Day One – (7 hours…16 km approx)

Finally the day we start walking arrives, after two years in the making and many training sessions up and down hills, stairs and ramps!

An early start with breakfast at 7.30, and on our way at 8am to Les Houches by mini bus, and the cable car to our much anticipated start at La Chalette, but not before plenty of photos to commemorate the moment.

The morning was a mix of beautiful pine forest trails, short steep climbs and descents: fields of low shrubs with wild blueberry bushes carpeting the floor.

A cable bridge crossing at the Passerelle du Glacier was a highlight, especially for Kate and Rach who may not like heights!

More up and down, then a great lunch of potato omelette and green salad at the beautiful Refuge de Miage.

Most agreed that the morning had been tougher than expected, with legs taking time to acclimatize to the steep terrain.

The weather was mild to warm, producing buckets of sweat, as glutes hammies and quads got reminded of what all the training had been about.

Another nasty climb was just the ticket with a full stomach, followed by a steep windy descent, taking a couple of hours, until finally arriving at our destination for the night in the small township of Les Contamines.

Our accommodation for the night is at Chalet Hotel La Chemenaz, which had excellent modern room plus if you’re keen a pool, sauna and spa.

For Tony and I, a serious match of table tennis to sweep away some stiffness!

Dinner was demolished, and everyone was tucked in by about 9pm.

A most satisfying, if slightly shocked first day.