This was my first hiking holiday with Exodus. It won't be my last. I chose camping as I... Viv Marais, 2017 See more reviews
Fantastic trip, amazing views, campsites, group, leader( John B) and camp manager (Egle). The... Becky wilson, 2017 See more reviews
I would highly recommend this trip if you are considering a trekking holiday. The views of the... Balbinder Sidhu, 2017 See more reviews
Camping and walking trip around Mt Blanc. Beautiful scenery, a great group of people and our... Anne Stewart, 2017 See more reviews
Well organised trek through France, Switzerland and Italy. Stunning views and good quality... Paul Bacon, 2017 See more reviews
Have recently returned from the Tour of Mont Blanc camping trek - led by John Briggs. The trek... Sue Wilson, 2017 See more reviews
How's that for a title, and when in life can you say that about anything? But yes, indeed,... N Lui, 2017 See more reviews
This trip is a great way to see the Alps as you circumnavigate Mont Blanc. Along the way the peak... Nat Black, 2017 See more reviews
This was a very well organised trip and the views through the whole trek were absolutely amazing.... Christine Miller, 2016 See more reviews
Just back from a fantastic trek of the Mont Blanc region (Late August - Early September). The... James Longcroft, 2016 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Fly to Geneva; transfer to campsite at Les Bossons, near Chamonix. On arrival to Geneva airport we take a bus transfer to our start point just outside Chamonix, France (approx 1hr 15 transfer time). Wonderful views from the campsite of Mont Blanc and the dramatic crevassed Glacier des Bossons, especially at sunset. Those not flying with the group join us at the campsite in the afternoon. In the evening there is an introductory briefing by the trek crew. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 From Chamonix the route heads past Lac Blanc to Les Frasserands. From Les Bossons (1012m – 3320ft) we have a short bus journey to Chamonix from where we walk to Les Praz and take the téléférique to La Flégère (1,900m – 6230ft). The trail today is named the 'Grand Balcon' and is on the opposite side of the valley from Mont Blanc, affording excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. Initially we contour and then climb to reach the high point of the day, Lac Blanc (2352m - 7715ft). The trail descends and then contours high above the valley before dropping steeply to the hamlet of Les Frasserands (1371m - 4500ft). In the afternoon there is a very short section of ladders/steep steps with handrails to descend.8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 500m - 1670ft up, 1000m – 3280ft down Campsite: Camping Pierre Semard, Les Frasserands Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Cross over Col de Balme to Switzerland and camp at Trient. We begin by climbing steeply to the Aiguillette de Posettes (2201m – 7200ft), descend a little and then ascend towards the Col de Balme (2,191m – 7190ft) where we follow one of the paths across the border from France to Switzerland. Excellent views all morning of Aiguille d'Argentière and Aiguille du Tour and its glacier. After lunch we descend to the small hamlet of Trient (1296m – 4250ft). Good views of the Trient Glacier. 7.5 hours walking. 970m – 3200ft up, 1060m – 3466ft Campsite: Basic Camping, near Trient Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Cross Col de la Forclaz to Champex. We climb first to the Col de Forclaz (1527m – 5010ft) and then onwards from where we can look directly down into the Rhône Valley and the Swiss town of Martigny. We follow a historic path used to take the cows to summer grazing, the 'Bovine route' (2049m – 6720ft) that takes us through meadows and high alpine pastures before descending to the charming town of Champex (1486m – 4880ft) set beside a picturesque alpine lake. 7 hours walking. 920m – 3017ft up, 720m – 3261ft down Campsite: Camping Les Rocailles, Champex Lac Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Head up Val Ferret to La Fouly. Now on the east side of the main Mont Blanc massif we walk south, descending through woods to the Val Ferret and on to Issert (1,055m – 3460ft) and other pretty alpine farming villages. This is also quite a good day for flowers earlier in the season, including orchids. We continue up the valley to the remote village of La Fouly (1600m - 5250ft) which lies at the foot of Mont Dolent, whose summit marks the meeting point of France, Switzerland and Italy. 