The Tour of Mont Blanc (TMB) is a full circuit of the Mont Blanc massif; and is a journey of about 170km with an accumulated height gain and loss of around 10.000m. It takes the walker out of France into Italy, Switzerland, then back into France and takes about 11 days to complete. We followed the route anti-clockwise starting in the village of Les Houches 7km down valley from Chamonix. Well, how do I describe the adventures of 11 days in such a short space? Anyway, here goes.

We found the first few days of the walk very tough, but then we settled into a routine, the aches and pains worked there way out and things seemed to get easier. Every morning we rose at 6.30am had breakfast at 7am and were on the trail by 8am. Even when the walking day was short we kept to this routine, so on a few occasions we arrived at our destination in the early afternoon. This left plenty of time for essential chores such as washing clothes, relaxing in the sun, drinking cold beer and so on.

Our accommodation on the tour was a mixture of refuges (mountain huts) hostels and small hotels. All of these provided similar facilities that is, dinner (usually very good) bed in a dormitory or private room and a continental breakfast. Most places also did packed lunches.

Each day brought different terrain and views, all of them impressive in their own way. But the walk from Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti on day six, stands out as a highlight of the tour. From Courmayeur we climbed steeply through forest to Rifugio Giorgio Bartone (1970m) where we had a short rest, from here the climb continued to the grassy crest of Mont de la Saxe. From here, and all the way along the crest of the ridge there are fabulous views of the south side of Mont Blanc. We could see right back to Col de la Seigni which we had crossed on day three, and the Grand Col Ferret, yet to be crossed. We reached the high point of the walk at 2584m and enjoyed the view one more time before descending steeply to Col Sapin (2436m). It was a long day and we were glad to reach Rifugio Bonatti, a comfortable friendly place with more great views and even better food, probably the best we had on the TMB.

Tom Kenny with Mt Sato in the background

Another memorable day was day nine, when we crossed from Switzerland back into France over Col de Balme (2191m). Mont Blanc had been out of view since leaving Rifugio Bonatti on the morning of day five. But as we got close to the top of the Col the beautiful white dome of Mont Blanc began to peep up from behind. The view from Col de Balme was fantastic and we spent a long time enjoying it and taking photographs. Our route to Tré-le-Champ (our destination for the night) took us over the rocky ridge of Aiguillette des Posettes. All the way along we had views of Mont Blanc and the various glaciers sweeping down to the Chamonix valley, plus mountains stretching as far as the eye could see. This was the last of the really clear days. The next day, although still hot and sunny was hazy, and cloud had started to gather over the high peaks.

That night the weather broke with a thunderous bang and the following morning, (our last day) the weather didn’t look very promising. About an hour into the walk it began to rain, then thunder and lightning started and the rain got heavier. We decided to descend to Chamonix shortly after reaching Plan Praz (2000m). The path down was through thick forest, not the place to be in lightning! Thankfully, we made it down in one piece. This was our first visit to the Alps and I hope there will be more in the future.

36630 OT Chamonix, Massif du Mont Blanc.

Saturday December 6^th 2003

* Bus at Burgh Quay @ 9.30 am.
* Arrive at hostel (c.10.30am).
* Walk in Glendalough area
* Soup in hostel after end of hike
* Christmas dinner in the ‘Wicklow Heather’, Laragh.
* Raffle and presentations.
* P A R T Y !!!

Sunday December 7^th 2003

* Walk (or relax or suffer)
* Bus home after walk.

€ 55, Bus, Hostel Overnight, & Party Dinner (Burgh Quay at 9.30am).
€ 45, Hostel Overnight & Party Dinner (make your own way).