The Alps, A Natural Companion

15. Flower Identi cation Guide

included under the EU Habitats Directive, change, disturbance by humans and habitat
the Bern Convention and CITES. loss. Their beauty and splendour can only be
fully recognised when we see them in their
This section is designed to be easy to use natural environment. As a general rule,
not just for reference, but also as a �ield picking or collecting alpine plants should
guide, with descriptions and colour pho- be strictly avoided.
tographs allowing in situ identi�ication of
plants. Alpine plants have a dif�icult and For diagrams of ower structures, see page 154.
challenging existence at the best of times, For a botanical glossary, see page 284.
without adding the threats of global climate

Common name of the 62. Alpine Saw-wort Photograph of the ower
ower Flower shape icon, also
Saussurea alpina Daisy family (Asteraceae) included in the side bar,
Flower colour, indicating whether the
corresponding to coloured Plant height: 5–20cm Flower size: 7–14mm
Altitude zones: subalpine – alpine (1600–2800m) ower is zygomorphic,
tabs in the side bar Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D 4-petaled, 5-petaled or
Scienti c name of the Description: A delicate plant with a brush-like ower head.
Leaves lance-shaped, slightly toothed, grey-green and felty many-petaled
ower beneath. Flower heads purple, 5–10 closely packed in an
Flowering times (months umbel-like cluster. Common name and
when ower is most likely Habitat: Nutrient and lime-poor soils, rocky and stony places scienti c name of the
Distribution: Throughout botanical family to which
to be seen in bloom) Abundance: Rare Conservation: EU Hab Dir Annex II the ower belongs
Distribution (the areas of Altitudinal range (height
the Alps where the plant at which the plant grows)
The plant’s preferred
is found)
How commonly the plant environment
International
is found conservation policies or
treaties indicate that the
plant is rare or threatened

153

The Alps, A Natural Companion | Flowers

Describing Flower Structures

Flower Clusters (In orescence)

Umbel Panicle Spike

Flower head Raceme Corymb
Flower Shapes Radial symmetry (actinomorphic)

Petals free Petals fused Bell-shaped
Bilateral symmetry (zygomorphic)

Standard Upper lip
Lower lip
Wing
Keel

Legume ower Lamiaceae ower Orchid ower

Composite Flower Head

Ray orets

Disc orets

Involucral bract

Ray oret Disc oret

154

15. Flower Identi cation Guide

Flower Diagram

Carpel

Ovary Ovule Stigma Style

Anther Stamen
Filament

Perianth Petal Stalk Receptacle
Calyx Corolla Sepal

Leaf Margins

Lobed Entire Serrated Toothed
Leaf Shapes

Linear Elliptical Heart-shaped

Kidney-shaped Lance-shaped Spoon-shaped
Palmate Pinnate
Trifoliate
Leaf Arrangements

Opposite Alternate Whorled Basal rose e

155

The Alps, A Natural Companion | Flowers

1. Monkshood 2. Bulbous Corydalis

Aconitum napellus Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) Corydalis bulbosa Fumitory family (Fumariaceae)

Plant height: 40–150cm Flower size: 20–30mm Plant height: 10–20cm Flower size: 18–30mm
Altitude zones: submontane – alpine (800–2600m) Altitude zones: montane – subalpine (1000–2000m)

Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Description: A very poisonous, hairless plant with distinctive, Description: A plant with large, tuberous roots. Leaves
hooded owers. Leaves palmate, divided almost to the middle. pinnately-lobed on thin stems. Flowers dull purple with a
Flowers bluish violet to reddish violet in dense, branched, spike- down-curving spur in a short, spike-like raceme.
like racemes. Helmet of ower rounded. Habitat: Nutrient-rich soils, pastures and cultivated land
Habitat: Damp meadows, open woods, riverbanks Distribution: Throughout
Distribution: Throughout Abundance: Scattered
Abundance: Common

3. Common Butterwort 4. Tufted Vetch

Pinguicula vulgaris Butterwort family (Lentibulariaceae) Vicia cracca Pea family (Fabaceae)

