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Acknowledgements

The late Andrew Harper wrote the first English-language guide to the Tour of the Oisans in 1986, and his enthusiasm for the route inspired my first visit. That was undertaken as a full backpacking trek, and having failed to learn the lesson I foolishly carried tent, food and cooking equipment on my second venture round much of the route several years later. Happily, when Jonathan Williams suggested we trek the Tour of the Oisans together to research this guide, he insisted (without any opposition from me) that we travel light and use conventional gîte, hotel or refuge accommodation. So my first expression of thanks is to him, especially for his good-humoured company, generosity and patience along the way. Jeff Williams was to have written this guide for Cicerone, but when circumstances got in the way he magnanimously offered me his route notes and observations, and then, with Maryann his wife, provided welcome hospitality and assistance with transport. I offer them both my warmest thanks for their open friendship. As ever I am indebted to the Cicerone team in Milnthorpe, for they are the talented folk who transform the skeleton of my manuscript into the book you hold in your hands. Mine are the pleasures of spending weeks among the mountains with tape recorder, notebook and camera, but editor Sue Viccars, along with Hazel, Caroline and Clare put their skills and talents to my advantage, and I am truly grateful to them. And finally, it is my wife whose love and support makes every mountain trip possible. This book is also hers.