Out of the office, into adventure

‘Even the longest journey begins with a single step,’ as the Chinese philosopher Laozi said long ago. My long-awaited hike may only last a day, but I’m really looking forward to it – to the other participants, the guide and the chance to experience nature. And, just a little bit, to the inevitable muscle ache.

Monday, 4 March, 8.40 am, and here I am, standing in the SBB station concourse as if I’d been ordered there but no one’s come to collect me. At this time of day, I’ve usually already had my first latte macchiato and am sitting at my desk.
Today, everything is different. I look around, searching for like-minded people. I’ve got a rucksack with provisions and plenty of drinks. Full of anticipation and wearing my brand-new walking boots, I can hardly wait to set off on this adventure.
We’re setting off at 9 am. I’ve already got my camera out for the first time and am taking a photo of my walking boots. Because I have a feeling I’ll never see them this clean again.
(And yes, I was right.)

We take the train to Stein-Säckingen and then the bus to Laufenburg. From there, the nine of us set off on foot towards Wallbach. We’ve got just under 15 kilometres to walk – almost the entire route along the banks of the Rhine.
Now that’s what I call a great start to the week!

The weather is on our side and there’s no thunderstorm in sight. So at least our hair will stay in place. However, the cold wind is whistling past our ears, and the low-lying mist and clouds are hiding the sun. Most of us are now putting on a warm hat or pulling our hoods over our heads. My hands are already freezing, so I grab my gloves.

I have a chat with the really friendly walking guide and learn some interesting things about him, his musical life and his work as a coach.
The older ladies are also in the mood for a chat and tell me why they enjoy taking part in our organised walks.
‘It’s great and you’re always meeting new people’, ‘It’s fun to hike with like-minded people and have a chat along the way’, or ‘It’s wonderful to be out in nature and do something good for your body in the fresh air’. These are just a few of the many comments I hear that day.

I can feel how good being out in nature is for me. I’m enjoying the view of the Rhine, clearing my head and recharging my batteries. By now, at the very least, I know why people love hiking so much.
On our walk, we make our way adventurously along muddy paths, pass beaver tracks, and stop for lunch by the fire on a little beach. Well, I’d say there are more stones than sand, but it’s an idyllic spot. Everyone eats at a leisurely pace and enjoys the peace and quiet, whilst I collect a few stones as a memento of this wonderful day.

When we arrive in Wallbach in the afternoon, we warm up briefly in a café. The atmosphere is cheerful, with chatting and laughter all round. And even though some of us find it hard to get up, we have to set off, as we’re continuing by bus to Mumpf. On the train towards Basel SBB, I notice that one or two of my fellow hikers are already yawning or closing their tired eyes for a few minutes. I contentedly reflect briefly on the day and say goodbye to my hiking group in Muttenz.
Back home, I tell my 11-year-old son all about my experiences and show him photos from the trip. He just says: “Oh Mum, that’s so cool, I want to come hiking too and run through the mud!” Well, I thought as much.
The lovely thing is that even the grandchildren have actually come along before. They were grown-up grandchildren, mind you, but everyone’s allowed to join the hike. Just let the hike organisers know in advance and you’re all set.

Matthias Müller is an experienced and passionate hiking guide who has been leading seniors on various walks for a good two years. He finds interacting with people very enriching and is delighted that the walks are so accessible. This means the older participants have no trouble keeping up on the walks. In his professional life, Matthias is a passionate musician and spiritual coach, and plays the didgeridoo, the traditional instrument of the Aboriginal people of Northern Australia.

My conclusion: I often get out into nature, but hiking such a long distance was a new experience for me and a fantastic one at that. I’m looking forward to doing the same hike with my son soon and showing him all the special features of this tour.

Photos & text: Lucy Saam

Has the wanderlust got hold of you too? You’ll find all the information you need
in our hiking programme. Of course, we’d also be happy to provide you with personalised advice.