Tour of Mt Blanc

One of the world's most famous walks - and over-popular at times as a result - the TMB circles the huge (25km long), impenetrable heavily eroded granite mass that is Mont Blanc, complete with western Europe's highest mountain (at 4,810m-15,781ft) and a bristling regement of spear-like peaks and spires, ice fields, glaciers (40 of them, apparently) in their deeply gouged clefts and canyons, meadows and streams.

Much of the TMB is on lovely (and always well marked) paths, often hugging coutours, with some stiff climbs and descents in between, with six or more high passes to cross and 7 deep main valleys. The circuit can take up to 11 days, although most people complete it in 7 or 8. Not all of the TMB is remote, though - it meanders though fully occupied, almost suburban, farmland in places. You will pass though three countries en route, and sample their differing approaches to life in their valleys and villages. Throughout, your world will be dominated by the great white mountain and its satellites, and the drama of their cliffs and famously jagged spires. One of the finest sections - and a personal favourite - is the Grand Balcon Sud, a lengthy traverse of the south-eastern flanks of the Aiguilles Rouges with extraordinary views into the heart of the Mt Blanc mass, especially from the rightly but sadly popular Lac Blanc with its refuge perched by a small, pale lake, which looks straight up the enormous Mer de Glace glacier. (A bit of a shame about urban Chamonix far below, but you can blot it out.)

Animal life includes chamois, which are surprisingly unfazed until you think about how many harmless idiots they meet. You will pass through some forest and meadow, but much of the trail is on hillsides which are bright with wild flowers and azaleas at the right time.

Crowding at peak times is the price you pay for all that renown, so don't expect to be alone at high season; you will need to book space in refuges well ahead, although you can drop down to villages and towns for a civilized break in various places.

You can start anywhere, although Chamonix (and nearly Les Houches in particular) are the commonest starting points, not least because they have cable cars to get you out of the deep valley. Most people walk the TMB anti-clockwise, ending with a pop up the Acquilles Rouges peak of Le Brevant for a final mind-blow of beauty and scenic glamour.

See our Mont Blanc Area page for more general information.

We have a lot of helpful practical information and tips about this walk, covering everything from the best books and maps, to timing and weather, geting there, possible problems, whether you need a guide and where to find them, and useful websites. This section is only open to members.

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