsch. The last time I was up here a few years ago I cycled in the dark from Brig thinking I could find accommodation and didn’t so ended up sleeping between two logs high up in the pass. I had emptied my panniers and placing the bags over hands and feet, used the draw cords to keep warm. I was woken up in the middle of the night by animal noises and didn’t dare move at the risk of being eaten. The headlines would have looked good in the local papers of a gnarled skeleton being found at the side of the road. Today there were roadworks going on at the time but the drive only took an hour to reach the top and I washed, shaved etc at a metal toilet shelter nearly at the top. Once up there I had a couple of croissants and coffee from Restaurant Monte-Leone. A few photos taken at the top in the morning sun. It was still quite early so plenty of time – drove through Domodossola to Villadossola and parked up at Seppiana.
BIG 730 Alpe Cheggio
Unloaded the bike for the eighteen kilometres from Seppiana to Alpe Cheggio. It was a wonderful ride on a gradual climb through grassy alpine slopes along hairpins after the valley ends at Schieranco. The road from that point becomes narrower. After Antronapiana its much wilder and some potholes along the way – not a road to be biked in the dark. Most of the climbing is in the last few kilometres to the lake, after Rovesca. The village of Cheggio nestling at the end of the upper valley a short distance from further up to the reservoir is quaint as its wooden houses are crammed together along the road. There’s a small café there but I didn’t bother. I continued on to the horizontal ribbed dam wall holding Lago Alpe Del Cavali.
The water was green with the reflection of the green slope of the mountain to the west dropping sheer to the lake. On the east side the mountain dropping to the lake is rocky. Between the two is the dam and the road approaches it to the right side but it’s possible to ride across the walkway of the dam. The top of the pass is a short distance from the lake itself. Back down the same way to the car
Back to Domodossola then north to Crevo and branched off for Valle Antigorio, signposted for Crodo. I filled up with petrol and parked the car at Cadarese in a small grassy area to the left of the road.
BIG 732 Cascata del Toce (La Frua)
From Cadarese, over a river bridge and into the narrower valley, Val Formazza. I stopped for a while at Formazza, had an ice cream and called in at the Tourist Information Office to the right of the road. I carried the bike up the steps into the building because I left my lock in the car. I got a brochure of Cascata del Toce (La Frua)and was looking forward to seeing it as this was my first picture of it. After this the way ahead leaves the wider valley and begins to climb gradually in stages. Past a hydro-electric plant and through a wooded area and on the left the river descends in small torrents. Following that I caught sight of the waterfall for the first time but it was along way up to reach the top. I could see a lot of people up there and the hotel to the right of it. The way up is through avalanche shelters. Before the first one, and a sudden rise up in the shelter, is a walkers path that goes up the right hand side of the waterfall from this point. Just across the road is a small car park to save drivers going up through the steeper avalanche shelters. At the end of the first shelter there’s a close view of the waterfall . The next shelters go away from it as the road negotiates the climb but finally the last shelter ends and the road emerges near the top with the hotel ahead. I could feel the spray from the road. I saw\a bunch of excited Italian cyclists leaning over with capes on – I could tell they were Italians because they were waving their arms excitedly. I passed them as they were about to take a photo and I cycled between. I looked at the camera and grinned – it got a laugh. I didn’t stop but carried on. I wanted to see if I could reach the Nufenen road – a tall order but I cycled the road up as far as it would go. I asked at the restaurant further along where I stopped for a meal later, Restaurant Le Alpi. I was told it may be possible with a mountain bike but certainly not a road bike as the track was steep and a large stony surface. I turned back after some distance because it was obvious I wasn’t going to be able to link up. Back at Le Alpi I had pasta, a salad and a beer as I had the thought in my mind again that I wouldn’t be staying in a hotel tonight or near a town to eat. I took some photos back at the waterfall and marvelled at the short wooden walkway spanning the gush of the waterfall – interesting looking down and glad I don’t suffer from vertigo. The noise and sheer force of the waterfall was quite something. Back down from here after calling in at the main hotel. It didn’t take long to get back to the valley and an easy ride from there back to the car. Formazza was a hive of activity before but now all the tourist shops were closed the place was deserted.
I drove from here back down the valley a about 13.00, great views along the way. I bought a tablecloth and a shower curtain from a bric-a-brac market at one of the villages. I thought they were good, and a real bargain, but Ruth wasn’t so keen when I got them home! On to the autostrada to avoid Domodossola then took the Centovalli road for Locarno. At Santa Maria Magre at approx 15.00 I came across the far too huge basilica for the size of the village and stopped to take some photos, leaving the car parked just ahead of the town because of car parking fees.
I saw two litre bottles of wine for sale for 3.00 euros and enquired bought then thought better of it. How would I get it home? Along the way there were glimpses of the Centovalli railway and twice met with trains at level crossings – photos of course. I could see that the train trip would be interesting. The road was very narrow in places along the edge of cliffs in the valley. At one point I had to back up and also those behind me to let oncoming traffic through, it wasn’t easy. Ruth would have hated it! Eventually I reached the edge of Locarno at Tegna and took a left up another valley heading north again for the next climb. I drove along to Bignasco just before the start of hairpins and parked up.
