Lord Colliers Active Retirement Life

My day began with a fantastic breakfast around a long table, shared with my warm and generous hosts. Eggs, bread, cheese, and coffee—simple, delicious, and elevated by the genuine hospitality. They even helped me arrange a stay at the Saint Bernard Pass, something I couldn’t have managed without their kindness and encouragement.

If you ever find yourself in this corner of Switzerland, I highly recommend staying at Chambres d’hôtes Chez Epicure. Spend a night there and experience the welcoming spirit of the people. I know I’ll be back—maybe not on foot next time, but definitely by car or train!

With renewed purpose—new country, new attitude, new destination—I set off. The day began with a gentle 45-minute descent, but as always, what goes down must climb back up. The ascent out of the valley was tough but invigorating.

The first town I reached was Romainmôtier, a charming village known for its cloister and abbey—one of the oldest Romanesque churches in Switzerland. The landscape has started to shift: more people, more villages, and more chances to rest or chat. There’s a different energy here now, and it’s comforting.

On the way to Cossonay, I crossed paths with some locals picking fruit. They offered me a handful and we ended up laughing and comparing notes on football—UK vs. Switzerland, of course. A small but memorable exchange that reminds me why I love walking through places rather than just passing by them.

Cossonay, perched on a hilltop in the canton of Vaud, has roots going back to Roman times. Its old town, with narrow lanes and the 12th-century Reformed Church, offers a peaceful charm and sweeping views over the Venoge Valley and Jura Mountains. I couldn’t find accommodation nearby and considered the train—but instead, I checked the time, gauged my energy, and decided to press on to Lausanne on foot.

The hike from Cossonay to Lausanne took about four hours, covering roughly 12 miles under a blazing sun. It was a demanding stretch, but the changing scenery and glimpses of Lake Geneva kept me motivated.

All day, the Alps played a teasing game—never fully visible in the haze, but their ghostly outlines loomed in the distance like silent guardians. It felt like they were watching, waiting.

And then… Lausanne. Reaching the city felt like crossing into a new chapter. Set along the northern shore of Lake Geneva, it’s a lively cultural hub with steep hills, lakeside promenades, and a buzzing energy. Home to the Olympic Museum and a majestic Gothic cathedral, Lausanne welcomes you with both grandeur and grit.

After the solitude of the trail, stepping into this vibrant city felt like entering another world—one that was both a reward and a challenge in itself.