6 hours walking, 440m – 1450ft down, 540m – 1780ft up Campsite: Camping les Glaciers, La Fouly Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Climb to Grand Col Ferret, the highest pass of the trek. Still following the same valley and the river 'La Drance', we climb to the 'Grand Col Ferret' (2537m – 8320ft), the highest pass of the tour. Now in Italy, the valley is also called 'Val Ferret'. The mountain views from the Col are stunning with Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. We walk down the valley to Arp Nouva (1,770m – 5800ft) where we then take an optional bus to Planpincieux (1,600m – 5250ft). For the first and last trip of the season the bus may not be running and we may need to walk to camp.7.5 hours walking. 970m - 3180ft up, 800m – 2600ft down. Campsite: Camping Grands Jorasses, Val Ferret Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Rest day. The nearby ex-spa towns of Courmayeur and Entrèves have picturesque older sections, which are worth a visit, especially for the keen photographer. There is a cable car from La Palud to Point Helbronner (3461m – 11350ft) and on across the glacier to the Aiguille du Midi (and in fact on down to Chamonix). This is a splendid (optional) excursion, which gives close-up views of all the big peaks. Campsite: Camping Grands Jorasses, Val Ferret Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Climb to Bonatti refuge and traverse high above the spectacular Ferret Valley around Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur and on to Val Veny. We start with a short bus ride to pick up the TMB and from the road (1675m – 5500ft ) climb up to the Bonatti refuge (2025m – 6640ft). Today we follow a beautiful contouring path around Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur. The views of the south Mont Blanc massif are exceptional as are those of the towering, peaks of the 'Grandes Jorasses' and the glaciers which crowd the northern flank of the Val Ferret. In the afternoon we have a long, steep descent to Courmayeur (1230m – 4030m) (superb ice creams!) from where we take a short bus ride into the spectacular Val Veny (1530m – 5020ft). 8 hours walking. 500m – 1640ft up, 900m 4400ft down Campsite: Camping Aiguille Noire, Val Veny Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 9 Re-enter France across Col de la Seigne and through La Ville des Glaciers to Les Chapieux. The trail climbs gently along the Val Veny beneath the moraine of the massive glacier du Miage and passes Lac Combal before the gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road across today's pass, the 'Col de la Seigne' (2516m – 8250ft), marking our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (1,789m – 5870ft) and finally to Les Chapieux (1553m – 5090ft), a small hamlet which is only inhabited in the summer months. This is one of the longer walking days. 8.5 hours walking. 990m – 3250ft up, 970m – 3180ft down Campsite: Basic Camping, Chapieux Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 10 Climb to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and contour around to Col du Bonhomme. We have now reached the southwest corner of the circuit and turn north to climb once again. Today is a longer day; first we make a steep climb to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2478m – 8130ft) and then contour around to the Col du Bonhomme (2328m – 7640ft). We then descend (again on a Roman road) to our campsite in Les Contamines (1180m - 5900ft). 8 hours walking. 930m – 3050ft up, 1375m – 4510ft Campsite: Camping le Pontet, Les Contamines Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 11 Rest day. There are short and long optional walks in the area. Time can be spent visiting the half-day market in Les Contamines, or you can simply relax around town or in camp and recharge your batteries for the days ahead. Campsite: Camping le Pontet, Les Contamines Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 12 Cross Col de Tricot and Col de Voza to re-enter Chamonix Valley and descend to village of Les Houches. Another long day; we walk through Les Contamines, ascend to Chalets du Truc (1720m – 5614ft) and then descend to the Chalets de Miage (1,560m – 4120ft). From here we take the trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (2119m – 6950ft) before descending very close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay where we will enjoy good views of the north side of the Mont Blanc massif. Eventually we make another short ascent to reach the Col de Voza (1652m – 5418ft) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley and descend to the village of Les Houches (dependent on the time of year there is optional cable car descent from Bellevue to Les Houches). A short bus ride takes us to our camp in Les Bossons (1,012m – 3320ft). 9 hours walking. 