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bear100



Member Since: 22 Mar 2010
Location: South Wales
Posts: 1867

Wales 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black
Alps overland routes
Well i had planned to do the Viraction route RB5 across the Pyrenees in the next 2 weeks but it looks like that will not happen now Big Cry

Not really sure if it is a good idea to travel abroad at the moment either Confused

So i am now thinking of doing the Alps instead, trouble is I'm struggling to find a company that does a similar plan as Vibraction, i don't want to just drive there and find my own way i prefer to be a bit more organised and plan ahead.

Has anyone here done the alps and can recommend a route or road book? there seem to be a few camp sites along the way but would also like to have a few wild camps 2016 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 TDV8
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Post #846748 28th Jul 2020 8:21pm
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LandymanStefan



Member Since: 30 Aug 2017
Location: Surrey
Posts: 860

England 2001 Defender 90 Td5 SW Epsom Green
Yes! I went last year!

See my thread here: https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic65425.html

Im looking to do the same next year so im always researching where to go

Main tracks i did last time were the col du parpaillon but there was too much ice in the tunnel to pass so i missed a lot of tracks that i wanted to hit after as we had to turn back and we the the toll operated part of la via del sale. At the time the via del sale website was a bit hopeless so you couldnt find all the miles of other tracks that come off it too easily or a map with them on. Although i looked yesterday and theyve updated the website and got a proper map now.

https://www.altaviadelsale.com/eng/upper-salt-road

All the roads in red are tracks
https://www.altaviadelsale.com/images/pdf/...ressed.pdf

I also want to get some of these maps for next time
https://www.fraternalieditore.com/?lang=en

Places ive been eyeing up for next time are
Mont Cenis

Colle dell'assietta into colle delle finestre

Redo the col du parpaillon but actually get through the tunnel then link it to this little track

https://www.wikiloc.com/offroading-trails/...e-20864988

Which takes you to Col de la Bonnette... looks like tarmac but stunning viewpoint

Then to this onee
https://it.wikiloc.com/percorsi-4x4/ancien...p-29487151

Then link it to the salt road again although next time i want to explore all the parts that arent the toll part

Then to the seaside
Post #846765 28th Jul 2020 10:09pm
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LandymanStefan



Member Since: 30 Aug 2017
Location: Surrey
Posts: 860

England 2001 Defender 90 Td5 SW Epsom Green
I also find youtube very good for finding routes tracks and inspiration

Found these 2 this evening



&

and this one a while ago

&list=LL&index=20&
Post #846769 28th Jul 2020 10:15pm
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bear100



Member Since: 22 Mar 2010
Location: South Wales
Posts: 1867

Wales 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black
Thank you so much for this

The place looks stunning! i watched a good few you tubes last night and now have a few routes in mind, so now its time to plan the route and camp stops on the way as as you done off to the sea side before the long drive home
Can you wild camp anywhere? 2016 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 TDV8
2010 110 XS Utility 2.4TDCI
2010 Range Rover Sport TDV8 (gone)
2007 Discovery HSE TDV6 (gone)
1993 110 csw 200 tdi (gone)
1994 90 HT 300 tdi (gone)
1994 discovery 300tdi (gone)
90 hybrid 3.5 v8 (gone)
Range rover bobtail 3.5 v8 (gone)
Post #846817 29th Jul 2020 9:21am
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LandymanStefan



Member Since: 30 Aug 2017
Location: Surrey
Posts: 860

England 2001 Defender 90 Td5 SW Epsom Green
Legally you can’t wild camp in just a tent in France or Italy. I think you’re allowed a roof tent as you’re like a camper van then. However we wild camped and had no problems one place in Cervinia in Italy we were up a track set up camp and we were passed by all the staff who worked on the ski lifts and no one cares. I think the Italians are super relaxed about everything. I imagine the French are more strict but most of the people on the trails are like minded people and are either doing it themselves or roof tenting.
Post #846827 29th Jul 2020 10:53am
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Moneypit



Member Since: 27 Feb 2018
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 271

2004 Defender 110 300 Tdi HT Fuji White
Great videos
Post #846907 29th Jul 2020 7:10pm
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bear100



Member Since: 22 Mar 2010
Location: South Wales
Posts: 1867

Wales 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black
That surprised me, most of the videos show someone camping in them.
I’ve gathered the Italians are more laid back than the french from the various sites I have visited.

Just had a look at your pictures from your previous posts......amazing! I can’t wait to go now!! 2016 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 TDV8
2010 110 XS Utility 2.4TDCI
2010 Range Rover Sport TDV8 (gone)
2007 Discovery HSE TDV6 (gone)
1993 110 csw 200 tdi (gone)
1994 90 HT 300 tdi (gone)
1994 discovery 300tdi (gone)
90 hybrid 3.5 v8 (gone)
Range rover bobtail 3.5 v8 (gone)
Post #846928 29th Jul 2020 9:15pm
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bear100



Member Since: 22 Mar 2010
Location: South Wales
Posts: 1867

Wales 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black
Well it’s all planned and we are off to the Alps Monday morning!