BIG 586 Lago di Naret
I set off at about 16.00 from just north of Bignasco. A gradual uphill until I reached Sornico then the hairpins start in quick succession but in the upper valley there is a respite until Fusio is reached. I took some photos of the old wooden buildings in Mogno From here it took me 2 hours to reach the top – that was approx 20.00 after a stop in Fusio asking about accommodation for later. Up to Lago Sambuco and along here, reminds me of Lake Vyrnwy in Wales. There is a dam at the south end and cycling along the east side I was through woods with an occasional waterfall falling from the mountainside. Between Lago Sambuco and Campo di Sotto there is a steep section then a plateau following the stream to the foot of 8 hairpins at Alpe Campo la Torba. From the lake I counted eleven hairpins to Lago Scuro. Some of these are quite steep. At first I thought Lago Scuro with its rocky edges was my target of Lago di Naret and took plenty of photos with the snow at the side of the lake. Soon after I saw the road continued on upward so carried on past two more small lakes to Lago di Naret, a final climb up to the dam after crossing a small bridge in a dip, the small lake just before the dam. At Lago Scuro and at Lago di Naret people were camping out. It’s the cheapest accommodation and I can understand the reason. It’s very wild and rocky at the top of the pass. The sun was going down behind the mountains while I was up there and it wasn’t long before I needed to put on extra clothing. There is a footpath from here over to the Nufenen Pass west of Airolo over the Passo di Naret but it’s not possible to take a road bike over there – or at least from the start of it, I presume. From there back down the same way, much cooler conditions and reached Fusio just as it was getting dark. I decided against the accommodation – it was 21.30 now so decided to make for the car and sleep. I reached there at 22.30 and re-arranged the seats, reclining the passenger seat and putting on as much clothing as possible at this high altitude.
Saturday 13th August 2011 Fusio to Thusis
I was up early enough, it’s usually early when I sleep in the car – not the most comfortable way to sleep and once awake it’s best to get going. A shave and wash from water in the bike bottle and away from Brontallo at 07.00 after breakfast in a café, heading for my next conquest. It was a bright morning and I headed straight for Locarno. I lost time here though because I couldn’t find my way through the town even though I was on the western edge. I took a wrong road and found myself in Ascona so turned back. I asked directions for Bellinzona and was told to take an underpass, through a tunnel then on to the Bellinzona road. Some time later I found the turning to the right for Lugano and took another right after crossing the river, now I was on the south side of Lake Maggiore where I wanted to be and continued to Vira, arriving at 09.00. From here I was at the foot of my first climb for the day.
BIG 589 Alpe di Neggia
The climb begins in Vira, the start of the road passing under a bridge then steep, continuous hairpins, first through a built up area at Fosano then through wooded hillside and so thankful because the day was getting hot already, the heat rising from the lake below. I had a beer at Ritrovo di Neggia at the top of the pass, very refreshing Braugold – needed it after a hot ascent! The way up gave great view looking down across the lake to Locarno and Ascona and the dam just north of Contra. It’s a narrow road but for me not much traffic on the road that day. I chatted with a cyclist from Zurich at the top. He was around the area for a few days then back home. I’d like to be Swiss! I sat up there for a while at the wooden benches taking in the view then back down in half an hour through the coolness of the trees. It took me two hours to get up there. At midday I was back in Locarno and headed for Bellinzona. It took a while because I was stuck in a traffic queue. At 13.00 I was in Olivone near the Lukmanier Pass and tried to make up some time on the autobahn as far as Biasca then slow progress again as there was a large cycle contingency – not a race – making their way up to the Lukmanier Pass. They were spread out over a few miles so it was hard to get past them at times. I was relieved to leave them at Olivone and took the road north for the second climb of the day, parking just north of the village.
BIG 588 Lago Luzzone.
On leaving Olivone at about 13.30, along for a short way passing under an avalanche shelter with cows on the top – so that’s how they get their mince beef. Soon there was a turn to the right signposted for Lago Luzzone, past Campo Bienio to the left then a right turn in Aquilesco and ten easy continuous hairpins over grassy hill slopes to the dam at the top. There’s a short tunnel, three ways here though. The left tunnel is a road that continues on to Cozzera and Val Camadra. The right hand tunnel soon emerges at the restaurant above the dam and the centre tunnel is for the road alongside the lake to the left to a car park then a narrower service road. I went up the service road a short distance to take photos looking along the lake. Back down to the lake and the restaurant at 15.00 and wheeled my bike through the café corridor rather than bike through the two tunnels. I perched the bike outside, decided against sitting outside with a noisy German group and went inside for a large beer. This set me back six euros, but it tasted so good. Took a photo of a climber scaling the wall of the dam. From here back down to the car.
I now had a long drive back down to Biasca and Bellinzona and took to the autobahn over the San Bernardino Pass. There had been an accident at the top, a car pile up. I’d heard about it on the local radio this morning. It wasn’t a pretty sight. The road was now open again but as always in these situations, people have to drive slowly to have a good look at other peoples’ misfortunes. A sense of the macabre. I stopped for a cervalet from the only autobahn stop up here, a wayside car park , toilets and hot food kiosk. This would do me until later on at the end of the day. I kept a look out for my turn off at Rofla Schlucht, took it and parked the car along the well wooded valley at Ausserferrara.
BIG 598 Juf
It was now about 16.30 and I was up for an evening ride. It was still a pleasant warm day and it stayed this way. I now had about 15 miles (21 kms) to reach the end of the valley and my last climb of the day. The climb was approx 700 metres so not too difficult, nice to finish the day with a relatively easy challenge. Passing through Avers Campsut there is the first real rise in the road. It was a steady climb through open country to Avers. The whole area is very agricultural. Avers is the main village along here with a small hotel, the white building dominating the high ground from a few miles before reaching it. After Avers it’s a string of small villages all with the prefix Avers, Avers Juf being the last one at the end of the valley. On entering the village I chatted with a motorcyclist who had perched his bike on the stand there and was admiring the view. I asked him to take my photo – macht mein foto, bitte. He obliged. He was also from Zurich and biking around for a few days. He told me that avers Juf is the most remote village in Switzerland that is occupied the whole year round. Some other villages, though less remote, are deserted in the winter and people go to live lower in the valleys or into a nearer town. Avers Juf remains liveable because of its working farms. At the end of the road there is an abrupt ‘U’turn to the right and finishes at the village’s pub and ferienwohnungen. I had a drink here, a large Calanda Brau, and chatted with a local at another outside table. I got him to take my photo also! There was a private function going on in the pub, a band was playing. I saw a bit of it but couldn’t stay and be a gatecrasher. There is a track that continues from here over the Septimer Pass to Maloja, but not for a road bike. On the way back at about 18.30 I stopped at Juppa to take a photo of a huge marmot – a wooden one! The sun was going down by the time I arrived back at the car.