Plant height: 5–15cm Flower size: 15–22mm Plant height: 20–120cm Flower size: 10–12mm
Altitude zones: submontane – subalpine (800–2500m) Altitude zones: submontane – subalpine (300–2300m)

Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Description: An insectivorous plant. Leaves yellowish green, Description: A clambering, slightly hairy plant. Leaves with
eshy, rolled upwards at the edges. Flowers violet with a white 12–30 linear lea ets and a terminal tendril. Flowers bluish
throat on the lower lip and a 3–6mm spur. violet, in stalked clusters of 10–30, forming a one-sided spike.
Habitat: Nutrient-poor soils, spring-fed ushes Habitat: Nutrient-poor, loamy soils, meadows and scrub
Distribution: Throughout Distribution: Throughout
Abundance: Common Abundance: Common

156

15. Flower Identi cation Guide

5. Alpine Milkwort 6. Bitter Milkwort

Polygala alpestris Milkwort family (Polygalaceae) Polygala amara Milkwort family (Polygalaceae)

Plant height: 5–15cm Flower size: 5–6mm Plant height: 5–20cm Flower size: 5–8mm
Altitude zones: montane – alpine (1200–2700m) Altitude zones: submontane – subalpine (500–2200m)

Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Description: A low-lying plant with leafy basal rosettes. Stem Description: Numerous stems arise from basal leaf rosette.
leaves shorter, alternate. Flowers blue with white, hairy fringes. Stem leaves smaller, pointed and alternate. Flowers blue, violet,
Habitat: Dry, calcareous meadows, rocky and stony places pink or white in long spikes.
Distribution: Throughout Habitat: Calcareous meadows, rocky places, open woods,
Abundance: Common spring-fed ushes
Distribution: Throughout
Abundance: Scattered

7. Mountain Pansy 8. Long-spurred Pansy

Viola lutea Violet family (Violaceae) Viola calcarata Violet family (Violaceae)

Plant height: 5–10cm Flower size: 20–30mm Plant height: 3–12cm Flower size: 20–30mm
Altitude zones: montane – subalpine (1000–2000m) Altitude zones: subalpine – alpine (1600–2800m)

Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Description: A short, hairy or hairless plant with slender Description: Leaves rounded or lance-shaped, blunt-toothed.
creeping stems. Leaves narrow and lance-shaped, toothed. Flowers solitary or in pairs, violet with a dark, striped, yellow
Flowers violet, yellow or bicoloured with a short spur 3–6mm centre. Flowers have a long, arching spur 8–15mm long.
long. Habitat: Meadows and rocky places
Habitat: Dry, nutrient-poor, acidic soils, rocky places Distribution: Throughout
Distribution: Throughout Abundance: Common
Abundance: Rare

157

The Alps, A Natural Companion | Walks

On the path to the Lötschental Pass.
Photo: Tony Gladstone

WSECTAIOLN KIV S

234

16. Walks

Photo 16.0 | Crossing from Switzerland into France above Catogne, with views of Aiguille Verte and Aiguille Dru, and Mont Blanc beyond.

16. Walks

This chapter outlines 20 walks, ranging from The walks are broadly grouped by area from
fairly easy half-day strolls to potentially east to west and can be seen in the overview
more demanding multi-day trips, which are map on page 239.
scattered throughout the Alps. Of course,
this selection barely scratches the surface Walks are given a dif�iculty grade as follows:
of the fabulous walking in the Alps, but the Easy – a short walk with no dif�iculties.
walks featured here do take in some of the Moderate – a longer walk with some
very best Alpine scenery, and will allow the dif�iculties.
walker to enjoy the spectacular geology and Strenuous – a long walk involving a lot of
�lowers of the area. ascent or distance; a signi�icant undertaking.

