Peak Perfection in Scenic Switzerland
Travel writer Chris Page joins us this month to share his experience of a recent visit to Vaud, Switzerland.
I've always believed Switzerland’s true wealth isn't confined to Brünig Pass bankers' bunkers, with the nation's breathtaking landscapes and cultural quality proving even richer still. 
Our route aboard panoramic trains, commanding cable cars and hillside-hugging buses saw us stay two nights each at Rougemont and Les Diablerets. Exciting excursions included Château-d'Œx - Sixties home of Brit Hollywood giant David Niven - heritage site Aigle, ski lovers' mecca Bex and mountain pass Col-du-Pillon.
The three-day exploration took us 3,000 metres above Heidi-style chalets, crystal lakes and verdant valleys beneath snow-capped peaks.
Day 1
Hôtel de Commune (the heart and ‘house full of soul' in Rougemont) was our age-old accommodation, dating back to 1833. Rustic charm met comforting cuisine, courtesy of chef Michaël Burri, whose culinary skills were passed down from his grandmother, with delicious dishes previously enjoyed by Montreux Jazz Festival stars.
Rougemont is hailed as the ‘most beautiful village ', where, almost half a century before our arrival, Diana Spencer attended finishing school. Taking its name from red rock outcrops, the authentic architectural heritage includes ancient homes over 400 years old, displaying engravings and inscriptions that tell tales of times past.
As a Produits Authentiques ambassador, Le Chalet restaurant stages an incredible wood-fired cheese demonstration right in the dining room - transforming 200 litres of organic milk into a massive 20-kilo wheel of cheese.
Maison de l'Etivaz, meanwhile, produces Protected Designation of Origin cheese made from the milk of 3,000 cows that graze on nearby herb pastures, which is then heated in wood-fired boilers. Cooperative for almost a century, the cellars now accommodate 30,000 wheels.
Day 2
We turned back time to tread the Château d'Aigle's floors, once walked by Knights of the Eagle, Compey-Thorens nobles, and Bernese governors, and, as recently as 1972, by prison inmates within the castle's grounds.
Cave Alain Emery's immersive wine experience featured the owner-guide's good-natured narrative, embodying five generations of Aigle terrace traditions and terroir, and was equally engaging for wine lovers and those who don't know a Gamay from a Grand Cru.
Any tourist worth their salt would want to visit the Mines de Sel de Bex living museum (the oldest active salt mine in the country). Boarding underground trains, we explored over 50 kilometres of tunnels mined since 1684 that today yield 30,000 tons of ‘white gold’ annually.
At Hotel Du Pillon, whose expansive terrace stands proud above the hamlet of Les Bovets, the ‘just like at home and even better’ mission statement rang true. Francis Barlier, a Parisian art dealer and gallerist who bought the neglected property in 2007, has furnished the hotel with snowscape paintings and antiquarian artefacts, including an automaton bear that turns guests' heads as easily as its own.
Day 3
Arguably saving the best until last, Peak Walk by Tissot at Glacier 3000 proved a literal high point. The world's only suspension bridge linking twin peaks, connecting the Valais and Vaud Alps, offered views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc - across a 107-metre-long, 80-centimetre-wide, sky-high trek.
A kilometre-long Alpine Coaster further heightened excitement; the world's highest rail toboggan run. With 520-degree circles, ten curves, six waves and three jumps, it is ideal for altitude adrenaline junkies. 
Les Diablerets Rando-Raclette kit is the ultimate dream for food lovers who want to experience the Swiss Alps without compromising on a hot, cheesy meal. Hiking through the Creux de Champs nature reserve in the Ormonts Valley with a backpack full of artisan bread, local Ormonts craft beers, savoury apéro sausage, and a portable burner perfectly captures the spirit of being a "gourmet on the go."
The devil was in the detail at La Potinière in Les Diablerets, where fresh fish vie for gastronomists' attention alongside carnivores' choice of meats, and vegetarians' creamy cauliflower risotto. MasterChef top-100 finalist and head chef Giorgio Galati learned Mediterranean cooking methods from his Italian mother.
Our autumnal Alpine adventures confirmed tourism chiefs' invitation that ‘October's ripe for the picking'. However, paraphrasing Robert Bolt's historical play, I returned to the UK with the firm opinion that Switzerland, in general (and Vaud, in particular), is very much ‘a land for all seasons'.
Fast Flights
Swiss International Air Lines connects the UK with Switzerland within two hours, offering 160-plus weekly direct flights from Manchester, London Heathrow, London City, Birmingham and Edinburgh to Zurich or Geneva. One-way fares start from £76 to Zurich and £54 to Geneva, including all taxes, fees, surcharges, one checked case weighing up to 23kg, and an additional piece of hand luggage. SWISS will transport your first set of ski or snowboard equipment and boots free of charge, in addition to the standard free baggage allowance, subject to availability (excluding hand luggage-only fares). Visit the swiss.com site.
Pass Class
Travel Switzerland’s Swiss Travel Pass offers UK visitors unlimited travel on consecutive days across rail, bus, and boat networks, plus scenic routes (seat reservation fees apply), as well as local trams and buses in as many as 90 towns and cities. This also includes the Swiss Museum Pass, granting free entry to 500 museums and exhibitions. Prices start from £254 for a three-day second-class ticket. Visit swisstravelpass.com.