1200m – 3980ft up, 1370m – 4500ft down Campsite: Camping les Marmottes, Les Bossons Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 13 Probably best views of Mont Blanc today on the long ascent to Brevent; descend to Plan Praz. We cross to the north side of the Chamonix Valley and climb through pine forest. The high point of the day is Brevent (2525m – 8290ft) from where there are panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif and the Chamonix Valley. We walk down to Plan Praz (1970m - 6460ft) and then descend by cable car to Chamonix and then on to our camp at Les Bossons (1012m - 3320ft). It is possible to take the cable car descent from the top (dependent on the time of the season), this extra journey will be payble locally should you choose not to walk. Our last day on the TMB circuit is long with a tough climb of over 1500m but affords the best views of Mont Blanc and its neighbours of the whole trek. 7.5 hours walking. 1480m – 4850ft up, 520m – 1690ft down Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 14 Free day at Les Bossons. Free day at Les Bossons (near Chamonix). There are several good walks in the Chamonix Valley. Chamonix itself is also a great place to spend a day. The most popular excursion, weather depending, would be the spectacular ascent by cable car to the Aiguille du Midi or the Montenvers cog railway. Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 15 Transfer to Geneva; fly to London. For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the same day. Meals included: Breakfast
Camping You will spend 14 nights camping. This will mainly be at comfortable campsites with modern facilities, hot showers, electricity to recharge batteries etc. However you will have to camp at more basic sites on 2 occasions. Facilities at these basic camps are minimal with public toilets and cold running water only and no showers. Single tents available on request. Please note that the campsites listed in the trip notes can occassionally change from those stated.
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Reviewed September 2017 Viv Marais Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Team Tricot! This was my first hiking holiday with Exodus. It won't be my last. I chose camping as I wanted the total outdoor experience and I chose Mont Blanc because of its iconic beauty and it is just the right side of challenging! I wasn't disappointed. The two week trip is well planned and organised. There are several rest days which I didn't think I would need but were welcome and gave us a chance to explore the beautiful villages we passed through. There were 10 in my team - all ages from around the world - and I enjoyed getting to know every one of them. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were lots. Two that stand out are - the day the heavens opened and we had to negotiate the trickiest part of the hike through horizontal rain and mud but, working as a team, we got through it. The day we all climbed to the top of Cop Tricot in under an hour (I staggered in at 57 minutes) - a first for any of John's groups. We were so pleased with ourselves, we called our Whatsapp group "Team Tricot"! What did you think of your group leader? My trip wasn't just about the wonderful scenery and hiking. A large part of its success was the team spirit that we enjoyed and the friendships we made. This happened mainly because of our group leader, John Briggs. Through his wit and patience, he was able to bring us together and even when things got tough, he would have us laughing. He obviously loves his job and is full of knowledge and interesting facts which made the whole experience richer. He taught us the "Alpine Plod" which is a way of getting up the steep bits without slipping or tiring. I've since taught all my hiking friends! It wasn't just the days that were fun. He kept us entertained in the evenings with "Camp Karaoke" - we even have a team song! John was aided and abetted by the very capable Emily Scott. She was the camp cook but also quickly became a good friend. It is still a mystery to me how she was able to conjure up a delicious 3-course meal in the middle of nowhere on a gas stove. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I'm used to carrying everything I need on my back when I do overnight hikes, so I packed too lightly. As a result, I didnt have all the weather gear I needed - particular waterproof pants!. Emily drives the support vehicle each day to the next camp site with your tent and luggage and there's ample space. The weather can change in an instant and the tops of those mountains can be windy. So pack for every season. Is there anything else you would like to add? I would like to thank John and Emily and everyone in Team Tricot for one of the best hiking experiences. I miss our time together and wish I could do it all over again!
