Hi All. Our Swiss weather patterns are supposed to be very stable, being in the centre of Europe. However, in the last three weeks we have had temperatures on the plain fluctuating between minus 3C and plus 10 C, 10 inches snow, sleet, heavy rain (like now), and real sitting in the garden sun shine. There have also been very high speed warm winds and freezing cold winds. At the moment, on the walk to day, we had ankle deep mud, calf height snow, black ice, and a wind so cold I had to wear a ski mask. Also today we had bright blue sky followed by heavy, low, can't see you hand, clouds and now torrential rain. I feel as if I am back in an English summer.

I think the UK is getting "Credit Crunch" snow. You will be able to go skiing from your front doors. No need to spend money going abroad on holiday !!!

Advice given to me as a young para 46 years ago."You are still here because you have the will to win.You will always get there.If you keep fit you will not overtax that will." Now GPS..especially if alone, very reassuring to get grid ref. When you are knackered and a bit worn out you sometimes see what you want to see.I can navigate but always take GPS on multi day walks.  Enjoy your walk.

The Lost Walker

I know that you may already be doing it but when you go out training make sure that you carry your rucksack with about the same amount of weight that you will be carrying - vegetables and a few cans (not for drinking!) help.

Having weighed what you will be taking and then carried it for a few training walks will then make sure that you chuck out the stuff that "may come in useful"! I am told that having packed what you think you will need then chuck half of it out! Even get down to reducing weight of the very light things e.g. either take one of those very small free toothpastes (my dentist gave me some for free) or make sure that you save one that is nearly finished. Some individuals on here would probably recommend that you had your teeth taken out so that you didn’t carry toothbrush/paste and your head would be lighter! The free small toothbrushes that you get on some aeroplane flights are also good. I know that the weight difference isn't that much but it does all add up.

i would not advise 21 miles with out any stops
suggest 10 minutes every hour

i would not advise 21 miles with out any stops
suggest 10 minutes every hour

Stops are best avoided as they tend to break your pace, although I do make exceptions for public houses.

The Lost Walker

I know that you may already be doing it but when you go out training make sure that you carry your rucksack with about the same amount of weight that you will be carrying - vegetables and a few cans (not for drinking!) help.

Having weighed what you will be taking and then carried it for a few training walks will then make sure that you chuck out the stuff that "may come in useful"! I am told that having packed what you think you will need then chuck half of it out! Even get down to reducing weight of the very light things e.g. either take one of those very small free toothpastes (my dentist gave me some for free) or make sure that you save one that is nearly finished. Some individuals on here would probably recommend that you had your teeth taken out so that you didn’t carry toothbrush/paste and your head would be lighter! The free small toothbrushes that you get on some aeroplane flights are also good. I know that the weight difference isn't that much but it does all add up.