Secret Goms Valley Walk

Location: The Goms Valley, Switzerland. Holiday type: Independent walking, hotel-to-hotel. Managed locally by hotelier. Activity level: Choose 1 or 2 boots Duration: 8 days (7 nights) Hotels: Mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and all evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Sundays from 10 Jun '12 to 16 Sep '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights Here, in the undiscovered Goms Valley in southern Switzerland close to the border with Italy, fountains of flowers grace village window boxes as you stroll gently below snow-capped peaks, thundering waterfalls and Europe's longest glacier! Charming 3 and 4-star hotels throughout and excellent regional cuisine.

Day-by-day itinerary

Sunday - Arrive in Obergesteln

After a panoramic mountain rail journey, we meet you in Obergesteln and take you (5 mins) to the hotel where you'll spend the next three nights. Time to relax over a welcome cocktail before dinner.

Monday - The Upper Goms Valley 9km/6mi/2.5hr or 12km/8mi/4hr

All walkers start out together today with a stroll across the valley floor and a gentle climb across the flower-covered hillside. The easier option is to descend to Geschinen - where you can peer into the woodcarver's shop to admire his intricate artwork - before a riverside stroll by the Rhone takes you to Munster. The more energetic walkers climb into the wild and rocky Minstigerbach Valley - a fabulous place for a picnic. Everyone takes the little red train for the nine minute ride back to Obergesteln.

Tuesday - Obergesteln Circular Walk 10km/6mi/3hr or 12km/8mi/4hr

From the hotel a path through bluebell-dotted pine woods leads to the charming little village of Oberwald; it's right at the upper end of the valley and overlooked by majestic peaks towering to more than 3000m. After lunch you circle round the valley and back to the hotel with plenty of time to get in the jacuzzi and enjoy an aperitif on the terrace while you admire great mountain views.

Wednesday - Obergesteln to Blitzingen 11km/7mi/4hr or 13km/8mi/4.5hr

Today you walk from the Upper to the Lower Goms, with a relaxed start by train to Munster. From there it's a choice - the easier route meanders along above the river before crossing to Gluringen, a picturesque village with pretty church. The longer route winds along the Gommer High Level Path, in and out of striking side valleys and past characterful mountain cafes. There are tremendous views towards the snow-capped Weisshorn as you near the Hotel Castle perched high on the hillside.

Thursday - Blitzingen Circular Walks 13km/8mi/4hr or 16km/10mi/5hr

The valley narrows at Blitzingen before opening out to broad mountain views as you approach the sunny, wonkey timber-built village of Bellwald set high on an alp. Its warren of narrow flower-filled alleys are a delight to explore. You can take the chairlift up to enjoy a sky-high picnic amid clover and buttercups before rambling back down through Niederwald, the birthplace of Cesar Ritz.

Friday - Villages of the Lower Goms Valley 13km/8mi/4hr

Today offers a splendid walk through villages unchanged for centuries on the south-east side of the river. Explore lovely Muhlebach with its traditional Valaisian wooden buildings dating from the 14C. Then it's on to Ernen, Village of Culture and Music, which features murals and friezes on the Tellenhaus - and gasthofs for welcome refreshments!

Saturday - Eggishorn and the Aletsch Glacier Various choice of distances

A tremendous finale to your week begins with a ride by cable car to the top of the Eggishorn at 2926m (9600ft), where you will be overwhelmed by the vista. There are full-length views of the mighty Aletsch Glacier, the longest in Europe, and a 360 degree panorama which includes Eiger, Jungfrau, Finsterhorn and Matterhorn - superb picnic spots right beside the glacier.

Sunday - Depart Blitzingen