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Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers  

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183 Reviews

4.8 out of 5

Reviews

A wonderful trip - not a holiday!

A great trip if you are fit. TMB is a tough challenge for those who are not in the best possible shape, regardless of age, in which case, go for a shorter version and stay in the hotels. Camping in Europe is rarely the most luxurious option, but adds to group camaraderie and spirit of this option of seeing all the Mont Blanc massif has to offer.

Most Inspirational Moment

When the rain came, the storm rolled in and the group pulled together - friendships were built, hot chocolate and cakes consumed in large quantities, and ultimately we were rewarded with wonderful views and a great sense of achievement coming to the final miles of the trip. All worth the mud and endless wardrobe changes at the top of the cols...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was measured and thoughtful - he adapted our route to keep us safe in all weathers, and respected the fact that a lot of us were pretty fit and liked to stretch out a bit. One of our group had to drop out due to injury on the first rest day - he did his best to make sure her needs were taken care of, but mindful that he had a job to do keeping the rest of the group on track for the tour, and safe in the mountains.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are not fit enough, are a smoker, do not do the complete tour. It’s just that simple. Check the average age group on the trip you are thinking of and consider if that’s the right group for your own fitness level. Some 60 plus year olds are fitter than a lot of 30 year olds, evident on the tour as we went around. Some aren’t, as was the case on our trip. Be honest with yourself and you will enjoy your holiday a lot more. There are shorter versions where highlights can be enjoyed, hotels and chalet options may suit those less disposed to sleeping under canvas for two weeks. Communal bathroom facilities are not to my taste, but that’s European camping and there are ways to cope - like getting up earlier to avoid the masses. The spa at Pre St Didier is fabulous for a lovely chance to get really clean! Boots, not shoes. Trekking poles are great for down hills, even just one for a bit of support. Good waterproofs and a set of thermals for cold nights. A decent sleeping bag and thermarest. Antiseptic wipes and alcohol gel an absolute must. Flip flops for showers. A change of shoes for evenings in camp.

Tour of Mont Blanc - camping

This was a fantastic walk from start to finish, and I felt a great sense of achievement to have walked the whole route.

Most Inspirational Moment

Coming over the Grand Col Ferret from Switzerland to Italy after several days with very limited views due to low cloud, and seeing the Italian Val Ferret and all the peaks in dazzling sunshine. Reaching the end of the official circuit on the last afternoon at Plan Praz and deciding to continue alone to La Flegere where we had ascended 11 days earlier.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent leadership of the group, set starting times and kept to them, set manageable walking speeds. Good local knowledge of flora, mountain peaks, history and local land use / customs. Good fun to be with. He also allowed (and led) two optional extra climbs to viewpoints on cols which were excellent additions to the itinerary.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you really up to this. There are long ascents and steep descents. You need good knees.

Mt Blanc Circuit

Rightfully described as one of the world’s iconic trekking trails, the TMB met all my expectations. It was challenging and tough going in many parts. I can sit here back in England and reflect on something I am proud to have achieved and with every intention of encouraging friends to have their own go at. A great team of people to accompany me and led by a first class Mountain Leader in John, fed, watered and spiritually strengthened by our Cook, Graham.

Most Inspirational Moment

A glass of grappa and a toast to Walter Bonatti, in the refuge bearing his name. John our guide had told us the story of the famous Alpinist and his independence of spirit. On the wall a photograph of the man himself and the inscription 'L'aventura e dentro di noi' .

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was first class from start to finish. He had the gift of knowing when to talk and when not to. He allowed us to enjoy the mountains for ourselves but at the same time and at the right time, knew how to enrich that experience with his knowledge and love for the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Get yourself fit before you take this one on. If you can't walk in hills or mountains then regularly run or cycle or swim or do some serious gym work, just to get you used to exertion and recovery. It's 100 miles and 10 000 metres of ascent and descent that is not to be underestimated.

