On this summer weekend, I wanted to do something simple and stress free. No more traversing the scree sections or ladders, a simple hike with views is all I wanted. Simplonpass fitted the bill. Some had described it as T2, and some T3 - so that's perfect. We took the day pass and headed out with the 6:39 train, even the train route is simple Zurich - Brig - Simplonpass. No need to make 20 connections just to get past Arth Goldau.
We started the hike promptly at 10:00am from Simplon Hospiz (currently closed), though later discovered that hotel Monte-Leone would be better start. Follow the sign for Alpenpassenweg (#6). The trail first takes you down to Bielti, somewhat annoying, and then starts the gradual uphill which gains about 300m till you turn and are on a plateauish area. Some nice views from here, and rest of the 250m are gained slowly and easily up to Bistinepass. The pass is very generic, nothing exciting. You have to walk a little further or higher to see any views, and then the long mountain range on other side of the Brig valley comes into view. This view will remain for most of the further traverse, though behind us. We did a short photo shoot here and then started towards next destination, still following #6. The train is easy, and we meet some bikers on the way too.
After crossing Magelicke the glacier at end of the valley comes into view. Unfortunately the view is partially hidden by smaller ranges on the side. We manage to click few pictures and then reach the junction of #6 and trail towards Sirwoltesattel. Decision point - do we want to go down #6 to get better view of the glacier or march on to our destination. At this point we are somewhat tired and the prospect of going down and up just to see a glacier is not very appealing. So we carry on towards Sirwoltesattel and take a lunch break.
The way to sattel is easy, gentle 200m climb to reach the highest point of trail at 2621m. The view from here is somewhat disappointing. Before starting the uphill traverse to sattel, there is a short detour to take you to the edge from where the glacier at end of valley should be clearly visible. We had decided not to take it, but it would have been nice to make that short 30min detour.
From the sattle it is easy trail down to Engiloch. The trail does get steep at few places, and there is a short section with 4 iron rods to go down a big rock, nothing stressful. On the way there is a nice waterfall and we decided to take few minutes there to cool off in the water. As usual once we got close to Engiloch, we realized that we will barely make the 3:40 bus back (though we had planned to take 4:40 anyway). At this point we quicken the pace, almost running towards the end to make it to bus stop in time for the 3:40 bus. I hate this running towards the end, but can't beat reaching home 1hr early.
We started the hike promptly at 10:00am from Simplon Hospiz (currently closed), though later discovered that hotel Monte-Leone would be better start. Follow the sign for Alpenpassenweg (#6). The trail first takes you down to Bielti, somewhat annoying, and then starts the gradual uphill which gains about 300m till you turn and are on a plateauish area. Some nice views from here, and rest of the 250m are gained slowly and easily up to Bistinepass. The pass is very generic, nothing exciting. You have to walk a little further or higher to see any views, and then the long mountain range on other side of the Brig valley comes into view. This view will remain for most of the further traverse, though behind us. We did a short photo shoot here and then started towards next destination, still following #6. The train is easy, and we meet some bikers on the way too.
After crossing Magelicke the glacier at end of the valley comes into view. Unfortunately the view is partially hidden by smaller ranges on the side. We manage to click few pictures and then reach the junction of #6 and trail towards Sirwoltesattel. Decision point - do we want to go down #6 to get better view of the glacier or march on to our destination. At this point we are somewhat tired and the prospect of going down and up just to see a glacier is not very appealing. So we carry on towards Sirwoltesattel and take a lunch break.The way to sattel is easy, gentle 200m climb to reach the highest point of trail at 2621m. The view from here is somewhat disappointing. Before starting the uphill traverse to sattel, there is a short detour to take you to the edge from where the glacier at end of valley should be clearly visible. We had decided not to take it, but it would have been nice to make that short 30min detour.
From the sattle it is easy trail down to Engiloch. The trail does get steep at few places, and there is a short section with 4 iron rods to go down a big rock, nothing stressful. On the way there is a nice waterfall and we decided to take few minutes there to cool off in the water. As usual once we got close to Engiloch, we realized that we will barely make the 3:40 bus back (though we had planned to take 4:40 anyway). At this point we quicken the pace, almost running towards the end to make it to bus stop in time for the 3:40 bus. I hate this running towards the end, but can't beat reaching home 1hr early.
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