Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 to 3
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
Located in the French speaking part of Switzerland, Val d'Anniviers is renowned for its stunning Alpine scenery and deeply rooted cultural traditions. As you journey through this valley, you'll be greeted by towering peaks from the Grande Couronne, including iconic summits like the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, and the famous Matterhorn. The valley offers not only breathtaking landscapes but also a glimpse into a lifestyle that has evolved with the mountains for centuries.
Val d'Anniviers is dotted with tiny villages each with their own charm and many little changed by time. Agricultural traditions have left their mark, with rustic, sun-burned wooden buildings like barns, houses, and churches originating in the 13th century. These structures reflect the enduring spirit of the region's people, who have sustained a unique economy and culture. Our chosen base is St. Luc (1,680m), a typical unspoilt village of the region, home to the Francois-Xavier Bagnoud observatory, a great spot for stargazing.
High above the Rhone Valley, Val d'Anniviers has an excellent postal bus service linking the small precariously perched villages, and enabling a large number of one way walks to be enjoyed. Cable cars and a funicular railway transport you to over 2,290m allowing you to explore even higher or to gently walk down to another wooden roofed village and return back to base by postbus.
Arrive in the lovely Swiss town of St Luc, Val d'Anniviers. Below are just a selection of the many walks that are available in and around St Luc.
You stay at Hotel Bella Tola.
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Nestled in the heart of Valais, in St Luc, this historic hotel subtly melds old-world furniture with warm alpine decor. Founded in 1859 by the Pont family, many features of the hotel have been carefully retained. The beautiful spa is inspired by the surrounding alpine setting and offers an indoor pool, sauna, hammam, ice-fountain, and three massage rooms. The Chez Ida Restaurant proposes a creative cuisine oriented to everything in season with an extensive wine list devoted to excellent Swiss wines.
A gentle walk to begin your trip. Follow the trail along the valley sides, going out at a high level over open heathland and then descending to the Botanical Walk. Return through the woods below or link to the Illgraben Circuit for a longer day (extra 6km).
After a short, sharp ascent, this becomes a delightful and easy walk by the bisses (irrigation channels). Journey through woodland down to the valley where you have the option to extend this walk with the 'Navisence Trail' (extra 6km).
To ascend and walk this ridge you should be an experienced mountain walker, reasonably fit and with a good head for heights. It's certainly worthwhile as on a clear day the views are absolutely magnificent. But if the ridge itself is not for you, a shorter and lower route which still leads into mountain scenery and passes the three lakes, is possible. The final section of the descent is very demanding but can be omitted.
A mostly low level walk connecting the pleasant lower villages of Val d’ Anniviers, with various options because you are always near the postbus service route.
An easy walk with plenty of views through the trees, partly on quiet roads and mostly on the level until the final descent near Vercorin. It can be done in half a day, giving time to explore Sierre on your return journey.
A high or low level circuit of the Moiry Dam. This scenic circuit loops around the turquoise waters of the Lac de Moiry with dramatic views of the dam, the lake, the wild Val de Moiry and its sparkling glacier.
Say fond farewells to St Luc as you depart on the train.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £153.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
Twin-bedded rooms in Swiss resorts are normally one large base with two mattresses/duvets. These are also known as 'Austrian Twins' and are regarded as two beds. Separate twin beds are rare and cannot be guaranteed as available.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Geneva airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
single centre
Level: 1 to 3
Flights
available
14.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
