Tour du Mont Blanc: Updated Version: Real IGN Maps 1:25,000 - no need to carry separate maps (The Great Treks of the Alps)

This is first of The Great Treks of the Alps guidebooks by KnifeEdge Outdoor Guidbooks that I have purchased. The Walker's Haute Route and the Tour of the Ecrins National Park are the other two. Love the layout - and, it is packed with valuable information to assist in planning, packing, and being prepared. Excellent resource if considering self-guided trek or guided. Information regarding accommodations, camping options, food and facilities along the route is up to date and well organized. Excellent maps with descriptions of routes and options available. The photos are stunning throughout the book. Impressive and excellent resource for planning - OR - just for the shear enjoyment of doing the trek vicariously!! Highly recommend!! So happy I discovered this jewel!! ***** FIVE STARS*****

This is an excellently laid out small book. Easy to use and absorb very good info on the TMB. I only gave it 3 stars because it’s subtitle is “ everything you need to know to plan and walk it” which is definitely not true. There is a lot of detail on the trek that would have been useful to provide so readers wouldn’t have to search online for it or buy other books. I would still recommend it, but it’s subtitle would be more accurate saying “ A great place to start your planning for the worlds most famous trek”

An EXCELLENT book to plan for your TMB trek. The author breaks down each segment of the route into bite sized pieces so that you are able to piece together an itinerary that best suits your ability and expectations for daily mileage/time hiking, stopping points with alternatives. It includes descriptions of the many variants that can be dropped in or cut out of your itinerary. I also have the Cicerone/Reynolds book which is interesting to look at AFTER exhaustive reading of this book by KnifeEdge. In my opinion the KnifeEdge book is a mandatory read and the most useful aide in planning for a TMB trek. It is the only book I will take with me - it has pertinent sections of the real topographical maps already on the corresponding pages! My only complaint (and it goes for the Cicerone and Trailblazer books as well) consider a slightly bigger font for us older hikers! Almost forgot - the author has a page on Facebook where he will answer your specific questions!

We have two other TMB guides, but took this one with us on our 2019 TMB. Has all the relevant info needed on the trail along with the actual 1:25k topomaps and section profiles, along with good descriptions and great pictures. Information on essential services including lodging, camping, groceries and transportation all included, everything you need on the trail!

If you are planning to camp along the TMB you must have this book. It is the only one that provides comprehensive information regarding all camping opportunities, along with contact information, etc.. If you're not a camper still go with this book - you won't find a better one to plan your trek!

I have completed the TMB twice first time I used the old "Kev" guide which definitely had some issues missing key details needed for navigation, I planned this time using the new Knife Edge guide and found it to be more helpful and the author more approachable and easy to contact through Facebook where he is an active member.

Outstanding organization, content and practical planning tools. The stage options are in segments that include maps, estimated walking times, ascent, descent and distance. This provides a lot of flexibility to customize a plan that fits individual fitness levels and available days. Excellent information on all available accommodations including contact info. Maps are superb. Related Facebook site is very helpful with posts/responses from knowledgeable hikers including the author. I also use the Cicerone book but this is more up-to-date and better in all respects.

We are leaving for Mont Blanc next week and bought this book in addition to the other one. We love the detailed maps and color pictures here! This is the one we will be taking on the trail👍👍

Whilst planning for a Tour du Mont Blanc trip this summer, I researched all the usual suspects in the hope that there would be a guidebook that would both inspire and inform. There are certainly plenty of candidates out there, but I've been stuck up too many mountains over the years, scratching my head and cursing so-called experts, to place much faith in them.So, I bought this title from newcomer Knife Edge on the off-chance, attracted by the prospect of proper maps. Nothing is more frustrating than investing in a guidebook only to find that the maps are either inaccurate, impossible to decipher or just plain useless.The first thing that leaps out to the reader is that this is a book written by someone who actually knows what hikers/trekkers/walkers need from a guide. The enthusiasm is palpable and the photos are amazing. I want to see myself in stunning pictures like these this summer! The book is motivational as well as instructive!The second - critical - attribute that sets this book apart from others in the genre is the use of real 1:25000 maps for each stage. No more estimating or trying to figure out what has been sketched on a page. I will be easily able to navigate without having to buy additional sheet maps as these maps will provide a significant amount of reassurance, especially as they are accompanied by seriously in-depth, yet pithy, descriptions incorporating time, direction and ascent/descent profiles for each stage. Each stage also has a short, punchy section covering what to expect from the day's walking.The accommodation listings are phenomenal - I was worried about identifying places to stay en route, but the list at the start of this book (including email/phone details, number of beds and available facilities) is massive. There is even a short section on the author's favourite places to stay as well as hut etiquette and even a section on camping for those who are brave enough to lug a tent at altitude!Another helpful feature is the itinerary planner, providing options for different itineraries. This has really helped me with planning, taking much of the guesswork out of preparations and significantly reducing stress.Finally, this is a guidebook you actually want to read. The photos (I need to mention them again!) are vibrant and leap out of the page - the print quality is excellent to the degree that I'd recommend this as a coffee table book for anyone who loves looking at mountains. As well as supporting my planning, this book has been an inspiration. I can't wait to get out on the TdMB and experience all of the places shown on the pages.If you are a walker who wants great, unfussy, beautiful and inspiring info and insight from people who clearly love the mountains and know what they are talking about, then this is the guide for you.

I did the TMB with a few friends a couple of years ago. I used the so called "Bible" guide book - available at that time - along with maps, blogs and other internet research materials. It took over a year to plan our 8 day trek (adapting an 11 day itinerary without any real knowledge of the difficulties of the trail). Now I'm planning to do this fabulous trek all over again, taking in more variants! This time however, it is FAR easier to plan - using this (Knife Edge) Guide Book. It is so nicely laid out, with all the information that is needed in ONE place. No need for additional maps, research etc. What I really like is the "suggested Itineraries" - this would have been really helpful for our last trek (hindsight is a wonderful thing). After "been there done it" with the "other" Guide, I would HIGHLY recommend this new book if you are planning the TMB (or even just parts of it). It's so refreshing!

Amazing guide if you're researching and planning to do the Tour du Mont Blanc! I've read a few different guide books and this has all the information in one place. Helpful info on where to resupply, where to camp/not camp, and excellent detail for the routes. Hopefully I'll be able to get out there in July this year as planned!

I chose this book over cicerone and found myself a brilliant book. I didn’t plan my trip more than I’m going so found this book great for working out how far and how long between stops. The maps were helpful and the instructions spot on. I would highly suggest getting this rather than any other as it’s also shorter, therefore lighter than the cicerone which a couple of people I met had taken the relevant pages out of and burning when they got to each hostel rather than carry the weight!

(yes a pot of tea is essential on the TMB). If your preparing, planning and on the way this book is the perfect guide. It can not be overstated how useful it is, the route planning and and stop information are invaluable and there is no other guide with this level of easily accessible Information. But also the pictures are stunning and the narrative just takes you there... if your going or thinking about going get this book first and I guarantee you will be ordering a new backpack ( and a teapot like me)