235

The Alps, A Natural Companion ||Walks

Map page The Alps, A Natural Companion ||Walks Faulhorn Massif
showing
parking area er s e e Isetwald Walk 10 | Faulhorn Massif
and route of
e n z A8 Plangau This walk, one of the classic Alpine routes, offers magnificent views of the Bernese Oberland
walk in the middle distance, including the Eiger and Jungfrau, as well as dramatic, close-up views
QR code – scan B r i of folds on the Faulhorn massif.

this with a Bönigen Furggenhoren Fangisalpbach The scenery on this walk is spectacular. The
mobile phone rocks underfoot are mudstones and lime-
to open the Roteflue Sägistalsee stones in the Axen nappe, part of the Helvetic
2169 Faulhorn Gassenhorn Grossenegg nappe piles. During the mountain-building
location in PARKING phase these rocks were subject to severe
Google Maps 2295 thrusting and folding. The folds are strikingly
Ind2r4iS6S2ääggiBisesr4tgshaaauGl3soMtthänarnddlenen 5 2616 visible here, especially as you approach the
Map scale 2681 north-western flank of Sägissa.
Information Loucherhorn Bira
box detailing GPS 46.665876, 2 2400 Bachsee
Grade, Time, 7.870487 Simelihorn
Distance,
Ascent, Access Oberberghorn 2231 2756
and Start Point 2069 Furggenhorn
Breitlauenen First Allow six hours for the stunning high-level
2184 walking between Schynige Platte and First,
Tuba Ausserläger and additional time for transport up and
2099
down from the massif. The initial ascent
1 Schynige 2005
Platte uses the cogwheel train between Wilderswil
(584m) and Schynige Platte (1,967m), and
Lütschental Burglauenen the descent takes the three-stage cable car Photo 16.10 | Thrust-folds on the Faulhorn massif (see page 34).
between First (2,186m) and Grindelwald
Gündlischwand Schwendi Mühlebach (1,034m), followed by a valley train back to round the south side of the peak. On reaching
Grindelwald the start at Wilderswil. the south-western ridge of Loucherhorn you
are rewarded with impressive close-up views
Scale: 1:100,000 Grid: 1km datum CH1903+ Looking southwards as you leave the station of some of the most dramatic folds in the Alps
at Schynige Platte 1 , you can see the Eiger, on the north-western flanks of Sägissa. Some
N 0km 2km 4km Mönch, Jungfrau, Lauterbrunnen and the of the rock strata fold to the left and others
to the right.
Grade: Moderate Time: 6 hours Distance: 18km Ascent: 500m Challifirn Breithorn in the distance. A high level path
Continue towards Gotthard 3 , then turn
Region: Interlaken area Eiger Ischmeer (Panoramaweg) takes you just below Tuba sharp right and, near Berghaus Män-
Access: Access to the start point is by road or rail from either 3970 and Oberberghorn, with magnificent views ndlenen 4 , sharp left towards Faulhorn. A
Interlaken or Grindelwald. The walk starts with a cog- of the mountain ahead. An intermediate steady ascent takes you towards and below
Start: wheel train from Wilderswil on the southern edge of Faulhorn 5 with views of more folds on the
Interlaken. At the end of the walk, descend from the route bypasses the highest points, meeting northern flank. There is a path that bypasses
First massif to Grindelwald by cable car and take the the summit, saving about 50 or 60 metres of
train from there to Wilderswil. the high level path just below Oberberghorn. ascent, but the panoramic views are worth
Wilderswil station the effort.
This brings you out on the edge of the plateau
directly above Brienzer See, one of the two From Faulhorn, descend towards Bachsee
glacial lakes that flank Interlaken. Alterna- and then to First and the cable car. If you
tively, a more direct route from the Schynige miss the last cable car, the walk down to
Platte station avoids the other routes’ ascent. Grindelwald will add an extra 1.5 to 2 hours.

