RICHARD’S ROUTE:
An epic Alpine traverse
In 61 days, Richard covered roughly 1900km and over 125,000m of elevation, taking two full rest days. He followed a route inspired by his friend John Fleetwood, an experienced fell runner and mountaineer who crossed the Alps in 2015.
It covered the following regions: the Julian Alps, the Carnic Alps, the Dolomites, South Tyrol, Bregaglia, Ticino, the Pennine Alps, Aosta Valley, the Vanoise, Queyras, and the Mercantour. The climbing took in many mountains between 3500 and 3900m, graded up to PD+ and VF3.
He carried a lightweight tent, crampons, ice axe and via ferrata set… and not much else! His rucksack weighed 7.2kg without food, water and stove fuel. He passed a village store every 3-4 days to restock on food, but also ate at many refuges en route.
ALPINE HIGHLIGHTS
The Sentiero Di Roma – Val Masino, Italy Difficulty: scrambling up to Grade 2
This rugged, multi-day traverse leads you beneath the jagged peaks of the Val Masino. The terrain is extremely rough, but rewarding. There are many steep passes equipped with chains. It’s only 55km, but takes 5-6 days. There are refuges and bivvy huts along the route.
THE VIA ALTA VERZASCA –
TICINO, SWITZERLAND
Difficulty: sustained scrambling up to Grade 3 A demanding, 6-day ridge traverse above peaceful, wild valleys in Ticino. There are really good huts throughout the route. Although it’s well marked, this is a serious undertaking, and requires a good level of scrambling experience.
THE GR52 – THE MERCANTOUR, FRANCE Difficulty: alpine hiking
This 6-day trail leads through some of the most beautiful and wild areas of the Alps. It stays high all the way to the coast. There are decent refuges throughout. The terrain is rougher than most GRs, but it’s still a walk.
THE KARNISCHER HOHENWEG – CARNIC ALPS, AUSTRIA/ITALY Difficulty: alpine hiking
A 170km trail along the crest of the Carnic Alps. Another quiet but stunning part of the Alps. There are peaceful forests, dramatic limestone peaks and decent huts. It’s easily accessible, and you’re surrounded by some great via ferrata routes.