I drove north for about 12 km to Thusis, stopped at the Migros store for food and drink then went in search of a hotel – only my fourth bed night so I could afford some luxury tonight. I stopped at Hotel Weiss Kreuz (White Cross) for 75 CHF, bed and breakfast and ‘free’ use of the sauna and steam room – so I did. After the day’s activity this was very relaxing. I stayed an hour more, using the cold shower between and relaxing on the sun loungers with a wonderful mountain view painted on the ceiling! Later I needed to eat. The hotel was too expensive so at 22.00 I wandered down the main street and bought beer and cakes from Café Gyger – no other food available late in the day. Then back to the hotel and a good night’s sleep in a warm bed.
Sunday 14th August 2011 Thusis to Faulensee, Spiez
I had a lie in this morning, not leaving until 10.00 after a really good filling breakfast and fruit, cakes etc in a doggy bag for later. The girl who was on reception arrived just as I was biking out, she recognised me. I had arranged to leave the car at the hotel covered car park at the back of the hotel and biked off to my first climb of the day as Thusis was at the foot of the climb.
BIG 591 Glas Pass
Left out of the hotel and first right and I was cycling up through the older part of the town along Canovastrasse then Heinzenbergstrasse and slightly down to join a wider road, took a left then up to Masein, shop on the left and school on the right. Most of the way up is through pleasant green countryside with wide views across the valley looking east and across the river to the Scherenkopf . It took two hours to reach the top of the Glas Pass passing through farming villages of Urmein and Tschappina. There’s a ski lift from the last village on the road, Ober-Tschappina, to Obergmeind and another one continues to the top of Luschgrat mountain that dominates the area. It was a very clear day and all these landmarks were clearly visible. After Ober-Tschappina the road enters woods and becomes steeper, especially nearer the top of the pass. At the top the road emerges into open country once more. I met another cyclist up there and asked him to take my photo. He suggested I also continue further along the road to Inner Glas as it was worth seeing, so I continued further and could see that there is a road going down the other side, probably to Safien as I saw this indicated on the yellow sign board at the top of the pass. I turned back for Thusis and loaded the bike back into the car at 13.00.
I was now in for a long drive to reach the next climbs and to get within a comfortable distance from Zurich. My route was over some of the highest passes, something I’ve never done and my heart was in my mouth part of the way. I drove north to Tamins on a pleasant quiet road then took a left under the railway for Flims that was by-passed through a tunnel. From there to Disentis and up the Oberalp Pass. I stopped twice along here to take photos of the Matterhorn-Gotthard Bahn as it wound its sinuous way over impossible twists around the road. When I reached the top of the pass I parked and had a look around. It was raining and cold and was glad not to be biking here. More photos of trains at the top then down the other side into Andermatt. I filled up with petrol in the centre of the small town. People had their heads down battling against the rain. It became worse later though as I drove up to the Furka Pass. I stopped at the top – the drive up was really hair-raising as there are plenty of difficult turns on a fairly narrow road where it’s just possible for on-coming cars to pass. I followed a cyclist down the other side to Grimsel. He was going hell-for-leather down the mountain and it was pointless and dangerous to overtake and I wasn’t the only one. Other motorists were content to let him lead the way down. Only in Grimsel when he stopped at a café did I pass him. I noticed a steam train that was on its way slowly up the Furka Pass heading for Andermatt. On this side of the pass the weather was dry – just as well for that fast cyclist. I took the Grimsel Pass road heading for Innertkirchen. I had a short stop at the top. The old A.C.S. height marker was loose and propped up on the wall of the Grimselblick Hotel. These dual metre / feet markers seem to be a rare sight now as many of them are replaced by more modern height markers. From the top I headed north past the reservoir and its island hydro electric building – appears on old Swiss stamps. I passed through Haslital slowly as I was in a queue of traffic. There are picnic spots along the way and many people were looking for the best spots, slowing the traffic.
My original plan was drive along to Speiz for the furthest out remaining climb to Griesalp but it was too late in the day after his long drive, and besides I’d be too tired to do it and wouldn’t arrive until early evening. In order to achieve my ambition though I had to climb one more pass at least, today. It would mean leaving four to finish with tomorrow but hopefully that could be achieved. I took a right at Innertkirchen then a left turn on the lower part of the Susten Pass – this was my first ever Swiss pass cycled back in 1976. Through Wiler there is the turn for Engstlenalp. I took that and parked the car carefully near the start of theroad.
BIG 552 Engstlenalp
The weather was dry but after the rain earlier it was low cloud. The first part of the climb is through woods along a narrow lane and a top reached at Oberboden where there is a café and a road barrier. It costs motorists to drive the toll road. This was good news for me as that would limit the amount of traffic. I followed an interesting valley, the Gental. Most of the way it’s easy going. It’s very much a farming area. At one point, at the first serious bit of road climb, my way was blocked by a herd of inquisitive brown cows that were eying me up from the centre of the road. Surely they’ve seen cyclists before – ah but not many English coming up this way! A bit further on a farmers wife was busy milking them on the field and I was amazed – the milk was going straight in churns. I remembered though that this is one of the privileges the Swiss enjoy with not being part of the burocratic EC – full unpasturised milk is sold in the shops. There are some waterfalls along the way and at the\ end of the road is a large car park and the Hotel Engstlenalp to the left. I continued on past the end of the road and to the lake Engstlensee to the point on a footbridge over a stream where it wasn’t possible to take a road bike further. A family walking at that point suggested I continue to the lake and perhaps I’d like to swim? Not for me – too cold for that today. Wild flowers in abundance are dotted around the lakeside and was worth a stop for a while. Shortly back to the hotel and the summit marker on the yellow signboard, I got a passing girl to take a photo of me. From there back down the pass and to the car. It was evening now and I planned to reach Spiez.
