The Tour Des Combins - an 87 mile, multi-day, circumnavigation of the Combin Massif in Switzerland. A quieter alternative to Tour du Mont Blanc, but no less scenic. It also has the added bonus of incredible views out across the mountains towards Mt Blanc itself.
We have walked many miles through bear and mountain lion country abroad, but here in the Swiss and Italian Alps, just a few hours from home in England there roam bears and wolves. It’s a fascinating and at times complicated story of how such revered and feared creatures live side by side communities, close to home. Those studying how our Scottish mountains may host wolves or lynx one day take such examples as inspiration and learning. A glimpse into the complicated picture can be found here.
We spent 6 nights on the trail, five in Switzerland and one in Italy, where the trail crosses for a short period. Life hiking in the Alps was, we found, luxurious. At least there is a luxurious option, often the preferred or only option - hut-to-hut hiking. Finishing the day with a hot shower, a warm meal, a bunk or private room and cooked breakfast. There’s definitely a time and place for a tent and cooking stove, we found that there is also a time for a warm and clean hut - along with red wine.
For trips like this we often travel alone, aligning interests, timings etc just doesn’t always work out . We hiked the Tour des Combins with two friends, who thankfully for us, had done a lot of planning. Our role was quite easy really, turn up and hike. It definitely brings a new dynamic to the week. Even within that time frame there will be some highs and lows. It also allows time for proper conversations and time spent together in new places, with fewer distractions beyond simply getting to where you are heading for the night and deciding where to stop for lunch.
