It's not cheating...

...to do only part of the GR5 - the Grande Randonnee 5 - as was the headline in the Sunday Times Travel section the weekend before last. But we know that was just an eye-catching headline.

If you missed the article, they were making the point that walking is a great way to spend a holiday. Yes, we agree. They pointed out that there are some famous (and very long) walks in Europe: the way of St. James through France and Spain, Hadrian's Wall, the Canal du Midi and, of course, the GR5.
But if walking the whole route isn't practical, then why not try doing just a part of it, they suggested.

With Chalet Kiana and Les Contamines positioned on or right next to the GR5 and Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), we're ideally positioned for trying out either. Indeed, our neighbours were seen heading out regularly on summer mornings last year, as they trained for their 105-mile TMB which they completed late summer (Sep-09. With 35 deg C heat for weeks in Les Contamines last summer, they chose their moment wisely.

There's a very good website for information on preparing for and walking the TMB. I'd recommend a visit and a good read. The Cicerone books are also well worth buying (available on Amazon).

For low-cost, wholesome, fitness-inducing fun, you can't beat a good Alpine walking and mountain-biking holiday.

If I knew how to add sounds to a blog, I'd have the sound of the cowbells on here, to really give you an idea how wonderful the Alps are in summer.