It started raining again when I reached Brienzersee and I counted myself fortunate thsat I didn’t meet this on my last climb. I had a stop in Interlaken and parked off the main street for about half an hour just as it was getting dark. I was in somebody’s private car-parking space but everywhere else was metered and I didn’t know how to operate the meters – well that’s my excuse. I bought food and drink and postcards to send to Ruth, Hans and Uncle Ken (better had!). I wrote these at the hotel later on. I parked the car again in front of Interlaken Ost station and had a quick look round now the rain had eased. Shortly, back in the car again, the rain started again with a vengeance. This time it was torrential! I drove to Faulensee just before Spiez. It was now 7.00pm and I needed somewhere to stay. The first hotel I tried was far too expensive then found a hotel on the lakeside at 19.30 but it wasn’t cheap – 80 CHF but it was cold and wet so couldn’t sleep in the car. At about 8.30pm I strolled along the lake side a short distance to a restaurant recommended for its fish dishes by the lady at my hotel, the Restaurant Hecht where I ate a large pasta at the exorbitant price of 30 CHF. I didn’t want fish and noticed a pasta as a starter for 20 CHF but I needed more. When I asked the waitress she seemed to think she was offering me a bargain and didn’t want others to realise it so whispered to me about the great favour they were doing! It was one off, a good filling pasta and plenty of it but I won’t be coming again!
Monday 15th August 2011 Faulensee, Spiez to Wetzikon, east of Zurich
BIG 562 Gorneren
After posting postcards by the lake I drove out of Spiez and left the car at Reichenbach. It was a very damp morning, rain was in air but I hoped to get up there before the weather turned nasty. A right turn then on a bit steeper now to Kiental. I stopped a while here and had some breakfast at a café, parked my bike next to the post bus. The driver was having his breakfast here. From Kiental the road narrows and I go down a short distance across a grassy area where the road is wired off on both sides. I was now in Gornerenwasser, a floodplain on a private road that led to the hotel at the top of the ravine. I passed an eerie area, a lake on the right that was also swamp land. The clouds were low making the area look very dreamy in the morning light and waterfalls were dropping from the cliffs but seemed to be dropping from the thick cloud. It was the land of trolls that day!
There was no sun, it was too heavy for sunlight to get through. It didn’t rain until I started the descent later but as I started the steep climb into the ravine on Faulbrunni after the lake I felt that it could happen any moment. It’s a steep 28% road for 2 kilometres and a few sharp steep hairpins through the ravine with the torrent alongside the road all the way up. In this weather it was like thunder. It didn’t help when the post bus passed me on the way up and needed all the road on the tight turns so had to get off when its klaxon sounded with the usual warning tone. I stopped at the hotel at the top for a coffee, my most expensive ever at 6.00€. I continued a short way past the walkers signpost following the hotel. I chatted with a girl working in the garden there and asked how long the road continued. She told me I could continue on a track only from just around the corner, this would take me about 3km to a steep drop and the end of the track at a farm called Uf de Huble. I didn’t bother but turned round and back down the ravine with brakes on. It started raining but went off when I reached Kiental. From there back down the wider toad to the car at approx 11.00
I drove back to Spiez and along Thunersee and the autobahn alongside Brienzersee to reach the end of the lake and my next climb.
BIG 564 Axalp
I started the climb at midday still in cloudy conditions but the weather improved as I biked up. I left the car under a bridge, a minor road going to Brienz under the autobahn. From here the climb begins. I passed a couple of walkers who I soon found out were English. They were going to Giessbach waterfall part way up. The road is consistently steep art about 10% so once in the lower gear I was fine all the way up. Most of the road is tree covered but there are plenty of views down to Brienzersee and Thunersee and by the time I got back down the sun was out. I continued further up past the village and to the end of the road to where it becomes a track 2km further on at Staldenspicher in a wooded area. Back in Axalp I stopped to take photos in front of Kiosk Axalp Lebensmittel, an old wooden shop complete with a huge thermometer by the door that today only read a low point. It was closed at the 2 hour lunchtime but here I could buy Raclette kase von der Alp, Axalp kase, Ziegen kase, Rugenbrau, Munchenerkindl and Braugold – if only it was open… Back down to the car
I drove north over the BrunigPass – memories of my climb up here in 1976 and also of friends in Reuti, Hasliberg. A pity they moved to Ostermundigen near Bern. Through Giswil and past Sarnersee and took a right turn for Kerns and parked up at Zuben village for my penultimate climb of the holiday.
BIG 551 Melchsee-Frutt
From Zuben a gradual rise through Melchtal to Stockalp. At Melchtal is a Benedictine monastery, the Convent of St Niklaus Von Flüe, named after a hermit called Brother Klaus. Not sure if it’s an outward bound or army barracks at Stockalp, didn’t stop to find out but don’t remember seeing any army vehicles or Swiss army knives. The climb really begins at Stockalp, about 10 hairpins to the top from the cablecar station. Through the woods then at Balm into open country with good views down. Some mountain hut and much singing going on at Aastafel then to a car park area below Melchsee Frutt, parking meters. From there the small skiing centre is above the road and I arrive at the winter sports area, a bit lifeless out of season. I go down to the lake and take some photos of the chapel on the lakeside, the building cranr with the boarding on the crosspiece, Melchsee Frutt, the mountains around the lake in low cloud and the Sportbahnen area on the road through the ski resort to the highest point. In front of this is ‘Planetenwelt’ – Planet World. I stopped to have a read. I stopped for a while along the lake then made for the only shop I could find up there and celebrated with a couple of Feldschlossen beers and a packet of peanuts. Feeling a bit merrier I descended the pass and back to the car. The weather was beginning to cloud over again on my descent.
From Zuben, through Kerns, Sarnen and past Pilatus and caught sight of the train up to the top of the mountain. I’d seen this area in the past so content now to just pass through as I was now running short of time and needed to get to my last climb before the end of the day and hopefully complete it in daylight. I by-passed Lucerne on the autobahn. I‘ve been here often enough in the past. Along to Zug on the autobahn then some confusion and time lost searching for the road for Menzingen and Hutten to Pfaffikon. I eventually found it, a left turn at Schonnbrunn on a minor road then glorious scenery over Zurichsee with the bridge over to Rapperswill in sight below. It took a while to reach there. I thought this would be a quick trip. I was running short of time and had only 2 hours of daylight left. I really wanted to reach my next climb as this would enable me to complete my Swiss BIG’s and achieve the first competed country of climbs outside of the UK. I finally reached Pfaffikon and drove over the causeway and took a right for Winterthur and soon saw the sign for Wald a few kilometres in from the lake. I parked the car for the climb, not much time to spare now.