The routes converge a short distance west of
Loucherhorn 2 . The path then works its way

4107 259

258 Mönch

Jungfrau

Using the Walks Section Google Maps

There is an information box on the map Latitude and longitude coordinates can be
page for each walk giving key information entered directly into Google in the given
about the route, including the start location, format. For example, to �ind the parking for
the level of dif�iculty, the estimated time Walk 13 – Dents du Midi (page 265), simply
required for the walk, the distance covered enter 46.141591, 6.986378 into Google
and the amount of ascent. Maps. Alternatively, scan the QR code on the
map with a mobile phone to get a direct link
Times do not include breaks other than brief to the Google Maps location.
pauses for photography and are an average
time taken in summer conditions. They are Maps and Navigation
given as a guideline, but ascent, distance and
terrain should be taken into account. This book contains clear maps of each sug-
gested walk, with numbered waypoints.
Access The paths in the Alps are well signposted,
but it is important to carry a full map of the
Details of how to access each walk by road relevant area for extra detail.
and public transport are provided in the
information box on the map page for each Note that in the Italian Alps, French or
walk. Suggested parking locations are also Austrian names may be used which differ
included. slightly from the Italian ones. This is the case
even on Italian-made maps!

236

Using the Walks Section

Refreshments Emergency Contacts

Many of the walks described in this book European emergency services 112
pass mountain refuges where refreshments
can be purchased, but you should ensure that Speci c mountain rescue services:
you take adequate food and water with you Valais – OCVS (Organisation Cantonale
for the duration of your walk. Look out for Valaisanne de Secours) 144
signs indicating eau potable (French), acqua Swiss Air Rescue (REGA) 1414
potabile (Italian) or Trinkwasser (German). Chamonix – PGHM (Peloton de Gendar-
merie de Haute Montagne) (+33) 04
Weather 50 53 16 89.
Italy 118
Walkers should always check the weather Aosta Valley Mountain Rescue (+39)
forecast and ensure that they are adequately 01 65 23 82 22
equipped for cooler temperatures or poor Austria (Bergrettung) 140
weather conditions at altitude. Be aware that mountain rescue can be
very expensive and it is advisable to have
Many of these walks can be tackled at any insurance in place to cover any such costs.
time of year; the limiting factor is snow
cover. Snow can appear from early Septem- Safety
ber and patches may linger well into July
even at lower altitudes. Where late snow can Walking in the Alps can be dangerous. All
present problems, alternative routes have those who walk in the mountains should be
been suggested. The �lowers are usually at aware of the risks and take responsibility for
their best between mid-June and late July. their own actions.

Alpine Huts The authors and publisher have made every
effort to ensure that the information in this
Some walks require you to break your book was correct on going to press, but
journey in huts. You should telephone in cannot accept responsibility for any loss,
advance to book your place. Hut contact injury or inconvenience sustained by any
details are available online or from the person using this book.
nearest tourist of�ice, but hut wardens will
often phone ahead for you for the next day. International Distress Signal: Six blasts
Huts are payable in cash the night before on a whistle (and �lashes with a torch in
departure. Discounts for overnight stays darkness) at 10–second intervals, followed
are available for members of the European by a 1-minute pause. Repeat until answered.
Alpine Clubs (the Austrian Alpine Club has a The response is three signals per minute
UK branch – www.aacuk.org.uk) and to BMC with the same pause.
members who have purchased a reciprocal
rights card (www.thebmc.co.uk)

237

The Alps, A Natural Companion | Walks

Walkers enjoying the Grand Balcon Sud in the Aiguilles Rouges above Chamonix,
with the Aiguille du Midi, Mont Maudit and Mont Blanc in the distance.

238

Walk Locations

Dijon SWITBZaEseRlLANDZurich Innsbruck Kitzbuhel Salzburg
4
AUSTRIA

Bern Lucerne

12 Lausanne 10 5 2 1 Villach
9 6 3
11 Bolzano

Macon

Geneva 13 Sion 8 7
15 14 Aosta Como
Chamonix Trento
20 Trieste
FRANCE
Lyon Chambery 16
17
Milan Verona Venice