Reviewed September 2017 Becky wilson Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek TMB - Camping Trip Fantastic trip, amazing views, campsites, group, leader( John B) and camp manager (Egle). The trip runs like a well oiled machine allowing you to just relax and enjoy. The itinarary is well planned with prefectly timed rest days and varied but not too long or demanding walking days. This was my first organised holiday and I would highly recommend it to others. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Star gazing at Les Chapieux and the scenery every day. What did you think of your group leader? John B was great, his confidence and steady pace kept the group together and allowed everyone to relax and enjoy the trip. He understood the group and was responsive to individual peoples requirements, providing distractions, gentle encoragement or timely rest breaks when needed. Egle Camp Manager was also fantastic, she was always ready for us at the end of the day with a cup of tea, the tents put up, a smile and a fantastic three course meal cooked on two burners. Together, we couldn't have asked for better. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Bring walking poles the descents, especially the switch backs are pretty brutal on the knees. Is there anything else you would like to add? N/A
Reviewed September 2017 Balbinder Sidhu Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Fantastic Holiday!! I would highly recommend this trip if you are considering a trekking holiday. The views of the Alps from Switzerland, Italy and France were beautiful. The trek itself was hard but doable if you train ahead and it's far more enjoyable too. Camping was fun. Really helps to bond with the group. I'm glad I took this option over the Hotel version. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Climbing up the Cols and witnessing the magnificent views of the surrounding Alps was jaw dropping. A real motivation to plod along knowing you will be subjected to some beautiful views. The final day up to the Brevent was fabulous. Sat eating my lunch with the Mont Blanc Massif around me will remain in my memory for a long while. What did you think of your group leader? John was a terrific leader and team builder. He was so chilled and unregimented I strongly believe this attitude resonated down the group. It made us all feel relaxed and un-pressed to go marching forth. Instead he would pace us all at a leisurely comfortable way stopping quite often to share his knowledge on the surrounding environment. He would teach us how to trust our boots when walking and encourage us to take 5 smaller steps than to waste energy by lunging up one step with greater exertion. He would share local knowledge of flora and fauna. History of the mountainsides and even an impromptu berry tasting session. John was a brilliant teacher who clearly showed great enthusiasm and huge respect to the environment that he was show casing to the rest of us. John was almost host-like rather than our guide. Wonderful chap who made the tour far more enjoyable. You could truly trust he was looking after you. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Four seasons sleeping bag and comfortable mat for a good nights rest. Is there anything else you would like to add? Both John and Egle (camping support) really made the trip enjoyable. Egle's support was truly appreciated. Flask of hot water were on the ready after a long days trekking. Egle would have breakfast ready each morning and then all the delights placed out for us to make our endless bundles of sandwiches for lunch. Dinner on the campsite were three courses, plentiful and restaurant styled gourmet cuisine!! Unreal for camping. I strongly believe my holiday was a success as a direct result of having both John and Egle taking care of us. Thank you to you both!
Reviewed September 2017 Anne Stewart Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Mt Blanc Circuit - camping Camping and walking trip around Mt Blanc. Beautiful scenery, a great group of people and our guide - John and our camp manager Egle made everything extra special. Effort and speed of walking was very well managed. I don't think anyone felt that it required a major effort to keep up with the group but at the same time you knew that you had earned your meal at the end of the day! The ascents and descents bought a sense of achievement and of course always the reward of fantastic scenery. Each day provided different scenery and the always present mountains. It is truly an excellent trip - manageable but challenging walking with well paced days that had us covering appropriate distances, managing the ascents and descents but also time for coffee breaks, scenic lunch stops and afternoon tea breaks. The camping, tents, meals and facilities were all excellent and comfortable. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Our guide, John, on the first day, gave us some tips and the opportunity to practice some walking skills particularly on managing the steeper ascents and descents. This was inspirational as the new skills helped make the ascents and descents so much easier to manage and also less tiring, which meant more time to enjoy the scenery and take photos. I've always been slower on the descents but using John's techniques made the effort less stressful on feet, knees and ankles and descents became much more fun. The scenery, is of course, just outstanding. Each day provided many "awesome" moments. Our group, mostly individuals, also got on very well - sharing camp duties, helping each other out, hanging out and having fun as well as walking well together. What did you think of your group leader? John was an excellent group leader. He has a relaxed manner but keeps everything under control without ever coming across as authoritarian or overbearing. He was quietly vigilant in making sure each group member was travelling well and I think his personality and approach was a key factor in our group of individuals bonding and getting on so well. He definitely has a good sense of humour and an apparently endless supply of and desire to sing (fairly quietly) power ballads as he walked! His extensive outdoor skills and knowledge of mountains, walking, hiking and of the area around Mt Blanc gave each us a strong sense of confidence and this meant we could relax and enjoy the walk without having to worry about anything going wrong, or stressing on the details. Egle, our camp manager also did an outstanding job and produced fantastic meals, kept us all well fed and was a delight to have around. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you are doing the camping version remember to take a warm sleeping bag and a warm jacket for night time as it gets colder than you think. With these items you will be comfortable. Work on your fitness prior to the trip but you don't have to go super crazy trying to achieve maximum fitness. Also definitely take advantage of your rest day and take the gondola ride across the top if the weather is fairly decent. The views up the top over the glaciers and of Mt Blanc are stunning.