BIG 541 Bachtal
From Wald I took the Hinwil road and took the second right on Unterbach and up a surprisingly steep road on Bachtelstrasse up to the mast that marks the top of Bachtal. Most of the way up is through woods. The climb may be a lot lower than the Alpine climbs to the south and I must admit I really did expect a climb similar to my first climb of the tour at Regensberg near the airport – but this one winded me. It was probably because my time was limited before dark and that I’d climbed three already today and from Melchsee-Frutt I had a long drive. It’s a 20% climb along here, fortunately not for too long. There are resemblances to Mow Cop for climb and distance. It was almost dark so took no photos.
At Om at the foot of Bachtalstrasse I celebrated my Swiss conquests with a beer at the pub there then made my way carefully down to Hinwil to look for accommodation. I found a gasthof but it was full so continued on to Wetzikon. Here I found Hotel Schweizerhof next to Wetzikon rail station, a bit steep at 90.00 CHF but it was only my 6th night’s hotel accommodation so my car rental was well paid for from six other missed nights accommodation when I slept in the car! That evening I had a doner kebab and a beer from a station take- away next door then had a wander around Wetzikon – nothing to see. Enjoyed my final bed night and totally satisfied with my achievement of completing my first complete country of BIG’s outside of the UK. It was fitting because back in 1976 Switzerland was my first continental bike tour in Europe except for a short dip of my foot across the English Channel between Ostend and Calais. What a personal great achievement as Switzerland is the most mountainous country in Europe. Now I can dream contentedly!
Tuesday 16th August 2011 Wetzikon to Zurich Airport and home
I packed my bike back into the padded zip bike bag in the sun. It was hot work! I had some breakfast after this from the Denner supermarket across the road, a milk drink and croissants. From there a short walk then drove to the airport through Uster then on to the autobahn from Dietlikon to Kloten where I filled up with petrol for the regulatory filling of the tank before handover back to Europcar. I had some trouble at the airport trying to find the correct multi-story car park and ended up paying 3.00 CHF to get out of one block and into the correct one. I asked at the office just across the way but that would have cost me 30.00 CHF to have someone drive the car into the correct parking area! I decided against that! When I deposited the car the Europcar agent noticed one of the front grills missing. I never did notice how that dropped off on my travels. I wasn’t charged for it. After that I checked in, bike taken to the oversize luggage for X-ray and one pannier. My EasyJet flight number was 1866, I checked in at 12.15 the flight departed at 14.15 to Manchester, arriving at 15.10. In Manchester I took the local train home, arriving at 4.00pm. The end of another perfect holiday.
Cycle Tour Plan, August 2011
Thursday 4th August , depart Manchester 10.50 EZY1865, arrive Zurich 13.00
Depart Zurich Airport 14.30
Head for Regensberg, BIG 540, 607 metres height, start at Dielsdorf, north west of Zurich. From Airport go right to Glattbrugg then right to Rumlang, left for Niederhasli on to Dielsdorfstrasse, and across Wehntalstrasse on to Regensbergstrasse, becomes Dielsdorfstrasse. Right hairpin to top at Unterberg. Estimate 16.30, 35 miles to BIG 176, take a left back in Dielsdorf for Waldshut then north on St Blasien/Titisee road, left through St Blasien to Todtmoos, head north for Schonau on Hochkopfstrasse to top of Weissenbachsattel BIG 173, 1078 metres. 19.00. 12 miles to BIG 173 at 19.30 via Todtnau, on road 317 between Hebelhof and Feldberg take a left on Am Seebruck, then left on Franz-Klarmeyer Weg, right then left to top of Herzogehnhorn, 1345 metres. 21.30
Friday 5th August
16 miles to Waldkirch via Todtnau and Freiburg for BIG 170. On Langestrasse take Markplatz, becomes Kandelstrasse road L186, 6 hairpins to top. 11.30. Drive Waldkirch to Basel, 50 miles. At Gundelfingen take right for Freiburg Nord on road 294 then A35 to Basel. 1.½ hours, 13.00. Basel, Laufen, Delemont, Moutier, Welschenrohr 36 miles, 1 hour, 14.00 for Balmberg, BIG 538, 1 hour 16.00. Drive Moutier, Delemont, Porrentruy, Pont de Roide, Besancon 80 miles, 2 hours, 18.00. BIG 236 at Besancon
Saturday 6th August
Besancon to Salin les Bains 30 miles 1 hour 10.00 BIG232 1.½ hours 12.00 35 miles 1 hour, BIG233 2 hours, 14.00. Drive 15 miles to metabief, BIG’s 234 & 235 18.30, 50 miles to st Claude via Vallorbe, La Cure 2 hours 20.30. BIG 526 from La Cure, St Cergue, Gingin
Sunday 7th August
La Cure to BIG 237 10.30, drive Oyonnax to Nantua and Ceyzeriat, right turn before Nantua on Ambronay road then left turn to Hauteville Lompnes for BIG 241, 30 miles, 1 hour 15.00. Start at Cormoranche En Bugey 16.30. Drive back to Nantua, right for Bellegarde to Saint Germain de Joux, 30 miles, 1 hour then BIG 239, 2 hours, 21.30.
Monday 8th August
Saint Germain de Joux drive to Annemasse avoiding Swiss border and Geneva, Thonon and Montreux, 90 miles, 3 hours, 12.00, possible delay at Swiss border entry. To BIG 543 and back, drive to BIG 542, 25 miles, 12.45, drive to Leytron for BIG 574 25 miles, ¾ hour, 13.45 return 18.15. Leytron for BIG 576, 3 hours, and return 21.00. Drive to Big 558 22.00
Tuesday 9th August
BIG 558 and return and to Sion 12.00. From Sion BIG 577 and return 14.00. BIG 579 and return to Sion 18.00. Drive to Sierre 19.00 for BIG 561 and return, 21.00
Wednesday 10th August
BIG 581 and return to Sierre, Sierre to BIG 580 and return 13.00. 10 miles drive to Steg to the east then BIG 563 and return approx 16.00. Drive to Visp and Staldenreid 10 miles then BIG 582 and return 21.00, to Visp.