Grenoble 18 ITALY
19
Turin Pula
Adriatic
Genoa Bologna
Sea

Nice Pisa

Avignon
Marseille

Walk Locations

1 Tre Cime di Lavaredo page 241 11 Stechelberg Circuit page 261

2 Puez Plateau Trail page 243 12 Mont Tendre page 263

3 Col Rodella – The King’s Path page 245 13 Dents du Midi page 265

4 Habicht page 247 14 Emosson & the‘Dinosaur’Prints page 267

5 Swiss National Park page 249 15 Samoëns & the Haut-Gi re page 269

6 Morteratschgletscher page 251 16 Gran Collet Pass page 271

7 Val Grande Traverse page 253 17 Col de la Chavière page 273

8 Saastal Höhenweg page 255 18 Brèche de Pacave page 275

9 Eiger Trail page 257 19 Deslioures Nature Reserve page 277

10 Faulhorn page 259 20 Tour of Mont Blanc page 279

239

The Alps, A Natural Companion ||Walks

Rifugio Tre Cima di Sesto Val Fiscalina
Scarperi
2876
PARKING

Dreischusterspitze GPS 46.66769, P
12.353558
3151

2300 2500
22210000 2300
2000 2100
1900 1900
1800 1700
1700 1500

Schusterplatte Fiscalino

2957 2700

1548
Rifugio Fondo Valle1

Torre dei Torre di Land ro inta l
Scarperi Toblin tens te
Cima Una
2634 2630 2

Rifugio Locatelli alle Tre Cime 102 A l

Laghi dei 2698
Piani

Va l l e d e l l a R i e n z a 105

6 Cima
2232 Passaporto
Langalm Forcella
Lavaredo 3 2697
Col di Mezzo 5 2454
2313 Croda dei
Cima Cima Lago di Lavaredo Toni
Ovest Grande
4 Rifugio Lavaredo 3095
2973 2999
101 Scale: 1:50,000 Grid: 1km UTM zone 32N
Tre Cime
N 0km 1km 2km
PP
Rifugio Auronzo
Tre Cime
parking Grade: Strenuous Time: 11 hours Distance: 22km Ascent: 1518m

Region: Sesto, Dolomites, South Tirol

Access: By road or train to San Candido (Innichen) in the
Val Pusteria (Pustertal). From here continue towards
Moso, then along the Val Fiscalina. There is a car park
and bus stop at the end of the road.

Start: Rifugio Piana Fiscalino (Fischleinbodenhütte)

240

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Walk 1 | Tre Cime di Lavaredo

This circular trek around the spectacular mountain towers of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
provides a stunning opportunity to experience an astounding geological landscape of grand
proportions. Visitors �lock to capture the classic Dolomites view, along with a �loral foreground
of poppy, asphodel, pasque�lower and thrift, to name but a few.

The Tre Cime or Drei Zinnen (three peaks) Photo 16.1 | The limestone towers of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo with
are the symbol of the Italian Dolomites and Rifugio Locatelli alle Tre Cime in the foreground.
one of the most iconic landscapes in the
entire Alps. This trek falls within the Sesto pass 3 . Descend towards Lago di Lavaredo
Dolomites Nature Park, which is also part and the Lavaredo mountain hut 4 . The
of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, an area path traverses beneath the southern faces
of dramatic, jagged limestone summits of the Tre Cime, bringing you to the Rifugio
towering over rocky, lunar plateaus and Auronzo. Beyond this is the Col di Mezzo
clear glacial lakes. The Dolomites are also pass which is reached by following a good
renowned for the vivid colours and rich trail across grass and scree slopes 5 .
diversity of their �loral displays. A climb
from the valley bottom offers a spectacu- The trail continues to descend to the three
lar transition from damp valley meadows small lakes and you can get refreshments at
and woodlands through the coniferous Langalm during the summer 6 . Continue
forest belt before rising above the treeline across the Langen Alpe to a green, grassy
to a world of calcareous scree �ields and bowl which is full of �lowers. The path then
mountain plateaus bedecked with rich, ascends steeply for a few hundred metres
alpine vegetation. to the Locatelli alle Tre Cime hut 2 . From
here reverse your initial approach through
A well-de�ined, marked track heads south the Altenstein Valley out to Rifugio Piana
along the Fischleintal Valley towards the Fiscalino.
Rifugio Fondo Valle mountain hut 1 . From
here the trail heads south-west up the wild
Altenstein Valley with the immense north
face of Cima Una rising to the south. Con-
tinuing up this valley you eventually come
to the two lakes (Laghi del Piani), from
where you can see the Locatelli alle Tre
Cime mountain hut at Toblinger Riedel Pass
2 . When you arrive, absorb the stunning
mountain landscapes that surround you and
keep a sharp eye out for a golden eagle.

