Trekking in the Silvretta and Rätikon Alps. Kev Reynolds

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      Alpenrose in front of the Kirchlispitzen, as seen from Trek 2, Stage 4

      The treks described in this book have all been walked over a number of visits to the region, during which time a few variations to the original routes became necessary when changing conditions made one or two stages unsafe. The ‘unchanging, eternal hills’ belong only to the poet’s imagination. Reality is different – the Alps are in a state of flux. So it’s quite possible that during the lifetime of this edition, more physical changes to the landscape will take place as a result of natural events such as rockfall or shrinking glaciers and snowfields. Should you discover any sections of a route in this guide have altered in any significant way I would welcome a note to that effect, sent to me by email or letter via the Cicerone office in Milnthorpe.

      Routes have been described as accurately as possible, but anyone choosing to follow them will also need a map and compass and be prepared to adapt to conditions as found. This guidebook only reflects trail conditions as they existed during my most recent visit in the summer of 2013, and the sketch maps illustrating the route are provided as a planning aid and are not intended as an alternative to the topographical map or maps recommended above.

      Route profiles have been devised to give a rough idea of the undulating nature of each route in a simplified form. They do not attempt to give an accurate representation of every up and down experienced along the way.

      Each trek is broken into ‘stages’ of unequal length dependant on the existence of accommodation. On the Rätikon Höhenweg some of the huts are spaced little more than a morning’s walk apart, giving an opportunity for the fit trekker with limited time available to complete two stages in a single day. However, the majority of itineraries outlined in this guide remain inflexible and equate to a day’s travel.

      At the beginning of each stage description, a summary of the route is given in terms of distance, approximate time needed to reach that day’s destination, height gain and/or loss, and the highest point reached. Heights and distances are given throughout in metres and kilometres, but please note that while heights quoted are usually taken from the recommended map, inconsistencies occur between sheets produced by different cartographers. Of necessity distances have been estimated by measuring the route on a map – by its very nature this will not provide an accurate reading, especially where there are numerous zigzags on the trail, but a rough idea should suffice since most trekkers measure their progress by the amount of time it takes to walk from point A to point B rather than by distance.

      It is important to remember that times quoted are approximate only, and make no allowance for rest stops, picnics, or photographic interruptions, for which you should add 25 to 50 per cent to the day’s total.

      It is inevitable that times quoted here will be considered fast by some trekkers, slow by others. By comparing your times with those quoted in the text, you should soon discover how much our pace differs and make the necessary adjustments to your day’s schedule. These treks have been devised to gain maximum enjoyment from wandering through a magnificent mountain environment, and the guidebook’s СКАЧАТЬ