Irchel: Circular hike with sun and shade on the Irchel between the Töss valley and the wine region

The pedestrian bridge over the Töss leads to the steep ascent on the southeast slope of the Irchel. Varied along small vineyards and wooded areas and over meadows with fruit trees, we climb in the morning sun to the hamlets Mittler- and Oberhueb, with views of Neftenbach and parts of Winterthur. The forest road through the Huebholz passes the Hangried Breitmatt to the Irchelebni. On its northern edge, at the Heerenbänkli rest area, stands the lookout tower, which offers views over the wine region to the Cholfirst and Randen. Back over the wooded plateau, this time towards Dättlikon, we reach the descent path. The slope hollow becomes narrower and steeper in the Lochhalden. Further down the ravine opens, and the forest is loosened by clearings. Above the village of Dättlikon, we turn left into the vineyard. On the steep sunny slope, the path now runs eastwards with a slight incline. Below, we see the Töss and two streams, all canalized, with artificial lakes in the formerly swampy valley floor in between, behind which lies the village of Pfungen. At the valley estate, our panorama path merges with another that looks familiar to us…