Margaret

Having had are original booking changed due to no one else booking, the company re booked our trip for the Saturday. They were very helpful and apologetic, they could not understand why, having been on the trek I do.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cocktails at the hotel in Les Bossons,we went here by ourselves. As every meal that had been pre booked by Exodus, we were told beforehand that the hotel did not like the group, or people the previous week had complained.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He had very little knowledge about the area, he had done two trips and we were his third group. He did state quite clearly that the did not expect us to move along at the same speed, however with all the references to the previous group, a pack mentally developed and on arrival at the campsite each evening it was "were we faster than the previous" This resulted in one day, three of the team having to abandon their walk due to being completely wrecked.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure that the people running your trek, are enjoying their job, as if they are totally fed up it begins to rub off on you. I did the Yorkshire Three Peaks in just under ten hours, I would suggest that you must be fit enough to complete this within nine hours otherwise do not book. Also be prepared to pack up belongings and your tent, before you are allowed a warm drink or anything to eat. (this is because they do not trust you will be organised in time for the group to leave!

Review Centre
Reply from Exodus

An Exodus staff member who travelled on this departure has given us excellent feedback about the tour leader and the way in which the walks were led, and this leader has had great feedback over the past two seasons so we are disappointed that Margaret’s experience was not as positive as we would have expected. We are aware that on one day, three of the group members decided to take a cable car down when the option was available, but to our knowledge this was not because they felt they had to abandon the walk and we have not received any other feedback to suggest that the pace of the walking was overly fast. We are really sorry that Margaret did not enjoy this holiday as much as other trips she has been on and that she sustained an injury as we realise she must have been disappointed not to join all of the walks. Chloe Knott – Walking & Trekking Programme Manager

Great Trip!

A great week of spectacular scenery, great hiking trails, good food and good company!

Most Inspirational Moment

My highlights were swimming in the lake above Chamonix (though very very cold!!) and seeing a Wallcreeper.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rupert made the trip very interesting by sharing his knowledge of wild flowers and knowledge of the local cuisine and best coffee stops! His knowledge of the area was excellent and due to this we could do little detours to see glacial lakes and Bernard the cheese farmer that you would miss if you stuck rigidly to the TMB. I also loved having 2 half-lunches, will do this on hikes in the future!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep your pack as light as possible - I wished I'd taken a small pair of binoculars though. Do take your swimmers & sports towel with you as it is great to go in the lake! If you have any knee problems, use hiking poles and bring knee supports with you. There is a lot of downhill on this trip!

Mont Blanc Circuit

An excellent 10 day trek in which ever day is different and 3 countries are visited. Wonderful views on the rain free days!

Most Inspirational Moment

The carpets of wild flowers set against the dramatic backdrop of the Mont Blanc Massif

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was an excellent leader in every sense admirably supported by Graham (great food) and Charlotte

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go light -you get a chance to wash clothes through BUT take good quality waterproofs or a poncho -it will rain! It can be cold so plenty of layers and a 4 season sleeping bag

Mont Blanc circuit

A very well organised trip with Exodus. Walking days were challenging but enjoyable with amazing views (weather permitting!). Days were organised well and our guide John always had alternative routes if necessary. Campsites were all good and particularly enjoyed the 2 ‘wild camping’ sites. The food was excellent considering the conditions and the equipment that Graham had. We are both vegetarians and were superbly catered for! The curry was especially good!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Col de Ferret was a spectacular day and the beauty of Trient with its pink church! The scenery was spectacular and was exactly how we imagined it to be! The cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi was brilliant especially the blizzard conditions at the top!! Also had the pleasure of meeting Dawa Sherpa in Chamonix!! Would also recommend the chairlift to the Glacier des Bossons.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was an excellent leader. Extremely knowledgeable and always happy to tell stories and teach those who were interested, bushcraft/mountain skills. He was extremely patient and reassuring with me on exposed sections and I had the utmost confidence in him. I have learnt alot from him during the trip. Happy to give information about things to do on free days. Graham was superb. Always chatty and friendly and had lots of jokes to tell (we will let you be the judge as to whether they are good or not!!) Nothing ever too much trouble and his food could not be faulted! Charlotte was wonderful and always had the kettle on and the biscuit tin full for the end of our days walking!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of pairs of socks and would highly recommend taking an umbrella (as odd as it may seem). The trek is certainly challenging in some places so definitely recommend being as fit as you can be. Walking poles are very helpful for the steep descents. Four seasons in a day is a definite possibility so be well prepared! On a free day in Chamonix the multi-pass for all of the chairlifts and cables cars is a must! Cake and tea during walking days adds up so budget for this.

