Tour du Mont Blanc (2024 Updated Version): Real IGN maps 1:25,000: 6 different itineraries: The World's most famous trek - everything you need to know to plan and walk it (The Great Treks of the Alps) Paperback – 1 Feb. 2019

Whilst planning for a Tour du Mont Blanc trip this summer, I researched all the usual suspects in the hope that there would be a guidebook that would both inspire and inform. There are certainly plenty of candidates out there, but I've been stuck up too many mountains over the years, scratching my head and cursing so-called experts, to place much faith in them.So, I bought this title from newcomer Knife Edge on the off-chance, attracted by the prospect of proper maps. Nothing is more frustrating than investing in a guidebook only to find that the maps are either inaccurate, impossible to decipher or just plain useless.The first thing that leaps out to the reader is that this is a book written by someone who actually knows what hikers/trekkers/walkers need from a guide. The enthusiasm is palpable and the photos are amazing. I want to see myself in stunning pictures like these this summer! The book is motivational as well as instructive!The second - critical - attribute that sets this book apart from others in the genre is the use of real 1:25000 maps for each stage. No more estimating or trying to figure out what has been sketched on a page. I will be easily able to navigate without having to buy additional sheet maps as these maps will provide a significant amount of reassurance, especially as they are accompanied by seriously in-depth, yet pithy, descriptions incorporating time, direction and ascent/descent profiles for each stage. Each stage also has a short, punchy section covering what to expect from the day's walking.The accommodation listings are phenomenal - I was worried about identifying places to stay en route, but the list at the start of this book (including email/phone details, number of beds and available facilities) is massive. There is even a short section on the author's favourite places to stay as well as hut etiquette and even a section on camping for those who are brave enough to lug a tent at altitude!Another helpful feature is the itinerary planner, providing options for different itineraries. This has really helped me with planning, taking much of the guesswork out of preparations and significantly reducing stress.Finally, this is a guidebook you actually want to read. The photos (I need to mention them again!) are vibrant and leap out of the page - the print quality is excellent to the degree that I'd recommend this as a coffee table book for anyone who loves looking at mountains. As well as supporting my planning, this book has been an inspiration. I can't wait to get out on the TdMB and experience all of the places shown on the pages.If you are a walker who wants great, unfussy, beautiful and inspiring info and insight from people who clearly love the mountains and know what they are talking about, then this is the guide for you.

Liked: The grids of information. Distance and timings help give an idea of what to expect and help you plan your trek. All the maps, elevation graphs, and details help you understand what each section involves and enables you to make an educated decision. I haven't walked the route yet, but using this book has made me feel more at ease with the route I'm creating. I used this book and the Trail Blazer Guide's book (which is my goto series for any walk I'm doing), but if I were to choose only one book to use for MTB - I'd choose this one the Knife Edge Guide, simply because of the amount of information shared: It feels more complete.

Took this on my TMB last year and it was the only guide book I needed as it has IGN maps contained within it. Has useful information about the route, Flora/Fauna along with details about accommodation and distance/timings. Pretty compact and doesn’t add much weight to your pack and gives you something to read at night about the next days walk. Recommended

I did the TMB with a few friends a couple of years ago. I used the so called "Bible" guide book - available at that time - along with maps, blogs and other internet research materials. It took over a year to plan our 8 day trek (adapting an 11 day itinerary without any real knowledge of the difficulties of the trail). Now I'm planning to do this fabulous trek all over again, taking in more variants! This time however, it is FAR easier to plan - using this (Knife Edge) Guide Book. It is so nicely laid out, with all the information that is needed in ONE place. No need for additional maps, research etc. What I really like is the "suggested Itineraries" - this would have been really helpful for our last trek (hindsight is a wonderful thing). After "been there done it" with the "other" Guide, I would HIGHLY recommend this new book if you are planning the TMB (or even just parts of it). It's so refreshing!

I’m planning to do my hike in September of 2024. It’s great and has a lot of information. The only part I’m not crazy about the maps. It’s great for planning but I feel like in the field/on the trail it would be hard to use reference to pin point the location. It’s a very small factor but if I didn’t bring my phone it would be hard to navigate. I would recommend for everyone planning to do the hike to read it if you need information and planning. When I got the book it relit the fire for the hike and I can’t wait!!!

Got this to just clarify some things and map out my trail. Cannot believe how handy this was. Wish there was more information and insights when choosing to camp instead of staying at refuges but not an issue either way

I chose this book over cicerone and found myself a brilliant book. I didn’t plan my trip more than I’m going so found this book great for working out how far and how long between stops. The maps were helpful and the instructions spot on. I would highly suggest getting this rather than any other as it’s also shorter, therefore lighter than the cicerone which a couple of people I met had taken the relevant pages out of and burning when they got to each hostel rather than carry the weight!

(yes a pot of tea is essential on the TMB). If your preparing, planning and on the way this book is the perfect guide. It can not be overstated how useful it is, the route planning and and stop information are invaluable and there is no other guide with this level of easily accessible Information. But also the pictures are stunning and the narrative just takes you there... if your going or thinking about going get this book first and I guarantee you will be ordering a new backpack ( and a teapot like me)