From here a good path circumnavigates the
Tre Cime. Follow the narrow path, crossing
screes south towards the Forcella Lavaredo

241

The Alps, A Natural Companion

Looking along the Moiry Valley in the Swiss Alps, with the summits of Grand Cornier and Dent Blanche in the distance.

Index

A Austria. See Eastern Alps
avalanche 54, 55, 61, 144
Aar massif 12, 16, 19, 81, 95, 96, 97, 98, 108
African continent 16, 22, 28, 30, 31, 42, 45, 93, B

100, 101, 102, 115, 120, 247 basalt 22, 48, 102
Aiguilles Rouges massif 15, 47, 79–85, 97, 279, basement 12, 15, 18, 19, 24, 29, 39, 46, 82, 86,

282 94, 96, 97, 101, 108, 110, 114, 115, 120,
alkaloids 149–150 121, 247, 275
alpine meadows 14, 125, 135, 141, 142–143, Bauges massif 88, 90
bedrock 65, 67, 69, 74, 80, 138
243, 245, 247, 261, 265 Belladonne massif 79, 80, 81, 86
Alps Berglistüber 108–109
bergschrund 64
Central 42, 45, 50, 114, 140 creation 15, 16, Bertrand, Marcel 37
29–31; Eastern 13, 19, 28, 30, 31, 39, 40, 42, bitters 146, 149
45, 47, 48, 53, 73, 106, 113–118, 247; French Bündner schist 102
8, 45, 61, 79–94, 263, 269; Helvetic 15, 28,
42, 45, 47, 48, 88, 120; languages 14; Pen- C
ninic 28, 31, 42, 45, 48, 92, 115, 273; popula-
tion 14; size 12; Southern 15, 19, 26, 28, 31, calcicoles 138
42, 45, 47, 48, 114, 115, 119–122; Swiss 9, calcifuges 138
21, 45, 61, 75, 95–112, 261; Western 15, 19, carbonate platform 26, 121
42, 45, 48, 79, 80, 113, 141 Carboniferous Period 44, 81, 94
altitude 125, 126, 135, 136, 137, 140, 141, 152 cargneule 24, 25
altitudinal zone 141 Central Alps 42, 45, 50, 114, 140
ancient crystalline rocks 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, Chamonix 14, 61, 66, 85, 278, 279, 282
chemical weathering 49, 50, 69
24, 28, 33, 39, 40, 44, 46, 80, 82, 86, 93, cirque glacier 62, 63, 67, 69, 71
94, 97, 98, 102, 108, 110, 114, 115, 116, climate 75, 86, 126, 127, 130, 135, 136, 140,
120, 121, 271
creation of 18 141, 152, 153
anticline 33, 89, 90, 111 change 14, 59, 66, 69, 74, 85, 103, 128, 153
area of similar summit heights 106, 107, 249 clonal reproduction 132–134
Argentera 79, 80
Argentière 61, 66, 84, 86

292

Index

colonisation (by plants) 72, 74–76, 127 faulting 32, 34, 50, 114, 119
conservation 146, 152 fenster. See window
continental collisions 8, 16, 21, 30, 32, 37, 38, �lavonoids 146–147
Flims 51–53, 73
42, 46, 93, 116 �looding 52, 54, 55
continental crust 17, 19, 22, 23 �lower structures 154–155
continental plate 17, 18, 23 �lysch 27, 36, 37, 38, 40, 44, 57, 58, 108, 117,
continental rocks 22, 23, 100, 101
continental seas 15, 28, 30, 45, 88, 101, 116 277, 280
continental shelf 23, 24, 26 Rhenodanubian 117
convection currents 17 folding 8, 30, 31, 32–33, 34, 35, 39, 44, 45, 47,
crevasse 64
cryptogams 131 48, 89, 91, 92, 98, 110, 111, 120, 259,
crystalline rocks. See ancient crystalline rocks 269, 273
formation (alpine) 82–83, 86–87, 88–90,
cushion plants 130 101–102, 107, 108, 110–111, 114–117,
120–121, 122
D French Alps 8, 45, 61, 79–94, 263, 269

