Exercise Alpine Wanderer II was an arduous trekking expedition around the famous Tour Du Mont Blanc, through France, Italy and Switzerland, for 12 Officer Cadets and 4 Staff. The aims of the exercise were to increase the navigational skills, physical robustness and life experiences of those deploying and build confidence and team work. All these aims were achieved
The outward journey was from Stirling to Argentiere where we had our base camp, which proved to be a suitable base to conduct acclimatisation walks. The trek to the Aiguillette des Houches with its outstanding views is highly recommended.
Leg 1 Montroc – Chamonix We set off towards Tre le champ, where we joined the main TMB route, climbing steadily for approx 4km, before hitting the technical ladder section. We had a quick stop for snacks before the ascent to refuge du lac Blanc (2352). On the route down the weather deteriorated and visibility dropped into cloud which meant we took a fairly direct route straight down into Chamonix.
Distance: 18km, Height gain: 1100m
Leg 2 Les Houches- Les Contamines The day began with a steep climb up to Col de Voza (1653m) before continuing to the Nid d'Aigle (2,372m) via a small track following the tram line. This proved slightly risky with trams appearing out of the fog. From the top we dropped down the valley, hand railing the glacial valley. From here we pushed over to the Refuge de Mirage and the finish at Les Contamines.
Distance: 20km, Height gain: 1550m
Leg 3 Les Contamines-Les Chapieux The route out followed a valley to Notre Dame de la Gorge (1210m), a small church situated on the valley floor. We then began the ascent to Refuge de la Balme (1706m) the ground getting gradually steeper all the way to Col du Bonhomme (2329m), the crossing of its minor glacier. Then another tough ascent to Croix du Bonhomme, dropping down to the camp site at Les Chapieux.
Distance: 20km, Height: 1500m
Leg 4 Les Chapieux - Courmayeur The day started Northwards up the valley to the Refuge des Mottets (1870m). From here we ascended steeply to Col de la Seigne (2560m), the highest point of the tour so far and the border with Italy. From the Col we dropped down into Val Veny towards Refugio Elisabetta. The track rises here up the side of Val Veny giving stunning views all the to Courmayeur and the Mont Blanc tunnel.
Distance: 32km, Height gain: 1450
Leg 5 Courmayeur-Refuge Bonatti Today we chose the higher option as it gave stunning views of both Val Ferret and the Mont Blanc range. We began yet another steep ascent over a ridgeline to the high point of 2580m. After taking some time to appreciate the scenery we began the descent into Col Sapin and then dropped down the valley heading north, before contouring the spur to reach the refuge.
Distance: 19km, Height gain: 1600m
Leg 6 Val ferret- La Fouly We began the slog along the base of Val ferret moving to Refuge Elena and the Grand Col de Ferret, which was hidden in a cloud bank, nevertheless we began the long ascent to the top. As we ascended the clouds began disappearing, so we arrived at the peak with stunning views down both the Italian and Swiss Val Ferret from the border.
Distance: 20km, Height gain: 1400m
Leg 7 La Fouly-Champex We left La Fouly (1610m) along the gravel tracks going down the valley through beautiful woodlands, alpine meadows and villages. The final ascent of the day was up the valley and Col to Champex (1466m). We arrived early, so the group had a quick lunch before moving down to the local swimming pool, which was fantastic.
Distance: 15km, Height gain: 400m
Leg 8 Champex-Col de la Forclaz The route out of Champex was a very gentle ascent up to Arpette (1627m) before steepening all the way up to the Fenetre at 2665m, the high point of the tour. The views from the top were extremely rewarding, looking down onto a glacier. Upon reaching the Chalet du Glacier Buvette (1583m) the track evens out and contours around to the finish point at Col de la Forclaz (1526m).
Distance: 16km, Height gain: 1200m
Leg 9 Col de la Forclaz-Montroc Due to the severe rain we dropped from the Col into the small town of La Peuty (1200m) and then ascended the Col du Balme (2191m) before the instructors decided to take the wet weather option and drop straight into Montroc to our campsite. There was much relief on arrival, both for finishing the tour and getting out of the rain. Here we had a celebratory meal that evening before getting some well-earned rest on completion of the walking phase of the trip.
Distance: 13km, Height gain: 1069m
Ypres day 1 We visited the town and the group went to the Field of Flanders Museum. This is very touching and sombre, with huge numbers of lives sacrificed to retain the town. After a few hours in the museum, the group dispersed before meeting later for dinner. That evening we went back into town to watch the Menin Gate Ceremony which is a touching experience.
Ypres day 2 Memorials We started at Tyne Cot, the largest Commonwealth grave site. From Tyne Cot we moved over to Hill 62 and Sanctuary Wood. Finally we visited the grave of Captain Noel Chavasse RAMC, VC and bar. After reading the citation, the group had time to think about what an inspiring and role model he is for all young officers. We then moved back to Ypres to prepare for the wreath laying at the Menin Gate. Mr Heuston, Caldwell, Andrew and Hawes laid a wreath during the ceremony on behalf of Tayforth UOTC. This was the suitably poingant ending to our trip.
It would not have been possible to conduct this exercise without the fantastic support of the Ulysses Trust, Highland RFCA and CO of Tayforth UOTC.
For further information please contact CSgt Gareth Smith (TayforthOTC-PSICCoy @mod.uk)