Mont Blanc Circuit - 5*

An excellent trip from start to finish. Well organised by Exodus, which allowed us to feel relaxed and let it be a “holiday” as well as a challenge.

Most Inspirational Moment

1) The view from the Grand Col Ferret and the optional Tete Ferret next to it. 2) The campsite at La Fouly - directly beneath a glacier and Mont Dolent - the border between Italy, France and Switzerland at the same place. 3) The option to go up two cable cars on our free days - Hellbronner and Aiguille Du Midi, which gave stunning views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks and glaciers 4) Swimming in Champex Lac - cold, but great after a long days walking in temperatures around 30 degrees.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John was a really good guide and a good laugh as well. He knew his stuff about the local area and really tried to pass his knowledge on to the group. He gauged the average pace of the group really quickly, allowing everyone to enjoy the scenery but not making the days too long. On a day when a client was unwell in poor weather conditions he kept the group together and ensured our safe return off the mountain. He also mixed well with the group socially, sharing a few beers in the evening. Graham and Charlotte looked after the campsites really well, providing good food and helping out where they could.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you have good waterproof gear - coat, trousers and rucksack/cover/liner - it will rain at some point on the trip and its important to keep yourself as dry as possible to avoid getting cold. If you are fit enough before you go you will really enjoy the trip and there are options to do further peaks for those who want to - and they are definitely worth it if you are fit enough.

Mont Blanc Circuit 12th - 26th July

A fantastic experience from start to finish. Long days (8.30am to 5pm) with plenty of breaks, magnificent scenery and great company. Plenty of ascents and descents along the way, forest trails and rocky paths. If you are used to walking in the Scottish / English / Welsh hills then this trip shouldn’t bother you. We had a mixture of participants of differing ages but all were able to keep up easily. The weather was pretty kind to us and we only had a couple of days rain. You won’t regret doing this trip and it will inspire you to do more.

Most Inspirational Moment

There wasn't really one - every day was different and in the early stages each day surpassed the previous one. If you haven't done it before, the fact that you don't know what is round the next corner inspires you to keep walking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

John the group leader was superb. A very experienced guide, he was patient with our different walking speeds from the outset and when he got to know us a bit better, gradually let some of us venture out ahead when the conditions allowed. He was eager to impart his local knowledge on us and looked after us conscientiously. Totally trustworthy and a good bloke.

Advice for Potential Travellers

1. Pay for your own tent instead of sharing with a stranger - I'm glad I did - you'll need the extra room. 2. Bring a biggish rucksack - mine was a 25L but I could have done with a 35L (to load waterproofs, lunch, etc) 3. All the local walkers wore waterproof ponchos that also covered their rucksacks when it rained. They didn't care what they looked like as long as they stayed dry. If you don't fancy one, make sure your backpack has a cover / liner because when it rains it rains hard. 4. There was no wind on the hills so a portable umbrella would have been useful. 5. Bring lots of easy dry wicking tops - they don't smell even after a few days, are easy to wash and dry and don't crease. 6. Bring two towels - biggest problem with camping is keeping stuff dry and when it is damp it starts to smell. 7. Spare plastic bags to keep stuff dry or put damp stuff in eg Tesco sandwich bags, carrier bags for dirty clothes. 8. Compeed for blisters, spare dry socks, woolly hat and gloves for high climbs in low cloud as it gets cold. 9. I walked in shorts most of the time - it was cooler to walk in shorts when wearing waterproof trousers.

Excellent trip with well supported camping

This is an excellent trip with well supported camping and some pretty incredible scenery.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were some really amazing days walking up to high passes with some optional peak ascents for those that wanted to do a little more. Looking down from 2700m onto peaks shrouded in cloud was pretty good!

Thoughts on Group Leader

John put in a lot of effort to make sure everyone got what they wanted out of the trip - which was different for everybody. He was always helpful and willing to answer questions, give advice etc. Gave a few laughs along the way as well. Graham and Charlotte did an excellent job in providing the camp support. Graham's meals were a definite highlight (and much better than we ate onthe local restaurants nights) and he was really good at providing anything people particularly wanted and catering to everyones needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you prepare for all weather conditions. We had quite a lot of rain and it could be cold at night, but equally I think it could be really warm and sunny every day. There are some really tough descents so I would suggest walking poles are a must.