Six
ladders, up to ten feet high, ropes and
several types of aid along the way suggest a
sportsman, or at least the kind of person that
has no fear of heights and walks with unfaltering
steps.
However, the path is quite level over long
stretches so that there is ample time to relax
and enjoy the scenery. Basically the path takes
you over the rocks and across the typical
terraced hillside winegrowing plots. Sometimes
you can even observe the winegrowers at their
labour. Time and again steep rock masses have to
be crossed. They border the small but sheer dips
(Kaulen) where the terraced vineyards
were laid out.
The Calmont is a huge parabola
directed towards the south so that on
sunny days it can get quite hot. Nor is there
much in the way of shade so a supply of drinking
water along the way is essential.
This is one of the most interesting parts of
the Moselle Valley and there is quite a lot to
see. Although physically strenuous the walk
provides superb vistas and valleys full of
variety.
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Beyond the valley there is the ruined minster church
of Stuben and on the
Petersberg opposite a chapel that
goes by the same name. In summer you can swim
and sunbathe at the beach near the ruin. Big
inland barges come round the sharp bend in the
narrow valley. Those interested in flora and
fauna will find here a remarkable niche
characterized by summer heat and drought. The box
tree (Buxus) is the typical plant in the Calmont.
Its intense scent pervades the air all along the
way.
In June the Apollo butterfly
flutters about and if you are patient -and lucky-
you can spot the emerald lizard, the biggest
endemic one in these parts.
You can start the walk either in Eller or in
Bremm. In Eller you take the road to Bremm until
you come to a railway bridge. You start off on
the small path below the bridge. It goes up the
hillside. Near the box tree hut on the
Galgenlay you turn left along a
pathway leading you halfway the Moselle Valley
slope through the vineyards.In Bremm you start off above the parish church
taking the Weinbergsweg all the way,
then going down the steps leading to the path.
The Calmont walk is part of a footpath network
linking the villages of Bremm, Ediger-Eller and
Neef. There are railway stations in Eller and
Neef. Boats can moor at Ediger-Eller. In all
three villages mentioned accommodation is
reasonably priced and there is no lack of caf s, pubs or restaurants.
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