Tackling Taillefer: Taking Time to Reflect

Taillefer sits in a chain of colossal rocks that huddle around Grenoble city. Climbers here are met with pristine views reaching as far as the formidable Mont Blanc; an opportunity to breathe in the Alps and revel in some solitude.

Yet it also offers a refuge for reflection, noticing rising temperatures and changes in the landscape. Upon the summit of Taillefer, I felt a fierce need to appreciate the natural world. If you’ve climbed Ben Nevis or Snowdon, you’ll be familiar with the snaking trail of hikers who one after another tackle the famous mountains.

At Taillefer, standing at nearly twice the height of Ben Nevis, seeing another soul was a rare encounter. The mountain offered a sense of peace and a chance to breathe in the natural world. The time I chose to tackle Taillefer happened to coincide with an international heatwave that many countries experienced last summer, with temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. Rising alongside the sun, we set out early in an attempt to outrun the ensuing heat. It was slightly cooler at a height, yet the beating rays accompanied us consistently throughout the rocky climb.

The space and quiet at the summit of the mountain offered a sense of peace and a chance to breathe in the natural world. Even still, the marks of climate change could be felt from above. The friend who was leading the hike and who lives locally explained that the snow that covered some of the mountain tops would usually keep its coverage throughout the summer.

My eyes wandered across the grey landscape in search of patches of white, a rare few glistened as they fought against the ruthless rays. Evidence of climbing temperatures changing landscapes became painfully clear.

Reflecting on my experience on Taillefer, it becomes clear that appreciation of nature goes hand in hand with acknowledging and understanding the changes that are occurring as a result of climate change. The sense of peace and solitude that one can find at the summit of a mountain is a reminder of the power and beauty of the natural world, but it is also a reminder of the fragility of our planet and the need to protect it.

At the foot of the mountain, Grenoble sits, bustling with cyclists and electric vehicles, a pristine example of sustainable travel. Grenoble's designation as the European Green Capital is a positive step towards this protection, but there is still much work to be done.

It is up to each of us to take responsibility for our impact on the environment and to promote sustainable practices. Climbing a mountain like Taillefer offers the chance to reconnect with nature and build a better understanding of the world around us. This connection and understanding have the power to inspire real change and protect the natural world for generations to come.