Switzerland is one of the world’s best countries for hiking. It boasts around 65,000 kilometres of hiking trail, which in a country of a similar size to the Netherlands or Denmark, comes out at an impressive 1.9 km for every square kilometre. Almost two thirds of these are regular trails, accessible to all (yellow diamond signposts). Another third are mountain hiking trails, which means you should have some idea of what you’re doing and reasonable equipment (red and white markings). The last one per cent are Alpine routes which are for those who know how to climb, are very well equipped, and are probably not quite right in the head (blue and white markings). All look great in any season but are notably safer in the summer. The signs will keep you in line.

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Jessica and Alice do a respectable amount of hiking in the story before they hit Switzerland with Harris in tow. He himself only really manages one attempt at proper hiking up the Simmental but doesn’t get too far after heat exhaustion and thirst prove too much for him when he’s about a kilometre in.

 

There are a few rules of the road which you need to follow in order to keep the Alps the first-rate destination they are. What’s great is that almost everybody does actually follow them. First off, always greet your fellow hikers in a cheerful way when passing them – “Grüzi wohl !” in German or, “Bonjour !” in French. You don’t need a PhD. Next, never drop litter. It’s just not done. If you do, it’s like taking a dump in a Confessional Box in a Catholic Church. Third, keep your dog on the lead, always. Canine yobbos are not welcome. Finally, step off the path to relieve yourself behind a tree or bush if you’re caught short. No matter how much you may like Disney movies, this is not somewhere just to whip it out and let it go.

 

What’s great is that people really do follow these rules and the mountains are that much nicer for it. You don’t get fights. In fact, farmers leave their produce for sale at the side of their barns with just an honesty box for payment, and, as far as I know, they’re rarely cheated.

 

Taking pictures inside Alpine forests is a tricky proposition. Not because they aren’t pretty but more just because they all look much the same. It’s really the sight of lakes, ridges and peaks which creates the Alpine vistas more frequently pictured and for obvious reasons, you need to be a bit above the forests to get those. However, you can really see the pathways at their best in the forests since the effort which goes into maintaining them is awesome. It’s very much to the Swiss’ credit that they open up their national treasures like this to anyone who makes the effort to go up there and nobody is excluded except by physical disability or lack of inclination. OK, also by drunkenness, getting arrested for tax evasion, or sitting on a live barbecue but you get the picture.

 

So plan ahead, get in shape and check out a good hiking app, and you too could be enjoying yourself up there in the near future.