Ecrins National Park. Kev Reynolds

      

      About the Author

      Kev Reynolds, author of this guide, is a freelance writer, photojournalist and lecturer whose first title for Cicerone Press (Walks & Climbs in the Pyrenees) appeared in 1978 and is still in print. He has since published many books on the Alps, a series of trekkers' guides to the Himalaya and, nearer to home, several guides on walking in southern England. He also writes regular features for the outdoor press, produces brochures for tourist authorities, and leads trekking holidays in various high mountain regions. The first honorary member of the British Association of European Mountain Leaders (BAEML), and a member of the Alpine Club, Austrian Alpine Club and Outdoor Writers' and Photographers' Guild, Kev's enthusiasm for the countryside in general, and mountains in particular, remains undiminished after a lifetime's activity. When not trekking or climbing in one of the world's great ranges, Kev lives among what he calls the ‘Kentish Alps’, and during the winter months regularly travels throughout Britain to share that enthusiasm through his lectures. Check him out on www.kevreynolds.co.uk

      Cicerone titles by Kev Reynolds

      Walking in the Alps

      Alpine Points of View

      100 Hut Walks in the Alps

      Alpine Pass Route

      Chamonix to Zermatt, Walkers' Haute Route

      Tour of the Jungfrau Region

      Tour of Mont Blanc

      Tour of the Vanoise

      Walks in the Engadine

      Walking in the Valais

      The Bernese Alps

      Ticino – Switzerland

      Central Switzerland

      Walks & Climbs in the Pyrenees

      The Pyrenees

      Everest: a Trekker's Guide

      Annapurna: a Trekker's Guide

      Langtang, Helambu & Gosainkund: a Trekker's Guide

      Kangchenjunga: a Trekker's Guide

      Manaslu: a Trekker's Guide

      Walking in Kent

      Walking in Sussex

      The South Downs Way

      The North Downs Way

      The Cotswold Way

      ÉCRINS NATIONAL PARK (FRENCH ALPS)

      A WALKING GUIDE

      by

      Kev Reynolds

      2 POLICE SQUARE, MILNTHORPE, CUMBRIA LA7 7PY

      www.cicerone.co.uk

      Second edition 2008

      ISBN-13: 978-185284-521-6

      © Kev Reynolds 2001, 2008

      First edition 2001

      ISBN-13: 978-185284-322-9

      A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

      Dedication

      For my wife, with love, and to mark some great days we've shared in the Alps.

      Acknowledgements

      Research for this second edition took place in the summer of 2007 in the company of Jonathan Williams, whose presence and generosity made it a particularly memorable trip. I am truly grateful to him, and to Jeff and Maryann Williams for their hospitality, offers of transport, and enthusiastic support; to Alan Payne and my wife who accompanied me on previous visits to this beautiful region, and to the numerous hut keepers, gîte owners and tourist office staff who provided invaluable information and advice. Thanks too, to readers of the first edition, especially Keith Reeves, who wrote with suggestions for new routes. The staff at Cicerone Press have once again come up trumps with a new design for this edition, with freshly drawn maps by Clare Crooke, and the inclusion of numerous additional photographs. As ever, I am the beneficiary of their combined skills and friendship, for this guidebook is the product of team effort. My sincere thanks to all who had a hand in its production.

      Kev Reynolds

      Advice to Readers

      Readers are advised that while every effort is taken by the author to ensure the accuracy of this guidebook, changes can occur which may affect the contents. It is advisable to check locally on transport, accommodation, shops, etc, but even rights of way can be altered.

      The publisher would welcome notes of any such changes.

      Front cover: The view south from Col de la Muzelle (Route 50)

      CONTENTS

       Introduction

       The Valleys of the Écrins

       The Parc National des Écrins

       Getting There

       Accommodation

       Weather

       Notes for Walkers

       Suggested Equipment List

       Recommended Maps

       Using the Guide

       General Information

       Vallée de la Romanche

       Introduction

       Main Valley Bases

       Other Valley Bases

       Mountain Huts

       1 Huez – Le Rosay – Bourg d'Oisans

       2 Barrage du Chambon – Cuculet – Barrage du Chambon

       3 Barrage du Chambon – Dôme du Lac Noir

       4 La Grave – Les Terraces – Le Chazelet

       5 Le Chazelet – Plateau d'Emparis – Lac Noir