Hiking and walking
Main image: Gemmenalphorn, Switzerland, October 2025
Hiking in Switzerland
Since my earliest days living in Switzerland, the scenery and sheer amount of photographic opportunity—to say nothing of the number and sheer kilometres of hiking paths—have pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and into the mountains and valleys of the Alps.
Grimsel Pass to Trübtensee and back
An autumn hike in the Grimsel Pass area with glaciated ridges, reservoirs and tremendous views to the high Alps.
Trachsellauenen from Stechelberg
A steady hike from Stechelberg to Trachsellauenen on a quiet afternoon, with waterfalls, mountain views and a reassuring test of improving fitness.
Lunch at the glacier
Taking the cable-car to a traditional mountain restaurant below vast cliffs for a birthday treat.
Autumn colour in the Rosenlaui valley
A long but beautiful hiking route with a couple of short steeper sections, best done in autumn.
The Wainwright Fells
214 of the fells (hills and mountains) in the English Lake District are described in Alfred Wainwright‘s seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. I’ve been visiting the Lake District since the 1990s and after taking up hiking in 2010, the Wainwrights have become my favourite destination; even trumping, for me, the wonderful and breath-taking routes I walk at home in the Swiss Alps.
Hard Knott from the pass road
During our time in the Lake District in 2024, I did a lone hike to the top of the fell which I’ve been driving past ever since first visiting the region in the 1990s.
Red Tarn from Glenridding via Birkhouse Moor
In all of the years of visiting the Lake District, I’ve always pondered Helvellyn, but a hike in autumn 2024 was the first time I’d seen it up close.
Silver How, Swinescar Pike and Lang How from Grasmere
A wet and cold walk to a small Wainwright fell in January 2019.
Low Fell from Thackthwaite
A gentle autumn walk to wonderful views across Lorton Vale and Crummock Water.
Hiking and walking in Scotland
We visit family in Scotland at least a couple of times a year, and I usually get to do some walking and hiking while we’re there; either in the northern Highlands or on the Isle of Skye.
Quinag from the A894
A summer hike following the well-marked approach to Quinag, climbing steeply to its saddles for wide views across Assynt, Kylesku and the northwest coast.
Oronsay Island
A picturesque dog walk to the tidal island of Oronsay, off the coast of the Isle of Skye.
Canisp from Loch Awe
Spontaneously changing my plans for a day’s hiking to achieve the summit of Canisp, a large and rocky hill in the Assynt region of Scotland.
Interesting links
STI Excursions
Walks and hikes suggested by the Spiez-Thun-Interlaken bus company, which are accessible by their public transport services. Website in German.
Scotland’s Best Wee Hills
Sometimes you don’t have the energy or time to slog your way up one of the great iconic giants of the Highlands. Some of Scotland’s best-loved hills are the smaller peaks, often more accessible, full of character and offering equally spectacular views. Here’s our pick of 16 of the best wee hills around the country… some widely famed and celebrated, others virtually unknown, but all under 600m high.
