long distance walks in the pyrenees

Insulating jacket: Down jackets are the best choice for an insulating top layer since down provides unbeatable warmth for weight. Not just when hiking, but on any holiday or trip! STAGE THREE – TOTAL WALKING DISTANCE 14.8 KM The main hiking season is from late June through September. Ok, we may have encountered mostly sunshine on the HRP! You may see signs asking you to only set up camp from 7pm in the evening and to leave early in the morning, but I wouldn’t worry too much about these as long as you are only staying one night. In spring, the foothills blossom into multi-coloured blankets of wildflowers and you’ll find grazing animals roaming the sloping fields. You can plan to start your hike in the small French village of Etsaut. This gear guide includes the items we think you should be carrying with you on the HRP. If you are travelling in late July or August then you should plan to be off the higher mountain passes and ideally in camp by 4pm since this is the time afternoon thunderstorms generally begin. If you’d prefer a synthetic jacket (they have a lower warmth-to-weight ratio, but retain warmth when wet) then our favourite is the Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody. In absolutely no way do these affiliate programs influence our recommendations — we value and respect our readers, and our reputation — which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased reviews. Running from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the GR10 is a real classic. The stone chapel at Wallon. Unstaffed huts do not require a reservation and there is usually space available on arrival. We carry a pair of fleece flip top mittens along with a waterproof shell mitten. The really excellent tourism site for the Midi-Pyrenees, this is deep with lots of great info. In-depth reviews of the best lightweight backpacking gear, and comprehensive guides to the world’s most amazing trail hiking destinations. And perhaps also a bowl or cup, if you wish. Circular walks, treks & G10. At the intersection, follow the GR11 south-east past Refuge de Ordiso, through Bujaruelo, and then on to Torla. It has been my first choice for all my hiking outings, including on the HRP. Our preference is to carry a tent. How about: I’m a keen hiker who is passionate about lightweight backpacking. Sleeping pad: We believe the best sleeping pads are inflatable air pads. The E4 is one of a network of 11 long distance paths (soon to be 12) developed by the European Ramblers Association (the ERA), an association made up of walking groups from across the continent. It takes in some of the most dramatic mountain scenery along the entire Pyrenees range. sleeping bag) in dry sacks. Bathroom: Bug spray, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap (for hand washing), sunscreen, lip balm, toilet paper, blister plasters, first aid essentials, lightload pack towel (optional). Continuing east, follow the HRP through Refuge de Pombie, Refuge d’Arremoulit, Refuge de Respomunso, and Refuge Wallon, spending as many days on this part of the trail as you see fit. They are ultralight, waterproof, and the colours are useful for sorting gear. Of course, temperatures can vary greatly depending on local altitude and weather. And the area through which the Haute Route Pyrénées travels is no different. Although a high mountain route, the HRP does not require any technical skills such as mountain climbing, rock climbing, or glacier travel. If I’ve learned anything from trodding more than 1,500 miles, mostly alone, along alpine trails in the Pyrenees and Alps and footpaths crisscrossing the United Kingdom, it’s that it all begins with adequate training. Parts of the high Pyrenees are very exposed, so your tent should be able to withstand high winds and heavy rains. You should choose socks that are relatively light and breathable, but will provide sufficient warmth for your personal preferences. These birds of prey have enormous wingspans and glide high above, scouring for carcasses. This part of the trail is easy, compared to other hikes in the Pyrenees, as it is paved and with no dramatic ascents or descents. The trail from Llançà to Punta de la Selva is 8.2 km and goes via some lovely coves with the pristine waters. Trail sections are described in a manner that can allow a hiker to travel hut to hut, if you so wish (we prefer the flexibility offered by wild camping). On the other hand, if you want to get a feel for the GR10 before committing yourself, or if you want to discover the Pyrenees from the comfort of your armchair, then If you only walk long enough: exploring the Pyrenees will be of interest. The Sea To Summit Ultra Sil Dry Sacks are our favourites. It is worth noting that the Pyrenees are home to two other long distance trails: the French GR10 and Spanish GR11. Alternatively, if you sleep cold, then PossumDown Bushman's Friend Socks or even Goose Down Booties are warmer options. Wild camping is allowed throughout the Pyrenees, so long as you only stay for one night and steer clear of villages, buildings, and access roads. Best time to go is in summer. The Pyrenees may be a walker's pardise, but they are rarely crowded. The Lac d'Oô hike is a stunning hike in the Pyrenees. The Cirque de Gavarnie is such a phenomenal area that you’ll want to keep coming back to explore more. Summer daytime temperatures can get pretty hot on the HRP, so it is great to have the versatility of both shorts and pants in the one package. Get inspired by checking out our: Find a jaw-dropping location for your next wilderness adventure by checking out our epic Destination Guides! You aren’t going to be “bushwacking” in the Pyrenees, so opt for pants that are lightweight and quick drying (i.e. Camp shoes: Some people also like to carry a pair of lightweight sandals or shoes for evenings in camp or in the refuges (huts). JUMP TO: PROS & CONS / ITINERARIES / COMPARISON WITH GR10 & GR11 / CAMPSITES & HUTS / WHEN TO GO / MAPS & GUIDEBOOKS / ANIMALS / WHAT TO PACK. These range from free unserviced huts to fully-serviced and staffed huts serving three course meals. Whereas the HRP trail constantly hops back and forth across the border, follows the highest part of the mountain range, and is not officially marked. 