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The Tour des Dents du Midi (TDM) makes a rewarding trek. Although its full length is only about 42km, the terrain is such that most trekkers take three–four days to complete it. The scenic quality is high, with waterfalls cascading from steep slab walls; there are lakes and pools, and flowery pastures in which it’s possible to study chamois and marmot. Accommodation is in gîtes and both privately owned and SAC huts, and there’s a choice of at least three starting points: i) Champéry in Val d’Illiez, ii) La Doey above Vérossaz on the Rhône valley side of the mountains, reached by postbus from St-Maurice, or iii) Mex which stands above Evionnaz. In this brief summary we begin at Champéry, and tackle the route in a counter-clockwise direction (for information see www.dentsdumidi.ch).

Day 1: Wander upvalley from Champéry to the Cantine de Bonavau at 1550m. Shortly after, cross a stream to join the main path of the TDM which now climbs against steep slabs supporting the Dents de Bonavau (fixed cables and chains), then up the side of a ravine into the rocky groove of Pas d’Encel. Above this lies the small but wildly attractive Susanfe valley, and the SAC-owned Cabane de Susanfe (see above) standing at 2102m, about 3½–4hrs from Champéry.