Walking in the Valais. Kev Reynolds

WALK 10

      Lötschenpass Hut (2690m) – Selden (1552m) – Kandersteg (1176m)

      The Lötschenpass has been used as a trading route between the Valais and canton Bern since at least medieval times, and this walk follows a section of that route. On the north side of the pass the way is exposed in places, and there’s a glacier to cross. The route over this is usually marked in summer and is fairly obvious. Even so, caution is advised.

      From the hut cross the pass and follow the marked way as it descends a series of rock terraces before getting onto the Lötschengletscher. Study the route across and follow the marker poles. There may be a few crevasses, but these should be easily stepped across. On reaching the far side the path then descends steeply, keeping well to the left of the Leilibach stream, and leads directly to Berghaus Gfällalp (1847m: accommodation, refreshments, tel 033 675 11 61), from where you gain a very fine view of the Gasterntal’s upper reaches and of the Kanderfirn at its head. Continue down the slope, the path edging closer to the stream, and eventually reach the bed of the unspoilt Gasterntal beside the Kander river. A Himalayan-style suspension bridge takes you across the river to the hamlet of Selden (1552m: 2hrs: accommodation, refreshments). There are two inns here, both of which have dormitory accommodation as well as standard bedrooms: Hotel Steinbock (Tel 033 675 11 62) and Hotel Gasterntal-Selden (Tel 033 675 11 63).

      Turn left and walk down the valley to the Chluse gorge at its entrance, where the Kander river thunders in a series of cascades, then through this gorge, curving down the main Kandertal to Kandersteg (1176m: accommodation, refreshments), passing close to the railway station.

      Kandersteg has all the usual amenities for summer and winter visitors, with plenty of accommodation, restaurants, shops, banks, PTT, etc. The tourist office is located in the centre of the village (Tel 033 675 80 80, [email protected], www.kandersteg.ch). For walks in the Kandersteg region see The Bernese Alps by Kev Reynolds, published by Cicerone Press.

WALK 11

      Fafleralp (1787m) – Petersgrat (3206m) – Selden (1552m) – Kandersteg (1176m)

      This long, demanding, but delightful traverse of the icy Petersgrat should be attempted only by those familiar with glacier crossings, as much of the route lies over snow- and icefields. It is essential, too, that the necessary equipment for safe travel over crevassed glaciers is taken (rope, ice axe, etc). There are no major difficulties, but caution should be exercised at all times, and it is advisable to make an early (pre-dawn) start in order to avoid the worst effects of the sun on the Kanderfirn glacier.

      From the pond in the hamlet of Fafleralp take the track left which gains height and swings round into the mouth of the Uisters Tal (also known as the Äusseres Faflertal). On reaching the stream at 1860m leave the track and take the path which strikes through the glen along the east bank. At the head of this little valley the path climbs steeply to the north of the Krindelspitz (Chrindelspitza) to gain the shrinking Üssertal glacier, with the long snow ridge of the Petersgrat directly above.