It’s been mixed weather again on the Tour des Dents du Midi this week. There’s been a lot of cloud and some rain but it’s not been too heavy during the day and we’ve enjoyed some sunshine at time. The photo’ above was taken about 8:30pm on Tuesday night at the Cabane d’Anthèmoz, a couple of hours earlier it was sunshine and we’d been sat outside having dinner until a sudden rain shower forced us inside for to finish dinner.
Above left, looking back into the Pas d’Encel. There’s a path there somewhere but even I can’t see it on the photo. It descends via some chains passing some airy drops cutting down the face until you can walk more comfortably through some alpages heading for the Cabane d’Anthèmoz.
This week, on arrival at the Cabane d’Anthèmoz the sun is breaking through and it’s an enjoyable couple hours sat outside in the sunshine and strolling up into the cirque to take photo’s.
Next day heading back to Mex the Dents du Midi is wrapped in cloud the paths seem quite exposed cutting across really steep slopes falling away into cloud. The trail is in good condition, bridges like the one pictured above are in place and the communes have been out doing a little work on some sections. It’s never a manicured or sanitised path, and for much of the route a fall from the trail would have serious consequences, but with care it’s challenging and enjoyable walking.
Above left, looking back at Cabane d’Anthèmoz. Then the route takes a section into the forests, these are are verdant, wet forests on really steep slopes and on a cloudy day like this it’s a bit humid at times. In breaks into pastures in paces some farmers are out moving sheep up to high pastures with the help of their dogs. These flocks will be left guarded by protection dogs against the threats of predators such as re-introduced wolves who are now reported as present in the Valais.
Walking back to Mex is one of the easier sections of the Tour des Dents du Midi without too much vertical but the usual challenges of steep trails, narrow paths over steep drops and sections of chains along with a big distance make it a good day out. As a bonus on this section there’s chance to stop for drinks and snacks at an alpage which times itself nice around lunchtime before hitting the final leg into Mex and down the pretty main street to reach a cafe for a welcome beer.
We have several dates still available for our guided Tour des Dents du Midi, we’re able to offer this for small private groups as well. Please contact us for details!