Reviewed September 2017 J Collet Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Best of times, worst of times The TMB is an incredible long-distance trek and if it is on your bucket list, I would recommend it. Emily Scott was our camp manager and did an outstanding job. It definitely was not “roughing it” with Emily in charge. Day after day, I was humbled by the meals that she could prepare on a 2 burner camp stove. My only complaint was the pace that our leader, Kim Jackson, set. We routinely arrived at camp 1-1.5 hours sooner than the trip notes indicated. This wrecked havoc for Emily who on several occasions arrived after we did. That meant Emily was racing like a mad woman to set up camp and create a welcoming atmosphere for us. It also meant that rather than soaking in the amazing scenery, I was powering through the TMB with my eyes on the trail. Had I wanted to race through France, Switzerland and Italy, I would have taken a cycling trip! I would give 7/5 stars to Emily and her ability to run the camp, 5/5 stars for the scenery and route, and 2/5 to the leader. I averaged to 3/5. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It would be hard to pin down the most inspirational moment. However, it goes without saying that my fellow travelers made the trip. They were a wonderful mix of nationalities, ages, genders and backgrounds. Everyone was willing to pitch in making for a terrific camp atmosphere. What did you think of your group leader? I thought that our group leader was sub-par. She set an unrelenting and blistering pace for no apparent reason. It was her last trip of the season and it showed. It often felt as though she was just trying to get through the trip. Each night we would meet as a group to review the following day’s agenda which included the walking distance, terrain and estimated time. We routinely arrived to camp at least 1-1.5 hours early. Kim allowed members of the group to race far ahead putting pressure on those that were keeping a pace consistent with the trip notes. The result was losing a hiker on Day 12. After that incident, she kept the group together but by then there was just 1 day left. I would have far preferred a more reasonable pace that gave us an opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for the elevation gains and losses. Consider getting a single tent. That will give you the opportunity to spread out a bit and will take some of the edge off of two weeks under canvas. I had been on a camp-based group trek before, so I knew what to expect, but for those who don’t, be advised that everyone pitches in to make the camp run effectively.
Reviewed September 2017 Paul Bacon Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Fantastic trek in the Alps Well organised trek through France, Switzerland and Italy. Stunning views and good quality campsites used throughout the trek with just the right amount of rest days. Challenging last few days of walking but well worth it for the stunning views What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the top of col du tricot after a long 60 minutes ascent is well worth it. Getting the cable car up to Helbronner is a must for some breathtaking views of the mountains What did you think of your group leader? Kim was a great leader, always launching and joking with us. Emily did a great job in camp and made sure there was always plenty of food (and beer!) for us each evening after a days trek. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? There are alot of ascent and descent on this trip so you need to be physically fit, and have strong knees. The last few days walking can be really touch in the heat but well worth it Is there anything else you would like to add? The trip is well worth it and some of the best views ive seen. The food and cakes are great so expect to put on weight! Also try an Italian hot chocolate and the ice cream. Wont be disappointed
Reviewed September 2017 Sue Wilson Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Tour du Mt.Blanc camping trek Have recently returned from the Tour of Mont Blanc camping trek - led by John Briggs. The trek and itinerary was well organised, varied with a couple of challenging days at the end. John is an informative amiable chap who was well supported by his colleague Agglia who saw we were well nourished and hydrated. Fabulous views, well worth the effort, to be recommended. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? enjoyed the ice cold swim in the lake What did you think of your group leader? excellent, informative, good sense of humour, managed the group well. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? N/A Is there anything else you would like to add? N/A
Reviewed August 2017 N Lui Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek The perfect combination of everything How's that for a title, and when in life can you say that about anything? But yes, indeed, this trip was the perfect combination of everything. We had brilliant scenery (no credit to Exodus for that); wonderful walks, instruction, and guidance (courtesy of John B); a mix of good and bad weather (John called it "mountain weather," and others would say that there's no just thing as "bad" weather, just the wrong clothing); and memorable stays, meals, and snacks at our campsites (courtesy of Emily S). Tanya in our group was clever enough to do her research and pick our departure based on past reviews which mentioned John, while it was just dumb luck for me. We were fortunate to also have Emily, who joined Exodus this season and did her job like a pro. I read the positive reviews before I booked the trip and can vouch that they're all true. This trip will stay in my heart as a favorite. Thank you, Exodus and High Trails! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? John tried to inspire us to challenge ourselves by hiking up to Col de Tricot as fast as we could, and I was motivated to do so.
