Start climbing and walk along the watercourse from Crans-Montana to Anzère

As the central link in the region, the Bisse du Ro is ideally located and easily accessible from both sides, offering a wide variety of routes within the small valley of Ertentse and towards Lake Grenon or the Rawyl Dam.

In the Middle Ages, this canal built on the side of the rock was used to carry water to crops. The route, which is now perfectly secured, was carved into the rock during the first half of the 15th century. A true source of life, it was maintained with care by the villagers until 1946, when a water-supply tunnel was brought into use.

The Bisse du Ro is a construction with a length of around 5.5 km.

You will discover all of this as you follow the path.

The stream has now been replaced by a tunnel, which was constructed to counteract the notorious difficulties involved in maintaining its flow.

The hike

Even though the route is often impressive, there are not very many dangerous spots in the first few kilometres of the hike. From point 1598 onwards, it is strongly recommended that you exercise caution. After 500 metres, you leave the Rière Valley and enter the unspoilt Ertentse Valley.

It is on this wild, rugged and untouched mountain that we are able to grasp how our ancestors struggled throughout their lives to find water for survival.

Even though the Ertentse Valley is now more accessible via Ayent and Tseuzier, it is a place that still elicits strong emotions in the local residents, harking back to the work done by the people who once lived in the area.

This particular stream can be experienced on both the outward and the return journey, which means that you can follow it for some way and then retrace your steps. On your way back, you’re sure to discover things that you didn’t notice the first time around.

Please note

We do not recommend carrying babies in a back carrier, because you will frequently have to duck in order to avoid the rock faces along the route.

We also ask you to keep your dogs on a lead.