At six thirty the lake held the mountains upside down. No boats, no voices—only the soft scrape of our shoes on the path.
The hour before the village wakes
The first part of the trail runs through beech woods, climbing gently above the water. The light arrives slowly here. It catches the upper ridges first, then moves down through the trees until the whole valley changes color.
We carried coffee but forgot cups. It did not matter. A bakery near the bridge opened just as we returned.
Start early enough and even a familiar landscape feels newly discovered.
Keep it simple
- Check the local forecast before setting out.
- Wear shoes that are comfortable on damp roots.
- Leave the headphones behind for the first hour.