When we heard that Lindsey Williamson just published a new walking guide for the Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) area, we immediately asked her to give us some background. And she has offered a copy of the book in a competition (see below). In her book, Border to Border: A guide to walking the length of the Lac Léman, she has identified 18 different walks, easily accessed by public transport, with maps and highlights to take into account.
Why did you start? What has been the inspiration?
In 1989, my mother wrote a hiking book for the Geneva American Women’s Club called The Happy Wanderer, so you could say it runs in the family! And, as you know, I co-wrote the first Know-it-all passport in 1999 with Lisa!
We are so lucky to live in this incredibly beautiful place with the lake, mountains and vineyards! As I get older I definitely want to spend less time behind my screen and more time out in nature! So I love to write and I love to walk, it made sense to combine the two!
Have you been working on this idea forever, or was it something that came to you recently?
During the summer of 2020, when we were unable to socialize or travel because of the pandemic, I started going on longs walks. I love the lake and decided I wanted to find as many walks as I could along the lakeside or at least with a view of the lake, but while I could find a few, I would then get lost as the path moved away from the lake. I was frustrated. How could I get from A to B? If I follow this little yellow walking sign where do I end up? How do I avoid the main roads?
I am also in my 60s now... no excuse as I’m pretty fit, but I don’t like to walk uphill and I’m also not fond of driving so I decide to solve my own problem and design my own hiking trail from one end of the lake to the other, without too much uphill paths, and being accessible by public transport was obviously very important!
What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
Well, one obstacle has been time! At the start of this project, I was working full time so really only had weekends and holidays, but now I am down to 50% so have more time to explore. But, to be honest, the time spent walking and writing has been an absolute pleasure! What I am finding the biggest obstacle now is social media! Promoting my book is really not my skill set – so I really appreciate your help!
What are your plans for the future?
In the immediate future, I really want to get this guide out to as many people as possible, which is why I wrote it in French and English. I honestly think it is quite unique as it suits any level of fitness. So many hiking guides I have seen in the bookshops are ambitious mountain walks. This one is for everyone - from grandparents to grandchildren - no matter how much time you have or how fit you are! I‘m not a long-term planner as you never know what will happen!
What are some of your favorite hikes and why?
That’s a tough question! Before I started the guide, I would have said:
- Walk 3: Villeneuve to Montreux and Walk 4: Montreux to Vevey. These take you right along the lakeside past the Chateau de Chillon and the through some of the most beautiful towns.
- Or Walk 5 which takes you through the Lavaux vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site with truly stunning views! But since I have had to do a lot of exploring in order to write the guide, I have discovered some beautiful walks I’d never done before.
- I love Walk 10 from Buchillon to Rolle takes you through the woods along the Aubonne river, especially just after its rained and the water is really gushing!
- Walk 15 from Mies to Genthod is a hidden gem! It takes you right through the town of Versoix, but is hidden away from the busy shops, along the river and into the woods!
- And the final Walk 18 from Vesenaz to Hermance was a real discovery for me, views across the lake to the Jura and a peaceful stroll along the Hermance river in the Geneva countryside!
I’d love to know my readers’ favourites!
What are clients saying about your book?
“Finally, a book with a step by step guide to beautiful walks in La Côte and beyond! I can’t wait to do them all!” – Jonathan Morris
“I’ve discovered so many great walks with guide, despite living in the region for decades! I love that they join up so I can do a short walk when I don’t have time, or join several walks when I’m feeling energetic!” – Sarah Kemp
“What a find! With two young children, I don’t have time to go on an all day hike, so I’m so happy to find a book with lots of walks in the region that I can do in a couple of hours, and maybe even get the kids to come along too!” – Anne Rochat
Lindsey is kindly offering one of our readers the chance to win a signed copy of Border to Border: A guide to walking the length of the Lac Léman (value Fr. 18.90). Delivery to a Swiss address only.
Fill out this form and answer this multiple choice question: What is the name of the book that Lindsey worked on with Lisa?
Only one entry per person and per email is allowed. Competition closes at midnight on Thursday, 12 December 2024. The names of all those submitting correct answers will be placed into the digital hat and the winner’s name drawn at random by Friday, 13 December 2024. No cash equivalent of prizes is permitted. The winner will be notified by email.
Anything else you think our readers would like to know.
I’m a bit of a history buff as well so I have to tell people about some of the historic sites they can see along the way: the Chateau de Chillon that was built in the 11th Century; the Toblerones, a line of anti-tank defensive fortifications built during World War Two; the Chateau de Penthes from the 1700s and its beautiful park! And, of course there are many museums you can visit along the way: the Swiss National Museum at the Chateau de Prangins, the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, and the Charlie Chaplin Museum in Vevey, are just some examples!
Where to get hold of your copy
For the moment, you can direct message (DM) Lindsey directly on Instagram at this link. As bookshops start selling the book, we will publish the other outlets here.
Border to Border: A guide to walking the length of the Lac Léman (on the Swiss side)
By Lindsey Williamson
Published December 2024
CHF 18.90
Format: A5, includes maps and color photographs
49 pages, 18 walks
ISBN English version: 978-2-8399-4461-8
