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Day 4: From Champex to Le Châble in Val de Bagnes is an easy trek of 3½–4hrs through a gentle landscape punctuated with small villages.

Day 5: By direct contrast with Day 4, this is a demanding trek with more than 1600m of height to gain in order to reach Cabane du Mont Fort after 6–6½hrs. But memorable views from the hut make the effort worthwhile.

Day 6: Once again two options are offered for the trek to Cabane de Prafleuri. From the Mont Fort Hut the main route goes along the balcony trail of the Sentier des Chamois with stunning views of the Combin massif, before turning to Col de Louvie; while the alternative takes a more direct route to Col de Louvie by way of the rocky Col de la Chaux. From Col de Louvie the way descends below the Grand Désert glacier, before making a long approach to Col de Prafleuri, followed by descent into a bleak basin in which stands Cabane de Prafleuri (6–6½hrs by the main route, 5½hrs via Col de la Chaux).

Day 7: A delightful 6½hr walk leads to Arolla via Col des Roux and either Col de Riedmatten or Pas de Chèvres, with an option of visiting Cabane des Dix below the North Face of Mont Blanc de Cheilon. This is one of the finest stages of the Haute Route, with a choice of accommodation to be had in Arolla.