Woken at 5:15 by birds singing. We had an early start in clearing mist after a skilfully prepared big breakfast.

Despite at least four different navigation aids after one kilometre we had taken the wrong path which meant we made contact with/took evasive action to avoid a German patrol of tree fellers (although there was actually only one) up into the bracken while the mechanical log thrower passed below us and we were able to continue on our mission …… to the lake.

Sankenbachsee was beautiful in the sunshine. Then a stiff climb to the spectacular Sankenbach Wasserfall and up further to crest the ridge between the two valleys. By 10:30 the rain had arrived, mostly drizzle, occasionally in torrents. Rose, muttering, “there is no bad weather just bad clothing” but looking like a soggy lettuce with less shelf life than Liz Truss, looked in envy as I dressed for dinner in my Goretex evening wear, looking quite the Pierce Brosnan, albeit with twice the body fat percentage.

In the middle of the woods we found a scene from the Brothers Grimm as a witch tried to entice John Rose into her gingerbread house, closely followed by a wooden menagerie of forest folk, including a Hare, which was was naked on account of a local shortage of Haredressers.

A treacherous descent followed down a slippery steep slope, made even more troublesome by the fact it had turned into a babbling mountain stream. Feeling relieved as we reached the bottom we sheltered in the Elbachseehutte to consume Pierce Brosnan’s body weight in ham and cheese sandwiches, boiled eggs and doughnuts.

A final meander alongside the river Ellbach through alpine meadows brought us to the village of Mitteltal where for the first time ever on one of our wanders we experienced the rejuvenating effects of a steam room, jacuzzi and swimming pool. Happily the family Singh who run our hotel prepared a delicious curry for tea

And here is the route