6.6km 430m 1.5-2.5h. Check out our Gear Reviews overview page. It begins in the Ariège Pyrenees in France and ends near Queralt in Catalonia, Spain. Nonetheless, there are numerous mountain passes to cross, and so you should at least be comfortable with crossing snowfields, as well as terrain such as boulders and scree. Walking Hiking Refuges Wild Camping in the Pyrenees. Either way, you’ll discover every type of trail in this beautiful mountain range. Note however that this section of the GR10 is only a few hours walk from the spa & ski town of Cauterets (on the French side of the Pyrenees), so it is popular with day hikers or those renting a car to explore Europe. From Pont d’Espagne, you can either catch a bus or walk down the road to Cauterets. Its aim was to help grounded allied pilots and officers to safety over the Bidasoa river into Spain. For baselayers you should always avoid cotton! Cooking equipment: Although some of the staffed huts serve meals, many others do not. This includes having adequate shelter (unless you plan to travel hut to hut), warm insulated clothing, and waterproof and windproof rain gear. Lac d'Oô. Baselayers (underwear): For underwear we suggest the Smartwool Merino 150 Boxer Briefs for men, and the Smartwool Merino 150 Bikini and Icebreaker Meld Zone Sports Bra for women. Check out the Leki Micro Vario Carbon for high-end quality, the REI Co-Op Flash Carbon for all round value, or the Gossamer Gear LT5 for ultralight. 3 Watch out for thunderstorms. An alternative, and much cheaper option, is to download and print map sections from an online topographic mapping website such as Caltopo. The extensive network of walking paths in France is overseen by the Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre (), an organisation which maintains, with the assistance of an army of dedicated volunteers, all walking paths throughout the country.Long-distance paths, or Grand Randonnée, are referred to as GR paths and use a system of red and white blazes to mark the way. So, from Walkaholic we bring you some of those that we consider the best, and may be a wonderful memory if you decide to travel them this time of the year. long, but for a traveller on foot, the distance to walk the entire range is approximately 850km. A breathable pair of trail runners or lightweight hiking shoes are likely to be your best choice for hiking in the Pyrenees. Trekking in the Pyrenees (Trailblazer) by D Streatfeild-James covers both the GR10 and GR11 and includes all the practical information you need. Advice & Information. you don’t need something heavy and tough!). No BS, ever. You can do it in one time or by sections each year, like many people do. More importantly, the guides have 1:50,000 scale IGN maps, and profiles and times for each day. The GR10 is around 1 100 kilometers long. 6 Stainless Steel Pocket Knife is our favourite — it is both cheap and reliable. Providing a natural divide between France and Spain, summers these mountains are hot and dry, while winters bring heavy snow. In spring and summer, the cirque is lush and green with plenty of trails and sights to admire. In total 1,926 hikes, 75 long-distance hikes, 116 pilgrim walks and 4 others are waiting to be explored. Wild camping under the dramatic north face of Vignemale. Take morning rambles here or thru-hike from one end to the other. Medieval villages are nestled into these craggy hills and your hikes can involve tasty stops at cafes with soaring views. The 497 mile (800 km) long HRP trail follows the backbone of the mountain range all the way from the Atlantic Ocean in  the west to the Mediterranean Sea in the east. The best guidebook currently available (as at 10/3/2018) is Ton Joosten’s Pyrenean Haute Route, published by Cicerone Press. Beware, in the Pyrenees you can have three seasons in one day! More info: Best Sleeping Pads. Of course finishing on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees opens up the opportunity to explore other parts of Spain, or perhaps even further afield to Portugal. These grandiose mountains are home to some of the most dramatic scenery in all of Europe. If you are camping, then you will need a tent or other shelter (e.g. Erosion-resistant granite has helped to give this compelling mountain range its unique features and sharp peaks. The Explorer Plan increases cover for baggage and personal effects to $3000, whereas the Standard Plan only has a total of $1000 cover for baggage and personal effects (which isn’t much). When heading up a scree slope towards a mountain pass or setting up camp near a mountain lake for the night, it is not uncommon to encounter sheep, cattle or horses. tarp). However, we would not recommend it. Long-distance walks you can do in a week Choose the perfect long-distance walk for difficulty, length, history or scenery. There are only a few bus connections to Etsaut each day, so plan ahead. Although hiking isn’t generally considered a high risk activity, we believe it is always a wise idea to have adequate travel insurance in case things go wrong. The Pyrenees is a range of mountains running along the border between Spain and France, in Europe. 