Gurnigelbad to Riffenmatt

Saturday was supposed to have at least halfway decent weather, so we went running in the Gantrisch.

We directly start climbing from the bus stop at Gurnigel and head up, up, mostly hiking, at times on forest roads, at times on trail, at times in the open, at times in the woods, until we come out onto the Zigerhubel and have our first views. Great views of the Gantrisch from here, but unfortunately the Alp views aren't there due to a combination of clouds and Sahara dust in the air. Onwards we go, past Gurnigelpass and then up some more to Selibüel. Here we do a food break and enjoy the views before continuing, now running more frequently, along the ridge. Past the high point for the day at Schüpfeflue, then slowly down along the ridge until we start the climb up to the Gägger. This has a fun bit along a really impressive wood boardwalk construction with cool wood sculptures hiding in the greenery below. Onwards past the Pfyffe, then gently down, with a food break, until we turn off the ridge at Obere Hellstaett. From here it's down, generally flowy until we get to Riffenmatt.

There's a very convenient fountain in the parking lot, and we have lots of time since G mis-read the bus schedule, so we drink loads of water, refill our bottles, rinse our legs and feet, eat, and relax until the next bus.

Despite the missing Alp views, this was a really enjoyable day out.

This is the first run that we've tried from a trailrunning book we just bought. It's full of great-sounding runs, with an emphasis on flow.

The track:

Stats: 24.9km, ~1000m up, ~1100m down, 4:45