Jura Day 14

The guidebook said there were a lot of steps up and then a long descent at the end of the stage.  Christine therefore decided she would have a rest day and take the train instead.

Christine:

I got on my first train at 12:11 which was a local stopping train.  There were six stops (about every three minutes) and then I changed to another local train.  Another three stops and I was in Balsthal.  I sat on a bench and read, and was surprised when Alasdair arrived so quickly.

Alasdair:

I’ve included all of today’s photos, as the walk was in glorious scenery.

I took the bus back up to the col at Hauenstein, the start of the stage.  About a dozen hikers got off, but they all headed east.  There was a short climb through the village, and then the straightest, longest climb.  It was a gradual ascent, but it felt like a long 2kms in a straight line.  There were good views back down to Olten.  I crossed some WWII defences (photo) and noticed that the road had concrete plugs in it that could be replaced with something else to complete the barrier.  The old military road kept on the south side of the ridge and was in good condition.  The defensive line is still in use, as there was a door into the hillside complete with intercon and digital keypad.  Along the route, the badges of the WWI battalions had been cut and painted into the cliff face.  These had all been renewed several years ago.  After 10kms the road dropped down to a col and I went into the restaurant for a piece of strawberry gateau and a limoncello (as advertised on their board).  I thought I was getting a lemon drink, but it was a lemon drink with a large amount of alcohol.  I started walking again, feeling very light-headed.  I quickly passed three people on the climb, and then the walk went over rolling hills.  I had decided to try and do 5kph for the whole walk, so I was often jogging downhill to compensate for the slower climbs.   Unfortunately, it wasn’t clear enough to see the Alps.  Just as I reached the final climb, Balsthal 2hrs up and over the hill, there was a sign pointing to the right saying Balsthal 1hr.  I wasn’t going to see Mont Blanc from the top, so I opted for the shorter route.  The track went round the hill, rather than up and over, and I was soon on the final descent.  Balsthal is hemmed in by hills on both sides and looks much more like a traditional Swiss village, though there are plenty of new buildings.  Coming into Balsthal there were a few old railway engines parked in a siding.  I got to the station, and there was Christine reading on a bench.  We walked to the old part of town, where the hotel is, and had an ice cream while waiting to check-in.