256 (City of London) Field Hospital deployed a group of 10 officers, SNCOs and JNCOs on its annual summer mountaineering expedition to the Swiss Alps, to walk the classic ‘Walker’s Haute Route’ a linear 180km high level path running from Chamonix to Zermatt, Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. The route passes the greatest collection of 4000m peaks in the Alps. It crosses eleven passes and gains more than 12000m in height and the route’s stunning scenery makes it a strong contender for the title of the ‘Most Beautiful Trek in Europe’. The aim was to develop leadership skills, foster teamwork and gain experience in long distance trekking especially as the trek was to be completed in 11 days instead of the usual 14.
Calamity struck on arrival in Chamonix, as there was snow, lots of snow and plans had to be hastily put in place to possibly change the ‘Haute Route’ in favour of the lower ‘Tour Mont Blanc’. Fortunately, from Chamonix, both routes shared the same path and after two days of blazing sunshine and a rapid thaw the group was able to continue its trek along Haute Route, but not without tears!
On day three we reached the village of Champex and were back on track until we were told that the next day's walking to Cabane de Montfort and the highest point on the trek at Col de Prafleuri 2965m was closed, due to snow unless we were equipped with crampons, ice axes and qualified guides.
Day four followed part of the route but the main effort was in searching for new accommodation and route planning. Day five thus began with a taxi from the town of Sembrancher, on a long detour to the world’s largest gravity dam at Grande des Dixence followed by a steep climb up a river valley through snow fields to the Cabane de Prafleuri.
The following day to Arolla was the most varied and memorable day on the trek beginning with a tough climb up to Col des Roux 2804m. On the descent to the lake Lac des Dix we scattered large herds of chamois. Good progress was then made along the west side of the lake before a further ascent onto an eerie glacial plain. Through easy and patchy snowfields, we then trekked up to the base of Pas de Chevres 2855m. The original plan had been to cross over a ridge at the neighbouring Col de Riedmatten 2929m but that was locked in snow. But the Pas de Chevres proved to be one of the most terrifying obstacles on the expedition with its near vertical 25m fixed ladder that had to be scaled albeit with the aid of 30m rope carried by the mountain leaders, just enough rope!
The final feature of the expedition and what should have been the highlight of the trip was the Europaweg, a high level and exposed traverse that is subject to constant rock fall. It was not as daunting as was first thought in terms of exposure and many sections of the route were aided by fixed ropes, attached to the rock wall. But there was a real danger from rock fall and so speed and vigilance was required. Unfortunately, views on this stage of the trek were marred by overcast skies though luckily on our approach to Zermatt, the sun came out and the Matterhorn looked as good as it does in the guide books.
Thanks must be given to the Ulysses Trust for all their financial support in making this expedition a resounding success for all involved.
Paul Green – Expedition Leader