Thanks for your help and info

Thumbs Up 2016 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 TDV8
2010 110 XS Utility 2.4TDCI
2010 Range Rover Sport TDV8 (gone)
2007 Discovery HSE TDV6 (gone)
1993 110 csw 200 tdi (gone)
1994 90 HT 300 tdi (gone)
1994 discovery 300tdi (gone)
90 hybrid 3.5 v8 (gone)
Range rover bobtail 3.5 v8 (gone)
Post #848458 6th Aug 2020 11:17pm
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LandymanStefan



Member Since: 30 Aug 2017
Location: Surrey
Posts: 860

England 2001 Defender 90 Td5 SW Epsom Green
Excellent! Post some pictures when you get back! Hope you have a great time and let us know if any routes not mentioned. I’ll be back there next summer I hope Smile
Post #848459 6th Aug 2020 11:19pm
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Grenadier



Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: The foot of Mont Blanc...
Posts: 5765

France 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Corris Grey
Re: Alps overland routes
bear100 wrote:
Well i had planned to do the Viraction route RB5 across the Pyrenees in the next 2 weeks but it looks like that will not happen now Big Cry

Not really sure if it is a good idea to travel abroad at the moment either Confused

So i am now thinking of doing the Alps instead, trouble is I'm struggling to find a company that does a similar plan as Vibraction, i don't want to just drive there and find my own way i prefer to be a bit more organised and plan ahead.

Has anyone here done the alps and can recommend a route or road book? there seem to be a few camp sites along the way but would also like to have a few wild camps


Don't come to France if you want to off road. Across the Haute Savoie and Savoie, use of the off road trails is prohibited between 0900 and 1800 during July and August. Only owners of farm property, refuges and mountain businesses (restaurants etc) can access these roads during the day. Note that just last year Macron visited because our mayor wrote a letter saying he was fed up with the destruction of the local wilderness (notably by climbers using the route to the summit of Mont Blanc which falls within our commune) so they are coming down much, much harder now, Gendarmes and local plod at entry/exit points or patrolling using quads, trail bikes and 4x4s. Even the helo has been up. Fines are hefty, so stay clear until September. Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey


Last edited by Grenadier on 8th Aug 2020 6:59am. Edited 1 time in total
Post #848611 8th Aug 2020 6:42am
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Grenadier



Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: The foot of Mont Blanc...
Posts: 5765

France 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Corris Grey
LandymanStefan wrote:
Legally you can’t wild camp in just a tent in France or Italy. I think you’re allowed a roof tent as you’re like a camper van then. However we wild camped and had no problems one place in Cervinia in Italy we were up a track set up camp and we were passed by all the staff who worked on the ski lifts and no one cares. I think the Italians are super relaxed about everything. I imagine the French are more strict but most of the people on the trails are like minded people and are either doing it themselves or roof tenting.


You can Wild camp anywhere in the Alps if you only use a bivvie bag. No tents or bashas. They Can only be erected in campsites or allotted fields that are found next to refuges. This applies to roof top tents as well, to my knowledge. You also can't light fires, but can use a burner. That's just in the mountains, btw.

Under French law you can park anywhere you wish on public roads for one night, within reason (e.g. Not on a motorway) as long as you're not on private land, causing a disruption, blocking access or are a danger to other road users. Some communes have set local restrictions superseding these national rules, notably in areas infested by white boxes. Like our commune. There will be signs saying if you can/can't park overnight. Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey
Post #848612 8th Aug 2020 6:46am
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Grenadier



Member Since: 23 Jul 2014
Location: The foot of Mont Blanc...
Posts: 5765

France 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Corris Grey
Weather here recently has been averagely outstanding. Expect 30c ambient air temp by the middle of next week. Thumbs Up

Click image to enlarge



Click image to enlarge



Click image to enlarge
 Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey
Post #848614 8th Aug 2020 6:58am
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bear100



Member Since: 22 Mar 2010
Location: South Wales
Posts: 1867

Wales 2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Santorini Black
Hi, its not for the off-roading it’s more for the sights and experience, all our routes are generally road based, The great Bernard pass, Furka pass, Mont Cenis etc.
We are planning to do the usual off road routes too, Colle de Sommellier, Colle du Parapillion and maybe the Col de Assiettes?
Most days we are at camp sites but we do intend to wild camp (never done it before) on a couple of days.
Also will stay in Chamonix for a few days to see the sights
Hopefully we will also do the Alta Via Del Sale routes too.

Those pictures are stunning! Myself and son are very conscious on the impact we make on nature and our surroundings and have the upmost respect, it's a shame not everyone has the same view. 2016 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 TDV8
2010 110 XS Utility 2.4TDCI
2010 Range Rover Sport TDV8 (gone)
2007 Discovery HSE TDV6 (gone)
1993 110 csw 200 tdi (gone)
1994 90 HT 300 tdi (gone)
1994 discovery 300tdi (gone)
90 hybrid 3.5 v8 (gone)
Range rover bobtail 3.5 v8 (gone)
Post #848680 8th Aug 2020 3:48pm
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