Flintsbach Philosopher's Path, Hohe Asten and Petersberg Round-trip SJB

The hike starts from the Cafe Schickschnack two minutes walk from Flintsbach Bahnhof, where we stopped for coffee before setting off. It is based on the Komoot trail https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/415740 but joining the loop at a different point.

We began by going through the village and along a flat gravel track to the start of the Philosopher's path. This is a steeply rising forest path alongside waterfalls and a couple of caves. The path was nominally closed for refurbishment, but we took it anyway (the closed section is from 2.7 to 4.7km through the walk). The fencing is rickety and there are some blown down trees across the path.

The path emerges onto a gravel track that climbs steadily through the forest going in a loop. We followed this until it reached its highest point and then took a side detour that continues to climb up the mountain to Hohe Asten, where we had coffee and cake. This is a wonderful Berggasthof that makes their own cakes including using milk from their own cows. There is a view over the valley and an Oompah Band was playing as we ate. Combined with not too many people being there, it felt like a slice of paradise. The Berggasthof isn't the peak, just a high level flat area. The peak at Rehleitenkopf is a further couple of km trek and a 200m climb, but we decided not to do that.

We returned to the main track and followed it, now going downhill, as it loops round through the forest towards Petersberg. There is a track on the right going up to Petersberg which we then took. This is an impressive church on the top of the hill, visible from the village below. There is a Berggasthaus here where we had another drink. Coming down from Petersberg we took a steep, narrow mountain path down to the main track. Steps have been cut in the rock to make it navigable and there is a steel cable to use for additional stability. We could have equally come down on the track we went up on. Finally, we continued on the track as it loops round and back down to the village. The trek ends at the Bahnhof.

Olga and I rate this as one of the best treks we have done this year.