After an early flight and sleepless night for many, we had some free time to sleep, unpack and find lunch.

We met at 3.30 for a leisurely 2 hour walk which took us around the town and into the surrounding meadows. On the way back we stopped at the Zur Post Hotel to sample the first of many beers and a first experience of local yodelling.

We all ate together at the Café Neuhaus and agreed the food was great. The weather had improved and we ate outside under the trees.

Both groups took the bus out of Berchtesgaden for a walk back via the Maximiliansreitweg. The low intermediate group went further and took detour up to the café at Kastenstein for great views, welcome cooling drinks and sighting of squirrels.

Both groups tried the first Kneipp Anlage - restoring circulation to your feet by dipping in cold water.

We all stopped at the swimming lake at Aschauerweihbad for a pleasant hour and lunch.

The gentle group walked back via the ski-jump and watched in wonder as some kids launched themselves off the full size jump. The weather was hot and building to a storm but held off whilst we were walking.

We all met for a drink in the evening at the Hotel Post and some went to brave the Alpenhorn concert which was cancelled due to the rain. The yodelling would have to do.

Today both groups walked from the hotel up through woods and beside a stream to the Maria Gern church.

Both here and on the way we sighted buzzards, lizards and dippers.

The low intermediate group continued uphill to the viewpoint at Marxenhohe for lunch and a circuit back down to Maria Gern.

On return some folk went off shopping and others to the Watzmann Therme (swimming/spa complex). A welcome thunderstorm in the night brought some relief as it had been very warm.

Both groups set off together on the riverside path towards the Almsbachklamm Gorge.

At the Kugelmühle (marble mill) we parted company and set off up the gorge via it's many steps and bridges.

The gentle group got most of the way up then came back down to the café and large ice creams!

The intermediate group continued up and out of the gorge to Dürlehen, with reputedly the best apple strudel in the area. We decided not to wait for the bus but to walk all the way back.

A day off from organised walking. The only problem seemed to be choosing what to do from the many options! The most popular choices were going to Salzburg for Mozart, music, culture and Sound of Music things or the trip up to the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest). Some just took it easy and had a quiet day on their own.

Today we took the bus down to the Königsee and had a peaceful trip across the lake in the electric boats (apart from the Flugelhorn rendition by the Echowall).

Both groups got off at St. Bartholomä - the gentle group doing a short circuit and the low intermediate group going up to the Eiskappelle, a cone of permanent snow lying under the impressive east wall of Watzmann.

After lunch at the Eiskapelle, the low intermediate group then took the boat back to Salet to walk to the lovely Obersee.

Both groups met up at Fischunkelalm to laze in the shade by the lake.

There was a swim for several brave souls with Sue copying the man in lederhosen.

Today was sadly our last walking day. The gentle group did the Soleitungsweg, an almost level path which contours the mountain side and gives fantastic views to the Schärtenspitze and Watzmann peaks.

The alternative sun and shade were welcome on a hot day as was the homemade plum cake at Gerstreit.

We stopped at Soldenkopf for a great lunchtime view over Berchtesgaden.

Then it was back down to Ramsau with its picturesque church, breathing in of brine, very cold dipping of feet in the Kneipp Anlage or coffee.

The low intermediate group meanwhile had walked to Halsalm, beside Hintersee then up through the woods and meadows.

They took it steady, walking up through the meadows to the hut at Halsalm. This high alpine pasture gives fabulous views and there is, of course a little farm house selling milk and butter.

From here they could look back down to the valley below.

They stopped at Halsalm hut - where Sue had a schnapps - before lunch! From here they walked back down through the woods to the valley.

Both groups met up on the bus back to Berchtesgaden. We had great homemade cakes back down at Hintersee especially the plum cake.

In the evening we all went out together for a final dinner to the restaurant in the Kurhaus gardens.

The next morning after an early breakfast our coach took us back to Saltzburg Airport for our flights home - and hugs goodbye.