Parcours recommandéThe Three Lakes Walk, optional ascent of Bella Tola
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/ Bella Tolla PeakCrédit photo : Jack Cunliffe, Macs Adventure -
/ Looking across the rangeCrédit photo : Jack Cunliffe, Macs Adventure
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/ One of the lakesCrédit photo : Jack Cunliffe, Macs Adventure
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/ Mountain slopes into the lakeCrédit photo : Jack Cunliffe, Macs Adventure
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/ The high AlpsCrédit photo : Jack Cunliffe, Macs Adventure
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/ Ridge down from Bella TollaCrédit photo : Jack Cunliffe, Macs Adventure
Return to Tignousa by funicular for the start of today’s walk; a circular route which visits the alpine lakes of Lac de Combavert, Lac de Armina and Lac de la Bella Tola. Each lake is as serene as the last and you will soon find yourself at the foot of Bella Tola, which at a height of 3,025m is the highest peak in the area. The hardy may wish to continue to the peak for sublime views of the surrounding mountain range. Continue on the circular route and you will soon come across Cabane Bella Tola, a popular mountain lodge, also serving lunch. Why not try one of their gourmet salads topped with dried alpine flowers? (check opening times here: http://cabanebellatola.ch/ and always carry a packed lunch in case of unplanned closures)
Note de l'auteur
Consignes de sécurité
The weather can change rapidly in the Alps, always check the forecast before you start the days hiking and pack appropriately. If the weather is too rough, do not begin the trek.
There can be left over snow drifts early in the season, the can sometimes have melted underneath - particularly if it covers moving water. Just because it looks solid, it doesn't mean it is. Exercise extreme caution when crossing such snow drifts and if possible walk around them to where you can see the solidity of the ground clearly.
Some of the ground can be uneven, with rocky/pebbly paths and even ice. Ensure you have suitable footwear with ankle support, and step cautiously when needed.
Much of the path is on clifftops and there has been some erosion, for this reason, the path is sometimes unclear, be careful of the drop and of loose rocks and edges to the cliffs.
Some of the gates are cattle deterrents and are electrified, be sure to use the plastic handles and reattach the cable to the housing when you pass through, they are 12 volts, so not dangerous but very unpleasant.
NOTE: attempting the summit walk adds an extra 400m of ascent/descent, bringing today's total ascent descent to nearly 1000m. If you do not summit Bella Tola, today's ascent/descent is approx. 600m. The summit should only be attempted by strong walkers, and in good weather conditions.
Conseils et recommandations supplémentaires
Food and Drink
You can get lunch at Cabane Bella Tolla (details above), but it is a long day so make sure you have enough food and water in case of closure.
Points of Interest
Bella Tolla
The Bella Tola is a mountain of the Swiss Pennine Alps, overlooking Saint-Luc in the canton of Valais. With an elevation of 3,025 metres above sea level, it is the highest summit of the subrange north of the Meidpass. The views from the peak are astounding if you can face the 400 metres of extra ascent/descent!
The 3 lakes
The three lakes that you will explore on this walk each offer something a little different. This route is less used than some of the other routes, so you will often have the lakes to yourself. Although they are glacial, if your feet are hot and tired why not dip them into the cool waters. Swimming is not recommended as the water is very very cold!
This tour is available on the following itineraries: WSWITVD, WSTSOTM
Départ
Arrivée
Itinéraire
0.00 km - With your back to the funicular station and TURN LEFT and then after 30 metres TURN RIGHT ascending a narrow zigzag path, signposted for Bella Tolla
0.70 km - BEAR LEFT sharply, passing between the cabin restaurant and another hut before you BEAR RIGHT signposted for Bella Tolla
1.50 km - Pass over a vehicle track and continue STRAIGHT ON
1.90 km - BEAR LEFT to join a bigger path for 200 metres then BEAR LEFT off the track onto a smaller path, the path crosses over some snow melt streams so be careful of your footing
3.20 km - You join a vehicle track and BEAR LEFT ascending
3.50 km - TURN LEFT here if you wish to ascend Bella Tolla, it is a simple zig-zag path that ascends to the summit, you begin to bear right when you reach the cabin, and you come back down the same way to rejoin the track. Continue straight on if you do not want to summit the mountain - the following distances presume you have summited.
NOTE: attempting the summit walk adds an extra 400m of ascent/descent, bringing today's total ascent descent to nearly 1000m. If you do not summit Bella Tola, today's ascent/descent is approx. 600m. The summit should only be attempted by strong walkers, and in good weather conditions.
7.30 km - Rejoin the path and continue STRAIGHT ON
7.40 km - TURN LEFT sharply off the track, descending past the lake
7.80 km - After passing the lake, 30 metres on TURN LEFT ascending a narrow path
8.80 km - Pass the second lake, and then BEAR LEFT with the path
9.60 km - BEAR RIGHT descending down the path and crossing another stream
11.10 km - TURN LEFT to visit the final lake, after 150 metres you will reach it, begin to come back the way you came
11.70 km - TURN LEFT to descend and rejoin the main path a little further on than where you left it
12.40 km - BEAR LEFT to pass the farmhouse and descend on the track
12.90 km - Join a larger track, TURN RIGHT
14.10 - TURN RIGHT off the track, pass the picnic benches on the right and rejoin the ascending track
14.60 km - The track meets another track TURN LEFT and then continue on the track
15.90 km - Continue STRAIGHT ON until you reach the funicular station, you have arrived at the end of the loop.
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