Thursday 11th August
Drive from Visp to Brig, over Simplon to Domodossola, 25 miles, 09.45 for Bacenno and BIG 732 and return to Domodossola 13.00 to Boschetto for BIG 730 and return 16.00 for Verbania, Locarno and Vira, 42 miles, 1 hour, 17.00. BIG 589 and return, approx 19.30. Drive 70 miles via Lugano and Menaggio to Tirano 21.30.
Friday 12th August
Tirano and BIG 694 (already claimed but attempt from other side) and return 12.00, 50 miles drive to Carisolo south of Madonna di Campiglio for BIG 705, 17.00. Drive Madonna di Campiglio over Mendel Pass to Bozen to Brixen, 60 miles then 20 miles to Stuigel for BIG’s 709 and 710, situated below and between the BIG’s. 2 ½ hours, 18.30, possibly attempt BIG 709 if time at end of the day.
Saturday 13th August
BIG’s 709 and 710 all morning then drive back through Brixen, Meran, Sluderns, Zernez, Davos, Tiefencatel, total 153 miles at average 35 mph = 4½ hours, 16.30. BIG 591 and return, approx 20.00, to Andeer.
Sunday 14th August
Andeer to BIG 598 Juf pass and return 12.00. Drive to Bellinzona then Biasca to Olivone, 75 miles, 2 ½ hours, 14.30 to BIG 588 and return 17.00. Drive south to Bellinzona, Locarno, Bignasco, 60 miles, 2 hours 19.00, to BIG 586 and return to Bignasco, 21.30
Monday 15th August
Bignasco, Locarno, Bellinzona, Airolo, Nufenen, Grimsel, Meiringen, Brienz, Spiez, 115 miles, 3 hours, 11.00. BIG 562 and return 13.00, 24 miles to Aareg on east side of Brienzersee, BIG 564 and return 14.30.Drive to BIG 552 via Meiringen, Innerkirchen, 10 miles, 15.00 to BIG 552 and return 17.30. Drive Innerkirchen, Brunig, Sarnen, 20 miles, 1 hour 18.30 for BIG 551 and return 21.30 to Sarnen.
Tuesday 16th August
Drive Sarnen, Luzern, zug, Rapperswil 50 miles, 2 hours 07.00 – 09.00 to BIG 541 and return 11.00.To be at airport at 12.15 at the latest. Deposit car. Flight EZY 1866 departs 14.15 Zurich to Manchester.
France
BIG 232 Mont Poupet 772 metres, 4km
From Salins-Les-Bains take D472 heading north, take right fork on Rue de la Liberte, continues into Route de Saizenay D492, take right turn still on D492, left on to D273 then left fork off D273 to top. (road continues to Saint Thiebaud)
BIG 233 Grand Taureau, 1313 metres, 11km
South east from Pontarlier D74 Avenue de L’Armee de la Est. Take a left at junction with Roc Georges Pompidou on to Chemin du Larmont, 6 hairpins. Road becomes Aux Jeantets. Take left fork and left fork again to the top.
BIG 234 Mont Morond, 1419 metres, 6km
From Metabief take road south, Rue du Telesiege that becomes Place Xavier Authier. Left fork then a right fork (main road) right fork again (main road) next left fork (minor road)right fork, another right fork at a right angle then final left off the road a short way
BIG 235 Mont D’Or, 1415 metres, 6 km
From Longevilles Mont D’Or, south along Rue du Cret, left fork, becomes rue du Pont Bois, right fork, right hairpin, roads now at Bellevue, left fork then left fork to the top at a ‘T’ junction
BIG 236 Fort de Chaudanne 401 metres, 4 km
Besancon. From Pont Charles de Gaulle take second left on to Rue de Chaudanne, left fork at the end
Big 237 Haut Cret, 1183 metres, 24 km
From Saint Claude take D304 Rue Gambetta then left on D304 route de Chaumont, becomes Rue des Lapidaires then Route de Longchaumois to the top.
From La Cure, Switzerland take D25 Route de Darbella then D304, D415, D1005, D29
Big 239 Cirque des Avalanches 1173 metres, 21km
Take D1084 off E21 road before La Voute/St Germain de Joux. Continue on through Tacon and Trebillet, take a left off Trebillet here on to D14 Chemin des Champs, continue on D14 through Montagnes to Champfromier. From Champfromier on D14 north of Chemin du Menechar take a right fork on to Rue du Lapidaire, becomes Rue du Cret. Take right fork to top at a road junction.
BIG 240 Signal du Cuiron, 593 metres, 3 km
From Drom on north side on D81 head west on Rue de la Paix or Montee des Vignes, continue along, left fork then right fork to the top.
From Ceyzeriat on south side (more likely) off D52 Rue de la Gare, heading north east it becomes Rue du Docteur Rollin, take a left on to Rue du General Lechere, becomes Route du Relais then La Montagne to the top.
Big 241 Relais de Planachat, 1228 metres, 8km
West of Annecy. From Sutrieu on D31, Les Buissons, Bois de la Montagne, Bois Perrin, right turn to Les Abergeages to the top.
From Cormaranche en Bugey, south of the village take Route de Planachat to the left from the main road, left again then a further left turn to the top, 4km.
