GR5 — Grande Traversée des Alpes

The French section of the renowned GR5 (which technically starts in the Netherlands) serves as the 'Grande Traversée des Alpes' (GTA). This majestic 385-mile (620km) route is Europe’s classic north-to-south Alpine traverse. Starting from the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) in Thonon-les-Bains, it drives straight south through the heart of the Alps—crossing the Mont Blanc massif, the Vanoise National Park, the Queyras, and the Mercantour National Park—before finally dropping into the Mediterranean Sea at Nice. It takes about 4 weeks to complete, offering a journey from green, pastoral dairy country through high-altitude wilderness, culminating in the lavender-scented maritime Alps. Note: Compiled from public sources — not a field report.

The Overland Track is a 65km point-to-point alpine traverse through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Running from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, the route passes through dramatic glaciated valleys, ancient rainforests, and high moorlands. Under the management of Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania, the trail offers a deep connection to Tasmania's unique natural heritage, including the endemic King Billy Pine and high dolerite peaks. The route consists of a mix of well-maintained boardwalks, exposed rocky ridges, and forested sections that can become muddy during sustained rainfall.