Sunday 14 September 2025 - Fort Claudia and Highline 179

Today the sheep were being moved from summer to winter quarters. On the way they were being sheared in a park just up the road from our hotel. We watched the shearing for a while.

It was 12:40 by the time we caught a bus to Heiterwang.

Sue and I joined an experimental (for Collett's) walk with Gill, George, Kate and Fiona. It started up a gravel track.

After about 3km, following a steep descent through mixed woodland strewn with slippery roots, we enjoyed good views before reaching the preserved remains of some ancient barracks. 

Looking down, we could see the remains of two castles. 

We spent some time at the barracks, poised above the two ruined castles.

Someone consulted a watch. 3:15, time for lunch!

After that we continued our descent to Highline 179, which turns out to be a 409 metre suspension bridge over road number 179, 114 metres below. 

Those of us who suffer from vertigo found this quite challenging, despite the sturdiness of the bridge, which is apparently the longest Tibetan style bridge for miles around. It cost us €10 cash to get across. Sue and I recall driving underneath it.

A more substantial castle (mostly ruined) greeted us on the other side of the gorge. We briefly looked around this before somebody realised the time - getting on for 4pm, and we hoped to catch the 16:34 bus from several kilometres away. There wasn't time to explore the third set of remains, accessed by a funicular railway. 

We hastened, as best we could, back across the bridge and down another steep, rooty path that emerged at an underpass below the main road before continuing along an uphill gravel track. 

No prisoners were taken. Anyone who fell behind due to a call of nature had to run to catch up.

Thankfully we arrived at the bus stop just in time and the spa lovers were able to indulge in their passion back at the hotel before enjoying another tasty repast.

Here's our route - about 9km with 330 metres ascent. Given the distractions of the bridge and the castles a full day could be allowed for this walk.

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