Switzerland
BIG 526 La Barillette 1528 metres, 15 km
From Nyon on Lake Geneva, inland from the lake go along Rue de la Porcelaine then left on to Avenue Head for Regensberg, BIG 540, 607 metres height, start at Dielsdorf, north west of Zurich. Violier and left on to Place de la Gare. Take a right at a roundabout, Avenue Alfred Cortet then first left on to Route de la Divonne, right at a roundabout, left at the next roundabout and on to Route de Crassier under a dual carriageway. The road soon becomes Route Cantonale then Route de Nyon to Route de Geneve, right here. Straight on at crossroads on to Route de la Rippe. Straight on and along to a minor road Route de la Scie (the main road bends to the right). This becomes Route du Jura then Route du Stand, take a right fork. This becomes Route de la Dole. Take a sharp left, still on Route de la Dole, sharp left then right on to La Barillette to the top.
BIG 538 Balmberg 1084 metres, 11 km
Cycle from the south side as it’s main road and easier to find coming from Basel. From Solothurn go to north bank of the river and head eastwards on Attisholzstrasse. Go left on to Haupstrasse, Gsteiggasse, Balmstrasse, through Stapfler, Kirchgasse then a right fork on to Balmbergstrasse, Vorderbalmberg, Oberbalmberg to the top.
BIG 540 Regensberg, 3 km
From Airport go right to Glattbrugg then right to Rumlang, left for Niederhasli on to Dielsdorfstrasse, and across Wehntalstrasse on to Regensbergstrasse, becomes Dielsdorfstrasse. Right hairpin to top at Unterberg.
BIG 541 Bachtal, 1109 metres, 8 km
From Hinwil go along Bachtelstrasse, one left turn to the top
From Wald go along Bachtelstrasse then a right turn on to Unterbach then right again on Bachtelstrasse to the top.
BIG 542 Haut Chia, 1458 metres, 14 km
From Broc north east of Montreux take Rue de Montsalvens through Le Pra to En Bataille, take a left then hairpins to Route de la Jogne that becomes La Maladere then La Fin. Left off this to Le Creux a Bourret, Le Closy, Au Village, Le Planiu, Adde d’en Bas, Les Frasses, right fork on to Le Javret, right fork at Les Places, La Savoleyre, Les Grenerets, take a right then right again to the top.
BIG 543 Col de Jaman, 1512 metres, 12 km
On the south side of Montreux on Avenue de la Riveria, take Avenue du Midi passing Montreux les Planches station. Road becomes Rue Du Temple then Route de Glion, Route de Caux, Route des Monts through Les Echets then Route de Jaman to the top.
BIG 551 Melchsee-Frutt, 1902 metres, 23 km
In Sarnen heading east take Nordstrasse or Kernerstrasse – also leads to Nordstrasse, soon becomes Sarnerstrasse then Melchtalerstrasse, Chali, Alweg. Road becomes Sagenmattli back to Melchtalerstrasse again, Turrenbach, Stockalp to Melchsee and the lake. The road continues further east along the lake from the top.
BIG 552 Engstlenalp, 1837 metres, 16 km
At Innerkirchen south west of Meiringen at the Post Office take the road opposite, east along Sustenstrasse, left up hairpin along Matteloch. This becomes Haberen then Wagenkehr. On the third hairpin at Syten take a right along Schwarzental to Engstlenalp at a road junction, to the right is the end of the road at a lake, Engstlensee.
BIG 558 Ovronnaz, 1332 metres, 8 km
From Leytron above Riddes, Route de Leytron, Route de Riddes, right turn then immediate left turn up Route D’Ovronnaz through Montagron and Dugny, 19 hairpins.
BIG 560 Lac de Tseuzier, 1778 metres, 21 km
From Sion rail station go right then right heading north on Avenue de la Gare, right on Avenue Ritz. Take second left to the start of the climb at Rue du Rawli. Take a right at first hairpin on to Rue de Sion. 5 hairpins to Route des Mocates, Les Combes, Route de Combes. Take third right on to Route D’Ayent, becomes Route de Botyre, left fork to Saint Romain, Route du Rawli, Eheley to lake at top. Road continues a short way to the right across the dam.
BIG 561 Crans Montana, 1510 metres, 13 km
From Sierre station to the left over the rail tracks on Route de la Mondereche, take the third left on to Route de Sion then right on Chemin de Chantegrive to Canton School then left on Route de Corin, becomes Route de Crans-Montana. Take a right fork on to Chemin de Tchielle. In Crans sur Sierre go right, short way to the top on Route du Rawyl.
BIG 562, Gorneren, 1407 metres, 22 km
In Spiez-Uech at roundabout on Thunerstrasse take the road south over the railway, Simmentalstrasse, over a flyover, take a left at Stutz then second left on the main road, Frutigenstrasse. Fork right, still on Frutigenstrasse, Stegweide. Following to right of the river on Dorfstrasse in the same direction, Feldstrasse. Go left on to Bei Derkirche, left on to Kientalstrasse that becomes Lindenegg, Rufenendorf, right on to Boden that becomes Faulbrunni to the top.
BIG 563 Fafleralp, 1788 metres, 18 km
From Gampel Steg Im Tosstal station go over the river bridge north on Bahnhofstrasse and go right at the end of the road on Hohtennstrasse in Brunneggu. One hairpin to the left and on the second hairpin just after a bend take a left heading north. Following a stream on the left. Join up with a major road merging in on the right and through a tunnel then a longer second tunnel – 3 more shorter tunnels follow. A railway track to the left, go straight on into Goppenstein. At Untergasse further along is a long tunnel followed by yet another long tunnel then road becomes Talstrasse, yet again another long tunnel, onto Haupstrasse, Kippel, Blatten, then the top.
BIG 564, Axalp, 1535 metres, 9 km
At Aareg on the eastern side of Brienzersee go to the south shore. Take Engi road away from the lake through Nasen, Frutt, Bramisegg, Tiefental, Lengenboden to the top.
BIG 574, Col des Planches, 1411 metres, 11 km
From Martigny railway station go west on Rue de Simplon, right on Rue du Leman, left on to Chemin Col des Planches by Martigny Croix station, road becomes Chemin Dessus to Chemin then Le Coteau to the top.
