Description

This scenic circuit loops around the turquoise waters of the Lac de Moiry - not at the level of the lake, but a couple of hundred metres higher up, at an altitude of roughly 2,500 m.

Hikers may encounter various different names for the trail including "Tour du Lac 2500", "Haut Tour du Lac" and "Chemin 2500". At the far end of the lake, the trail drops down to cross the river La Gougra, which feeds the reservoir - and which is in turn fed by the Glacier de Moiry higher up the valley.

The path snakes past the glacial lake of Lac de Châteaupré before scaling an impressive glacial moraine to return to the 2,500-metre level - this time on the western side of the valley. The start and finish point of the circuit is the crest of the Moiry dam.

The reservoir it has created also collects water from neighbouring valleys via a network of tunnels before channelling it down to the Rhône valley, 1,722 vertical metres below.

On the way the water passes through three hydroelectric power stations, which produce enough electricity to meet the annual needs of more than 120,000 homes. Visitors can join guided tours of the interior of the dam with its network of tunnels through the concrete and rock.

Close to the crest, the dam restaurant has a large sunny terrace looking out over the lake.

Climbing enthusiasts can tackle the via ferrata (fixed-cable climb) that scales the cliffs just below the dam, revealing dramatic views of the lower valley and the arched curtain of concrete, 148 m high. NB.

Tours of the Moiry dam are free with the Pass Anniviers Liberté, which also covers gondola, funicular and cable car rides, sports facilities, guided tours of the Mottec hydro plant, St-Luc observatory and Zinal copper mine and travel on postal buses. *Highlights* # Panoramic high trail through a dramatic alpine landscape sculpted by glaciers # * Moiry dam - guided visits, restaurant with sun terrace, via ferrata equipment #We recommend # * * good footwear * clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket * hat or cap * sunscreen * bottle for water * picnic * camera * binoculars (optional) * hiking poles (optional) * printout of this hike (click "Print" icon, to download) # For certain walks # * Swimwear