Today is an iconic celebration for Switzerland as it marks the 150th anniversary of the first ascent of one of Europe's most famous mountains, the Matterhorn. At 1.40pm today (Tuesday 14th July) it will be exactly 150 years to the minute since Edward Whymper reached its peak. The Briton, together with six other roped members of the team, reached the top across the Hoernli Ridge, the most popular route to the summit.

The Matterhorn is not the highest peak in the Swiss Alps, nor even in this valley. But it stands alone and is almost a perfect pyramidal peak whose summit is 4,478m. It's a mountain of sheer beauty and you can see it on eight of our trek and walk holidays.  

Whymper is also famous for making the first ascent of Chimborazo in Ecuador who's summit is the furthest point on the planet from the earth's centre. Chimborazo is one of the peaks on our Ecuador's Volcano Triple Crown climbing holiday.