Starting from Zermatt we took the low level route to Zmutt, and then the path along the valley past Kalbermatten. Soon the path goes up steeply by the side of a waterfall, and shortly after this the path divides - do not continue up the valley this path will lead up to the Schonbiel Hut. Take the path ascending to the Hohbalmen (2750m).
There are superb views from this section of the Matterhorn north face and the Dent d'Herens. The path then continues around the mountainside until Trift, and the surrounding mountains come into view. This is a magnificent view, continue along this path descending to the Trift Hotel(2327m).
Again we stopped here and had a small beer and some pineapple cake. Please use this hut if you can, it is privately owned and it provides a very welcoming refreshment point in a marvellous setting. The hut owner told us about another path down to Zermatt rather than the Trift gorge path. We took his advice and took the Schweifinen path - this is a longer way down taking just over two hours. It was a lovely sunny afternoon and we didn't see another person until we approached close to Zermatt.
The crowded main street of Zermatt is a shock, but a few yards on the other side and it quietens down. I'm convinced many of the day trippers do not stray much beyond the main street.
