Walking in Austria. Kev Reynolds

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      ROUTE 3

      Douglass Hut (1976m) – Schesaplana (2965m)

      The ascent of the Schesaplana, highest of the Rätikon peaks, will no doubt be on the list of most experienced mountain walkers and scramblers visiting the area. By this route the mountain is not technically difficult to climb under ‘normal’ summer conditions, but snow patches should be expected, and there’s a certain amount of loose rock, grit-covered ledges and some exposed passages to be wary of. Caution should be exercised, and the ascent taken seriously.

      Follow Route 2 above as far as the Totalp Hut (1hr 15mins) where a sign directs you onto a path west into the stony basin of the Totalp (‘dead alp’) which, despite its name, displays a rich variety of alpine plants. Across the basin the path, waymarked blue and white, climbs in zigzags and in a further 50mins arrives at a junction with the Gemslücken path which cuts to the left.

      The way now climbs more steeply in numerous zigzags to gain an upper basin choked either by scree or snow. From here the route slants up the right-hand side of the basin, then angles across to the left in order to reach the frontier ridge. The large cross on the summit of the Schesaplana is now visible for the first time as you turn right to climb the ridge directly to it. The views are extensive and varied. Near at hand both Drusenfluh and Sulzfluh attract in the southeast, the Brandner glacier is seen below to the north, while the Swiss side falls away to a mass of green valleys.

      Descend by the same route in 2hrs, taking special care to avoid knocking loose stones onto others below.

      From the Schesaplana, the vivid Lünersee captures your attention

      ROUTE 4

      Douglass Hut (1976m) – Cavelljoch (2239m) – Douglass Hut

Start	Douglass Hut (1976m)
Valley base	Brand
Distance	8km
Height gain	263m
Height loss	263m
Grade	2
Time	3hrs
Location	South of the Lünersee

      The Cavelljoch is a broad saddle on the Austro–Swiss border flanked by the abrupt west wall of the Kirchlispitzen. In the early summer the saddle is ablaze with alpine flowers, and views are beautiful both north and south. An easy but extremely pleasant walk leads to it from the Douglass Hut.

      Cotton grass betrays a marshy area above the Lünersee Alm

      Take the lakeside path in either direction as far as the Lünersee Alm on the south side of the lake, to find a signed junction (50–60mins). Follow the trail which rises to the rear of the hut into a hanging valley, and at the next junction 5mins later, branch half-right and mount grass slopes above a marshy area to gain the saddle of the Cavelljoch about 40–50mins from the Lünersee Alm. On a calm day this is a very pleasant site for a picnic. To return to the Douglass Hut (1½hrs) reverse the outward route, but take a different lakeside path for variety.

      Cutting across the southern flank of the mountains the path of the Rätikon Höhenweg Sud is the Swiss equivalent of the Rätikon Höhenweg Nord described below. By following this trail westward, the Schesaplana Hut can be reached in 1hr 45mins; to the east the Carschina Hut is 3hrs away.

ROUTE 5

      Rätikon Höhenweg Nord

Start	Douglass Hut (1976m)
Finish	Gargellen (1423m)
Distance	23km
Grade	3
Time	3 days
Location	West to east across the north flank of the mountains
Highest point	Sarotlapass (2389m)

      Making a traverse of the north flank of the Rätikon mountains, this is a justifiably popular hut-to-hut tour that makes an excellent introduction to this form of mountain activity. Each stage is comparatively short. Paths are mostly good and well marked. The route is not too demanding, yet it has a few strenuous sections and in places a brief sense of isolation. Huts are comfortable and the scenery superb.

      Day 1 From the Douglass Hut follow the lakeside path in either direction as far as the Lünersee Alm where there’s a signed junction. Take the upper path climbing into a hanging valley, and keep ahead at the next junction 5mins later. (The right branch goes to the Cavelljoch СКАЧАТЬ