BIG 575 Monte Generoso 1145 metres (already climbed), 12 km
From Mendrisio, Via Generoso off Via Carlo Croci then Via Lunga, 13 hairpins
BIG 576 Barrage de Mauvoisin, 1961 metres, 33 km
From Martigny to Martigny-Combe (start). At end of Tunnel du Mont Chemin at La Croix take the E27 Le Borgeaud following the river to the south, through Sembrachner. Take a right at Etiez on to Route de la Vallee following the river on the north side through Le Chable on Route de Mauvoisin. At Lourtier take a left on to Route de Plamprez to avoid a long tunnel – or ride through the tunnel if not much traffic – back on to Route de Mauvoisin at the other end of the tunnel, arrive at Bochersee then 6 hairpins to Mauvoisin dam at the top.
BIG 577 Thyon 2000, 2095 metres, 21 km
From Sion take Rue des Casernes. From station and over the river bridge. Take a right at crossroads for La Creta on Route d’Herens and along Ancienne Eglise to Vex/St Villard then take a right on Route du Village on to Route Heremence to Les Bioleys. Then 23 hairpins! After the second hairpin take a right on to Route de Coliere, Les Rindouets, Les Renards to Thyon 2000.
BIG 579, Arolla, 1998 metres, 40 km
From Sion take Rue des Casernes. From station and over the river bridge. Take a right at crossroads for La Creta on Route d’Herens and along Ancienne Eglise to Vex/St Villard, Route du Village, Route de la Vallee, Praz Jean, Villetta, Evolene, Molignon, Ovilison, Satarma, La Le, on Mont Collon take a right on to Arolla and to the top.
BIG 580 Glacier de Moiry, 2349 metres, 33 km
On east side of Sierre take route through Glarey on Via Duc D’Anniviers as E62 is a motorway – or park at end of it at junction number 1. On to Val D’Anniviers go south and up from the river, then up 6 hairpins then Niouc, Les Pontis, Fang Tunnel, Route de Sierre on a left fork then sharp left on Route de Saint Luc and Route de Vissoie then south through Mayoux, Route Vissioie Grumentz, Le Tronc, route de Sierre, Route de Moiry and to the lake. The road continues on to the next small lake also.
Big 581 Chandolin, 1979 metres, 27 km
On east side of Sierre take route through Glarey on Via Duc D’Anniviers as E62 is a motorway – or park at end of it at junction number 1. On to Val D’Anniviers go south and up from the river, then up 6 hairpins then Niouc, Les Pontis, Fang Tunnel, Route de Sierre on a left fork then sharp left on Route de Saint Luc and Route de Vissoie, 9 hairpins to the top.
BIG 582 Mattmarksee, 2197 metres, 34 km
From Visp on Kantonstrasse by the river take Talstrasse following the river to Stalden then Hofengraben past Stalden-Saas station, through Illas to Saas-Grund to Saas Almageli to Stausee and the top.
BIG 586, Lago del Naret, 2311 metres, 34 km
From Bignasco, Via Lavizzara, Chied, through Zott, Al Ned then 15 hairpins on Via Cantonale, Mogno, left on to Via Cantonale, take the right fork, Alned, Portol di Fuori, Fontanalba, right fork then 8 more hairpins passing Lago del Sambuco, Laghetti, Lago Scuro to edge of Lago del Naret and top. The road continues on the south side of the lake and also a short section on the north side.
BIG 588 Lago Luzzone, 1606 metres, 34 km
From Biasca and the train station follow the right side of the river on Via Brughei, Al Pascolo, Via Motto, through Lottigna then through Olivone take a right on to Luzzone Campo Bienio. Take a right in Aquilesco to Monte Cesura. From there 10 hairpins to the top.
BIG 589 Passo di Neggia, 1395 metres, 13 km
From Vira on Lake Maggiore take La Strada D’Indeman and 32 hairpins to the top. From Maccagno begin at Via Giacomo Matteotti then left on to Via Fransesco Baroggi, take a right further up after 10 hairpins. Now on Via Giuseppe Parisio, keep right after 6 hairpins to the top.
BIG 591, Glaspass, 1846 metres, 11 km
In Thusis take Canovastrasse then right to Altostrasse then Heinzenbergstrasse, soon a sharp left then left on to Thusis – main road and becomes Villastrasse, Martinsruh, Hof Soldadis, Pro DA Clavo, Im Boden. Right fork off main road on to Hinter der Kirche. Take two right forks to Ausserglas to top.
BIG 598 Juf, 2126 metres, 38 km
From Thusis go to Andeer and at Parsagna take a left onto Hauptstrasse. This follows left bank of river then a bridge over the river and eventually through Bleikawald. Through Crfot, Oberhaus, Am Bach and a right fork here followed by a left fork and still on Am Bach that becomes Podestatenhaus and Oberjuf to the top, a circular at the end of the road
Italy
BIG 705 Val Genova, 1641 metres, 18 km
South of Madonna di Campiglio. At Carisolo head west on Via Val Genova and follow the river along the nort bank then to Ragada, Localita Bedole
BIG 709 Plan de Corones, 1759 metres, 12 km
From Longega south of Bruneck, Marebbe/St Vigil on Strada Catarina Lanz then left on to Strada Plan de Corones that becomes Strada Curt. Take a right on Strada Furcia then a left and up. Further on a left fork after 12 hairpins, then the top.
BIG 710 Passo Delle Erbe, 2006 metres, 27 km
South of Bruneck and south of Marebba/St Vigil, take road SS244 for Saint Martin. On Frazione Piccolino in the north part of the village go over a river bridge on Strada Saint Martin. Take a second right still on Strada Saint Martin then a right fork. This becomes Strada Tor shortly. Take a right turn later at a junction of two other roads to the left then go over crossroads. Keep to every left. The road becomes Frazione Antermoia in Piazza Roncaccio.
BIG 725 Piancavallo, 1300 metres, 18 km
On Belluno to Treviso road between Cortina and Longarone. In Longarone go to Armasio near Barcis. From there go south on Aviano road, to the right then Localita Losie and Via Barcis
BIG 730 Alpe Cheggio, 1504 metres, 22 km
At Villadossola soth of Domodossola take Corso Italia then to the right on Via Castello then a left on Via Casali Seppiana