Published: 14 Jan 2016 Reprinted: 16 Oct 2018 Edition: Third Pages: 288 Size:
17.2 x 11.6 x 1.6cm Weight: 320g 50 day walks and 4 multi-day treks The 54 walks
in this guidebook explore the popular region around Mont Blanc(4808m), the
highest mountain in Western Europe, showcasing the very best routes on both the
French and the Italian sides of the massif. Includes 50 great day walks ? from 3
to 20 kilometres ? and 4 multi-day treks, taking in a variety of terrain
including valley footpaths, airy ridges and via ferratas. Walks are organised
according to the nearest town base: St Gervais les Bains and Les Contamines,
Servoz and Plateau D'Assy, Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentičre and Courmayeur. The
multi-day treks are Vallorcine to Plaine Joux, the Tour des Aiguilles Rouges,
Vallorcine to Servoz and a circuit of the Italian Val Ferret. Walks are Graded 1
to 3: grade 1 walks are manageable by any reasonably fit person on good, usually
waymarked paths, while grade 3 routes are long, tough routes, often without
waymarking, making navigation difficult: there could also be some scrambling.
Additionally there is often a valley walk that can be done whatever the weather,
or on rest days, with children, by bike, or as a run. All routes feature a
detailed route description and mapping and are illustrated with spectacular
photography. The major centres of Chamonix and Courmayeur are often busy with
holidaymakers and associated industries: cafés, accommodation, and lifts and
signposts... but these valleys have walks equal to anywhere for their views,
terrain and variety, with their sublime glaciers plunging towards the valleys,
high snowy summits glinting in the sun, flower-bedecked slopes and rocky trails.
Be it spring, summer or autumn, the sheer beauty and range of the walking here
will satisfy any hiker ? and there are plenty of facilities for the end of the
day.