All my trips take place in the mountains and so you can expect to walk up and down every day. My trips are graded so clearly the lower grade trips feature shorter easier hikes than the top end....and bear in mind I am not getting any younger either!! We don’t walk fast, but in the Alps we try to do what could be described as the Alpine Plod - a slow steady pace which can be maintained without getting breathless and having to stop every few minutes. You’ll often find you’re able to keep up a conversation going uphill. This is a very pleasant and efficient way to travel in the mountains. This doesn’t mean we don’t stop - of course we do, to eat, rest, and of course just to take in those fabulous views. The best training for walking is - walking. But if you regularly do an aerobic activity and are healthy you should have no problem on these treks. However, you will certainly be tired at the end of some days, this is quite normal, and therein lies some of the wonderful achievement you’ll feel as you proudly arrive at the end of a mountain holiday. 

What will I have to carry? 

The key words for Trekking in the Alps "Think light". Nowadays almost all my trips are hotel based so you only need to carry for one day, or one overnight. However, even on hotel trips it is best to bring less rather than more...when we transfer from one hotel to another the vehicle we use is not enormous....if everyone has a huge suitcase there'll be no room for us to sit down! Each day you need to carry what you need for all conditions - spare clothes, lunch food for the day, water, raingear. First Aid and emergency gear is not needed as I carry that. Your sac should not weigh more than about 5 kgs. A full equipment list will be supplied on booking or by contacting me.  

Do you get many single people on your trips? 

Lots of people come alone and many friendships have begun on Trekking in the Alps and Provence trips. My groups are small (maximum 10, usually 4-8) and the atmosphere is informal and supportive. Do not be afraid to book alone - in fact that's the best way to integrate into a group. 

What age are most people on a trek? 

I get the full age range from teenagers to retired people. There doesn’t seem to be an optimum age, but your age is immaterial really - some of my fittest trekkers have been well into their 60s - proof that age is just in the head. 

What nationalities come on your treks? 

The majority of Trekking in the Alps and Provence guests are English speaking, from Britain, America, Canada, Australia, Holland... I also have some French speakers, but they generally come to improve their English. 

Do I need to speak the local language to come on a European trip? 

No, you’ll always be fine in English. My trips take place in French speaking regions and I’ll be happy to translate for you. However, if you are keen to improve your French I’ll also be happy to help you to do this. 

Do I need trekking poles? 

This is a personal decision, but if you value your knees I strongly recommend you try walking with poles. If you want to try some you can rent from me. On certain hikes where we’re likely to encounter snow, or slippery terrain, I will insist that you take at least one pole, which can be telescoped down to carry on your sac if you don’t want to use it. 

What if I have a medical condition? 

Let me know of any condition that may be relevant to the holiday, and please tell me of any medication you’re taking for this condition. In a few cases I will ask for a note from your doctor saying that a mountain walking holiday is okay with your condition. 
If you feel you can do a trip then I will almost certainly be keen for you to come along, without any judgement from me. Just be sure to keep me informed of any condition which may be relevant. 

Can children come on your trips? 

Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Children from 10 upwards can usually manage the easier trips, and often enjoy them immensely - younger for some private group family holidays. The main thing is that the child is keen to come. 

What about Insurance? 

You must be insured for rescue, medical costs and repatriation. I also strongly recommend holiday insurance covering cancellation. I can advise on rescue insurance. The following companies are recommended: 
BMC Insurance Services 
SnowCard UK
Access America
Austrian Alpine Club

For information on how to book, payment,visas, insurance, transport etc, just go to the How to Book page on this site.