Head to Argentière and ascend the Col de Balme and over the summit of Aiguillette des Possette. Take in the views over Switzerland and get your first glimpse of of Mont Blanc in the distance. Head towards the Tete de Balme straddling the French/Swiss border and on to the picturesque village of Trient, where you’ll spend the night.

Trek to the Fenêtre d'Arpette, a wild mountain pass known for its untouched beauty. Cross through the ravishing Arpette Valley and spend the night in the small Swiss mountain resort of Champex-lac.

Enjoy a late start and then pass quaint houses, old farms and quiet villages as you make your way to Orsieres. Climb up to Le Chable - the stage's final stop, where you’ll stay tonight.

Wake up bright and early and take the cable car from Le Chable to Verbier. Reach the outer edge of the Mont Fort glacier, the start of today’s trek and walk along the Col de Louvie before traversing a high circuit surrounded by glaciers and serrated rock faces. Keep going to the Cabane de Prafleuri, a mountain hut and tonight's destination.

Pass the impressive Lac des Dix dam, before climbing up the Col de Riedmatten, passing between the Val d'Hermence and the Val d'Arolla. Once in Arolla, it’s time to rest up and recover at a nice local guesthouse.

Set off on one of the toughest days so far as you hike toward the high point at Col de Torrent. Descend to the Val de Moiry, passing the Lac the Moury, stop for a rest and then continue down the track to the Corne de Sorebois. From there, take the gondola down to Zinal, where you’ll lay your head for the night.

Trek to Anniviers and walk up the Col de la Forcletta and the famous Turtmanntal. See the first of the Alps 4000m peaks, including those in the Matterhorn Valley and then make your way through meadows and farmland to Gruben for the night.

Time for one of the most epic sections of the entire trip. Climb through the Augstbord Pass to reach the quintessential Swiss Alps village of St. Niklaus, where you'll check into a warm and cosy hotel.

Catch the local bus from St. Niklaus to Gasenried and begin your approach to the famous Europahütte, home to one of the greatest views of the Matterhorn Valley and the mighty Matterhorn itself. From there, you'll follow the trail as it winds its way down to tonight’s accommodation, the Hotel La Reserve.

Follow the trail as it hugs the Matterhorn, before finishing your trek in the lovely mountain village of Zermatt. Celebrate - you’ve earned it.

What do I need to bring?

KIT

• 35 to 40-litre backpack, with raincover
• Sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton)
• Minimum 2-litre bottle or flask
• Toiletries and a personal first aid kit
• Walking poles

CLOTHES

• Hiking clothing for all weather and plenty of layers
• Hats, gloves and neck gaiter or a scarf
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, suncream
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
• Swimwear
• Strong and waterproof leather hiking boots with a high ankle
• Lightweight shoes (e.g. sneakers, sandals) for the huts/evening