Walk: Trient to Le Châble

From Trient the route ascends gradually up the east side of the Trient valley, through forest, and for a long stretch alongside a tiny irrigation canal. Views toward the Glacier to Trient get gradually more spectacular, and soon you’ll find yourself at the Buvette (cafe) du Glacier du Trient (www.buvetteduglaciertrient.ch). 

From here the route feels increasingly remote, soon breaking out above the treeline in wild and rocky terrain, as you approach the Fenêtre d'Arpette pass. Note that the trail near the top of the pass (on both sides) is loose and rocky, so care should be taken. It is, however, a wild and beautiful spot.

The descent down the other side of the pass brings you into the Arpette valley - the top half of which is rocky and alpine, but as you reach the lower levels the terrain gives way to pasture, punctuated by small wooden huts and chalets. A final forested section brings you into the pleasant resort town of Champex (or Champex-Lac) which is clustered around a small lake, popular with swimmers.

From the south east tip of the lake at Champex, head up the small road of Rte du Signal. This soon curves leftwards past the hotels Belvédère, Splendide and finally the Alpina, at which point the tarmac runs out, and you should take the footpath signed to Sembrancher. 

There then follows many kilometres of gentle downhill hiking, through a wonderful mix of forest and farmland, where traditional Swiss alpine farming can still be glimpsed. You’ll pass through the tiny villages of Soulalex and La Garde along the way - though sadly neither currently have refreshment options. 

From La Garde you’ll drop to the base of the Val de Bagnes at the large village of Sembrancher. The route just skips the centre of town, but if you have spare time it’s worth diverting into the centre - the pleasant cobblestone streets are worth a wander round. There are a couple of restaurants in Sembrancher, but nothing special.

From Sembrancher the route firstly takes a small, flat tarmac road through farmland, before disappearing back into forest, never far from the Dranse de Bagnes river. Remerge onto more country lanes through fields as you approach Le Châble, with great mountain views ahead.