trips on our new Flickr galleries:
Alpine Walking in the French Alps - Ecrins National Park
The Parc National des Écrins is the largest and highest national park in France and the area it covers, the Massif des Écrins, one of the most challenging of alpine environments. The area boasts majestic snow-capped mountains and steep-sided alpine valleys all linked by the GR54 long distance footpath. The GR54 carves a circular route through and around these mountains and is considered to be one of the toughest multi-day treks in Europe. That said, the trail is clearly-defined and well-maintained and no technical skills are required although some scrambling ability, sure-footedness and a reasonable head for heights will all come in useful.
Rather than attempt a complete circuit of the route, we concentrate on the more interesting and remote southern section of the GR54 between Valloise and Bourg d'Oisans. By planning this 6-day trek for early July we avoid the crowds and take advantage of the snow melting from the high passes and the huts being manned. The route covers over 60 miles and crosses 9 high passes. We stay in remote mountain refuges or village gîtes where hot showers and good food is available; sleeping is in dormitories.
Take advantage of cheap flights from a wide range of UK airports to Geneva, Grenoble & Turin and then either hire a car, or take the train. Hillways may be able to co-ordinate shared car hire between group members depending on group size.
