1016 – ‘Cockney Grande Randonee’ – Mont Blanc Tour

In September 2010 256 Field hospital (volunteers) deployed a group of seven on an expedition of the Mont Blanc mountain range, a famous long distance trek at altitude. Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Europe (4807m), the mountain range has 400 summits, more than 40 glaciers, and crosses into three countries (France, Italy and Switzerland). The Mont Blanc Massif is moated by 7 valleys, through which winds the route of the tour. The group completed the tour in ten days, walked approximately 170km with an accumulated height gain and loss of 10,000m.

The aim of the expedition was to develop leadership skills, foster teamwork and to challenge personnel both mentally and physically and to gain experience in long distance trekking and mountaineering.

The first stage of the tour came as a nasty shock after a steep two hour ascent of 646m to Col de Voza at 1653m followed by a knee wrenching descent of 633m in the hot alpine sun. What was thought to be a non-technical ‘walking holiday’ from hut-to-hut materialised into something much more physically challenging. As the days went by, despite the blisters and the aches and pains the daily routine of a morning ascent and afternoon descent through the valleys got easier as we gained aerobic fitness.

One of the most technically demanding but enjoyable stages of the tour was on stage 10; Tre-le Champ to La Flegere. The route involved climbing a series of metal ladders, rungs and platforms, provided to overcome steep rock slabs. This proved to be especially challenging for those with a fear of heights as well as those with exceptionally heavy rucksacks!!

The evenings were spent at mountain huts and dormitories on the way – many perched on steep hillsides with fantastic panoramas of the Mont Blanc Massif. Ropework, navigation practice, plenty of reading, playing of cards and mountain medicine lessons helped to pass the time. With good food, comfortable sleeping quarters (despite the occasional snorer) and even hot showers available, the huts provided a perfect environment to rest and build up our strength for the next day.

Two members of the group achieved their summer mountain proficiency thanks to the excellent coaching and tuition provided by Mountain Leader Capt Nathwani who found the time to teach in the evenings, and whilst trekking both on and ‘off’ the route. Stage 6; Grand ferret to La Fouley was considered one of the easier days, both in terms of distance and height gain/ loss and Capt Nathwani took the opportunity to develop our navigation and map reading skills further by taking us on an ‘alternative’ route. Collectively as a group we were convinced of our location on a gully with a shallow descent on its south side despite what the bearings were telling us! We shortly found ourselves slipping and sliding down the wrong gully holding onto any available vegetation on the way down to break our fall on the steep descent! A difficulty we overcame safely with excellent leadership and team working skills.

The tour was a fantastic experience for all and the aims of the expedition were met ten times over. The Tour of Mont Blanc is a great introduction to the Alps for all abilities and a great learning environment – the plans are already being worked on for the next expedition!

Our sincerest thanks go to the Ulysses Trust in its support of this adventure. Capt Antonella De Rosa