Reviewed July 2017 Nat Black Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Fantastic trek around Mont Blanc This trip is a great way to see the Alps as you circumnavigate Mont Blanc. Along the way the peak appears and a disappears as the scenery changes. Going earlier on the season means the trail is less busy. It was a very peaceful two weeks in the mountains with lots of fresh air. The one thing I found quite shocking is how quickly the glaciers are disappearing! The camping is also a great experience, the group comes together so there is a real communal feel, teamwork is key. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Completing the whole circuit and finishing at Brevent. The views are super and that is your reward for walking up hill all day (1500m). Going up the Aiguille du Midi is also incredible, it is great to get so close to Mont Blanc. The gondola ride across the glacier is also very memorable. What did you think of your group leader? Jenny was a great leader, she was very knowledgeable about the trail and knew where all the lovely hut stops were. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? You need to enjoy walking up and down, you are not often walking on flat trails, so practice those ups and downs. The Aiguille du Midi is definitely worth doing. It is cheaper to go up from the Italian side, however if the weather is bad wait until you get to Chamonix. Is there anything else you would like to add? It is a fantastic walk, the scenery is spectacular. If you are a keen walker looking for something a bit more challenging then I would definitely recommend this trip. The Alps are amazing!
Reviewed September 2016 Christine Miller Trip: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Christine Miller This was a very well organised trip and the views through the whole trek were absolutely amazing. The walking was sustained and sometimes challenging, but super staff support, campsites, food and regular stops at refuges through the day means the days were never too tiring. It was nice to have two rest days and to eat in restaurants a couple of nights - these 'special touches' were appreciated and I'm sure they added to the success and relaxed feel of the holiday. Camping out every night made the trip really special. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Near the end of the trip, we reached 'the Trico challenge' -a stiff climb to a col, which our leader perfectly introduced to us as the toughest climb of the trip. He challenged us to challenge ourselves for the ascent, so as a group we stormed - at our own best speed - up the mountain. We all met the challenge and it was fantastic to sit up the top together with some mountain sheep, feeling triumphant in the sun with the most amazing views. What did you think of your group leader? Our leader was extremely competent and had a very good approach to managing the group and leading us safely and happily so that everyone enjoyed the walks at their own pace. He had a great way about him and really helped make the trip the success it was. The support staff were also attentive, caring, efficient and provided for all our food needs, and more, perfectly. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Being a camping trek, you are up and off early so need to be quite organised and ready for a wee burst of activity first thing as you wrestle your pop up tent into its bag, get breakfast and packed lunch etc ready. The days themselves, though, are relaxed and although they can be long, are perfectly interspersed with regular stops along the way to refuel on local, homemade goodies at amazing mountain refuges along the route. Walking poles were really useful and think about taking two camping towels in case it's raining and one gets wet -the warm shower at the end of the day was worth having a dry towel for! Is there anything else you would like to add? I felt that it could be positive for the support staff and guides to have the opportunity to take part in an Exodus trip themselves as a participant, so that they have a wider experience to underpin their overall knowledge of Exodus for their clients.
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