On waking up on our first morning in Austria, we were greeted by the sound of rain falling. Clouds swirled around the Sonnenspitze peak and we wondered why we'd left the british heatwave for this! Our first Austrian walk was going to be a wet one! A dry, clear day would offer wonderful views of the Eibsee Lake in Germany, just over the mountain border with Austria - but it rained all day and clouds prevented us from seeing it. A sumptious spread for breakfast gave some cheer and we set off in waterproof clothing to walk through the streets to the train station.
Here we waited for the bus to the Zugspitzebahn chair lift. Our hotel had given us bus passes so we travelled for free to the chairlift. We weren't going to use it though, instead we set off up the mountain road and continued up, and up, and up! We left the tarmacadam and made our way through forestry to the highest point at Hohes Egg. We passed small black salamanders enjoying the rain on the path and the ants in the three-foot high ant hills which were oblivious to the rain.
There were still great views of the steep mountains close to the forest but alas Germany remained shrouded in enveloping cloud. Soaking wet, we continued to descend until the welcome site of the Hochtörle-hütte came into view. Complete with a ten foot spider (don't ask!), this traditional wooden mountain hut was serving wet walkers with hot food, cold beer and - apfelstrudel! Well of course we had to test it all! Hanging our dripping wet coats near the entrance, we tried to warm up and dry out (not easy!). Finally, we had to leave and brave the elements once more but at least it was all down hill to the chairlift. There some of us caught the bus back while other intrepid souls continued to walk another mile and a half to Ehrwald. Hope we dry out for day 3!!....
Swansea Ramblers offer a range of walks for most abilities from the long strenuous mountain walks for the experienced walker to the short, easy lowland walks where maybe you'd like to explore walking for the first time with a friendly group of people. If you'd like to try a walk then do come along and find out what all this Swansea Walking in the great outdoors is all about. It won't cost you anything to come along and see if walking is for you. If you get the bug and want to walk or stroll regularly then you can also become a member. Just ask us about the walks and social events we do when you join us for a Swansea Walk.
