We discovered this run in December of 2016 when Switzerland recorded exactly no precipitation for the month. With some old November snow still lingering in the higher mountains, the Gantrisch was low enough for it to still be runnable. Meanwhile, Janine was starting to research trail running tours for our book, this seemed to be a candidate. On a foggy December day in Interlaken, we decided to give it a go.

The beauty of being in the pre-Alps is the view of the Alps proper, and from here you'll see much of the Berner Oberland. But it's not the only advantage, the terrain is also a bit more friendly for runners to open it up without such extreme climbs. And this is what you'll do for the next 7km as you make your way off the Gantrisch and east to the Oberi Walalp. Once there, a quick 100 meter climb gains the Walalpgrat which you'll follow, steeply at times, to the Homad peak and descent back to the start.

Looking for a similar run? Try the Sigriswilgrat, also in the Bern region.