Guarda - Lavin - Susch Walk 8067
Canton - Graubunden/Grisons - Lower Engadine
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 11.3 km / 7.1 miles
Ascent - nominal or unknown
Descent - 250 metres / 825 feet
Time - 3.50 hours
Grade - easy
Click thumbnails for larger images.
This an easy walk uses mainly tracks between three attractive villages in the Lower Engadine. It is an ideal walk to fill half a day especially when it has been raining or when the mountains are covered in cloud. The villages are linked by a frequent and regular service of trains along the valley. However, Guard village lies some 250 metres above the railway station and is reached by a steep path. Subject to continued patronage there is a limited post bus service meeting some trains and linking Guarda's station with the village.
Click thumbnails for larger images.
Little in the way of description is need to describe the walk. However, of the three villages Guarda is probably the most attractive and is worth spending time exploring the streets with their many solid houses dating back many centuries. Some have external decoration whilst details of some of the construction dates are presented on the walls of the houses.
Exploration complete follow the lower of the two main streets through the village as far as the first hairpin bend on the road down into the valley. Leave the road here and follow the track into the side valley. Cross the first bridge over the La Cloxxa river, continuing across open pastures on a clear track down to Lavin. At the first junction we took the left-hand fork and this led steadily downhill towards the village of Lavin.
Descend through the village and cross the covered bridge over the River En. Turn first left and take the track running closest to the river. Ignore all braches off to the left and continue to the eastern edge of Susch village. As you approach the tracks turns sharp left to a road. Turn right along this road, cross the river and you have arrived in solidly built village centre. For those using the valley train service, the station is approached by a rising road on your right just after crossing the river.
Suggested Maps
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:25000 - Sheet 1238 - Piz Quattervals
Recommended Books
The Swiss Alpine Pass Route - Via Alpina Route 1
Guidebook to the Alpine Pass Route following the Swiss Via Alpina 1, a 360km trek east-west across Switzerland, from Sargans, on the border of Liechtenstein, to Montreux, including prologue from Liechtenstein. A demanding 3-week trek described in 18 stages, crossing 16 passes including the 2778m Hohtürli. Requires good fitness and experience.
The Swiss Alps
A comprehensive guidebook to every mountain area in the Swiss Alps. This handy resource includes information for walking, hiking, trekking, climbing and ski mountaineering. Access, accommodation and facilities in the valley bases and full information about Swiss mountain huts is included to help you make the most out of a trip there.