Gantrisch is a small peak in the Bernese alps not far from Schwarzsee and the Stockhorn where we go a lot. It’s really popular at weekends although in the week the army are in the area a lot which is why I think there’s a couple of largish car parks. It was really quite busy as we arrived but we managed to park a few metres from the roadhead and walked up through the abundant spring flowers.

Apparently at this point Julie hadn’t realised we were aiming to climb the peak on the right by the left hand ridge, I didn’t know that until we got back to the car and I looked back at the peak and commented it looked steep and Julie was amazed we’d done it.
It was a quick start into steep ground and it was overhanging in places making it quite physical.

The ladders always intrigue me, I’ not sure if they come from the local DIY store or from some specialised supplier. They’re useful in situations like this on a very, ver steep grass bank though.

There’s some great views on the way up and although it’s not ultra steep all the way there’s a few more steep sections so we’re both pretty pumped by the top.

On the summit it’s quite cool which is welcome to cool off so we unrack all our climbing gear and have a sandwich before heading down and out along another ridge to drop into the next valley and loop round to the car.

Making it a circular route adds quite a lot to the day I think, it’s good weather for walking and the scenery is great.

And finally, back at the car looking back at Gantrisch. There’s a little mountain restaurant so we have a welcome cold drink and head home.

There’s a via ferrata a couple of km down the road at the Moiry Barrage, I’ve not been over that way this summer although it’s a popular ski spot in the winter with a few lines crossing the barrage itself.

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