Fast-packing the Tour du Mont Blanc — twice
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe's classic long-distance trails, taking you through France, Italy and Switzerland around the Mont Blanc massif.
Beth Langley has done it twice — both times in four days.
The first time was in 2022, when she took on the TMB solo as a personal challenge. The second was in 2025, when she returned with her boyfriend Arthur to recce the route for the UTMB race.
In this episode, we get into what it actually feels like to fast-pack the TMB rather than hike it over the more typical 10–12 days.
Beth explains how she splits her time between power-hiking the climbs and running the descents, what it's like to spend up to 12 hours a day moving through the mountains, and how you keep yourself moving when you've still got a big climb ahead and your legs are already tired.
We also talk about the unexpected pleasures of the TMB — including some excellent refuge food — and the joys of discovering that a second T-shirt is apparently unnecessary.
But the conversation takes a more interesting turn when we compare Beth's two trips.
Doing the TMB solo gave her a particular sense of achievement and self-reliance. She talks about how knowing she had set herself a difficult challenge and completed it gave her confidence that carried back into everyday life, including through the harder moments of her PhD.
We also discuss the difference between racing and having an adventure, why the TMB is more accessible than its reputation might suggest, and why Beth would happily go back for a third time.
What fast-packing the TMB actually looks like
Power-hiking the climbs and running the descents
Four days and some very long days on the trail
Why the TMB isn't just for ultra runners
The best views — and the moments that make you stop
What Beth learned from doing the route solo
The difference between fast-packing and racing
Why doing something difficult on your own can build confidence
French mountain food and the question of whether you really need a second T-shirt
Would Beth do the TMB for a third time?
If this episode leaves you thinking, I want to do that, you don't necessarily need to start with the Alps. Beth's advice is simple: get out into the mountains in the UK first. The Lake District and Scotland are a pretty good playground.
Plan your own adventure at bigtrailadventures.com.