deep zone 18, 46 G
detachment layer 35, 93
distribution (of plants) 126, 127, 128, 135 gabbro 102
diversity (of plants) 75, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, geography 11–14, 85
gipfel�lur. See area of similar summit heights
131, 141 glacial features 64–65, 84–85, 87, 90, 98–99,
dolomite 20, 26, 93, 94, 106, 107, 115, 121, 122,
103–104, 107, 117, 122
249 glacial lakes 67, 90, 241, 265
Dolomites 15, 26, 27, 119, 121, 122, 138, 240, glacial melting 14, 49, 50, 65, 66, 67, 69, 70,

241, 242, 243, 245 71, 73
drought 131, 137, 141 glacial retreat 14, 66–69, 74, 75, 84, 99, 104, 128
dwarf shrubs 129, 133, 143 glacial scratches 69
glacier 9, 49, 53, 54, 58, 59, 60–63, 64, 65, 66,
E
67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 75, 84, 90, 92, 96, 98,
earth pyramid 73–74 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 117, 122, 245,
East Alpine realm 28, 30, 31, 39, 42, 45, 101, 247, 251, 257, 271, 278, 280, 281
ablation zone 60; accumulation zone 60;
114, 115, 116, 120 Aletsch 60, 61, 98, 257; Gorner 66, 67, 101,
Eastern Alps 13, 19, 28, 30, 31, 39, 40, 42, 45, 103, 104; Morteratsch 69
Glarus Main Thrust 37, 38
47, 48, 53, 73, 106, 113–118, 247 global warming. See climate change
Écrins massif 86–87, 276, 277 glycosides 146, 149
Eiger 64, 65, 95, 96, 98, 256, 257, 259, 261 gneiss 15, 19, 47, 81, 82, 83, 87, 96, 97, 102,
endemism 127, 152 103, 108, 138, 257, 280, 282
environment (alpine) 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, Gondwana 22, 24, 28, 29
granite 19, 20, 21, 33, 46, 47, 81, 82, 83, 86, 96,
130, 131, 136, 140, 143, 144, 152, 153 97, 102, 108, 138, 257, 271, 279, 280,
erosion 16, 18, 20, 23, 24, 27, 38, 39, 41, 42, 49, 281, 282
Gran Paradiso 12, 80, 270, 271
49–50, 50, 73, 87, 89, 90, 91, 98, 102, grasses 76, 130, 133, 136, 139, 143
106, 110, 111, 117, 144, 247, 249 Grindelwald 14, 95–99, 256, 257, 258, 259
essential oils 146, 147, 148 Grossglockner 40, 113, 117, 118
European continent 8, 16, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, 31,
42, 48, 93, 97, 100, 110, 115, 116, 120 gypsum 20, 25, 35, 93, 94, 273
evaporites 20, 24, 25, 93, 110, 121, 273
extinction 128

F

Faulhorn massif 21, 34, 97, 98, 257, 259

293

The stunning natural beauty of the Alps makes this range of
mountains one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations.
Written in straightforward language for those with little or no prior knowledge, this book
helps visitors to appreciate the natural world around them, providing a guide to the geology
and the owers of Europe’s Alpine mountains.

GEOLOGY
Learn how rocks were created and thrust upwards to make the massive Alpine
mountain range, and how the mountains were shaped into the present-day scenery by ice
and other agents of erosion.
Scores of stunning photographs, along with clear maps and diagrams, help to convey
the exciting story of the Alpine mountains and valleys.

FLOWERS
Learn about distinctive and beautiful Alpine species, how and where they grow, and how
they have been used by mankind for thousands of years.
Identify more than 300 Alpine owers and plants with the easy-to-use, colour-coded
ower identi cation guide.

WALKS
Explore the fascinating landscape of the Alps with 20 varied walks across France, Italy,
Switzerland and Austria.

The Alps, A Natural Companion www.oxfordalpineclub.co.uk

B£o1o9k p.9ric9e Oxford Alpine Club