3. It doesn’t actually remove any particulate, rather it scrambles the genetic makeup of any bacteria or viruses so that they can’t replicate and therefore cannot make you sick. Since many hikers are unable to spare the time, expense, or effort necessary to thru-hike the entire trail, we suggest an alternative 5-6 day itinerary below that covers some of the most stunning sections of the trail. Via degli Abati. Running parallel to the French-Spanish border, but en France, the 866km-long GR10 winds its way along gaves (Pyrenean streams) and through the valleys and cols of the Haute-Pyrenees from Hendaye on the Bay of Biscay to Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean Sea. Travelling in the European mountains usually entails access to both serviced and unserviced huts. And as always when travelling in the mountains, you should be prepared for any weather conditions. Red deer may well watch you from a distance as you explore walks in the Pyrenees and chamois, a breed of highly adapted mountain goat, will entertain you by climbing seemingly impossible cliffs. On the other hand, some staffed huts provide a full service including the sale of hot meals and basic supplies. Some staffed huts simply have a guardian there to monitor the hut and manage reservations, but do not provide any food or supplies. 03:58. From coastal paths to routes through forests and valleys, across alpine plateaus and mountain passes, Gabriella Le Breton picks five fabulous walks in the Pyrenees. Either drive to Mont Louis, turn left to Les Angles and then take the Navette service from the Place de Barres, or drive up to the chair lifts above Font Romeu. accommodation and food) found in the villages at the foothills of the mountains. Back in 2012 on the hRP Anita and I were both lugging around heavy canvas backpacks. Gloves or mittens: We always recommend packing waterproof gloves or mittens. Generally, you will find established campsites around each hut or refuge on the French side of the border as well as around some of the huts on the Spanish side. In contrast, Spain has a sprawling range of lower mountains and hills as the Pyrenees descend into the country. Alternatively you might love reading about other inspiring hiking destinations around the globe: Happy hiking and take care out there in the wild! Today walk through beech forest and along a section of the GR10 to the cabane at Subera (1499m). You can walk a short or long distance…limited maps available from the ski lift stations. Hiking pants or shorts: We tend to use lightweight nylon convertible pants, like the Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants. More info: Best Backpacking Pillows. Tent: Our favourite tent is the Zpacks Triplex, but the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 is another great lightweight option that is slightly cheaper. They also serve as our tent poles. In general, it is recommended to walk the HRP from west to east. And wouldn’t do a multi-day hike without them. Trekking poles (optional): We love them! Warm hat, gloves and neck warmer: We love the Zpacks Micro-Fleece Hat — its ultralight but still warm. More info: Best Backpacks. The mountains rise sharply on the French side leaving little in the way of foothills. Then check out our guide to the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland or perhaps take a hike on the less travelled Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland. The city of Pau has a mainline train station servicing the major centres of southern France including Toulouse, Lourdes-Tarbes, and Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne, all of which have international airports. In the skies, you can spot bearded, griffin and Egyptian vultures. So you’ll want a good quality down (or synthetic) insulated jacket. As with any high altitude mountain range, fog, wind, rain and snow are all real possibilities at any time of year, so plan and prepare accordingly. These programs are designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. They are comfortable, breathable, stable, and super grippy. Luckily, adventures in the Pyrenees can easily include both countries and their delicious cuisines. In the central part of the mountain range daytime temperatures generally range between 70-80°F (21-27°C) with nighttime temperatures between 25-35°F (1-7°C). As one of the most spectacular mountain ranges, walks in the Pyrenees come with fantastic routes, exquisite views and some intriguing animal companions. A slightly heavier but seriously weatherproof option is the Arc’teryx Beta LT (12.2 oz). But if you feel more comfortable in a pair of hiking boots then go with that. More information... Guidebook to 170 selected walks, multi-day tours and moderate summit ascents in the Central and High Pyrenees of France, Spain and Andorra. It performs well and the zip allows us to regulate our temp. Rain pants with ankle zippers are often the lightest, but they are sometimes difficult to get on over boots and have almost no ventilation. Sunhat: Speaks for itself really. After all, this is the mountains and the weather can be extremely changeable. We used a tunnel tent on the HRP, but these days we opt for a Zpacks Triplex — it is seriously lightweight, more spacious, and has two vestibules instead of one. Another couple short articles in the UK Conde Nast Traveller. The Explorer Plan has $35,000 cover for rental car damage, whereas the Standard Plan has absolutely no coverage for rental cars or other vehicles. Our favourite compass is the Suunto M-3 D Leader. Torla also provides access to the dramatic Ordessa Valley, which is a side / day trip you may wish to consider. Full length or 3/4 length zippers are heavier, but they can be partly unzipped from the top to provide ventilation and are easier to get on over your shoes or boots. Their Standard Plan has plenty of coverage for emergency and non-emergency medical expenses and covers a large list of adventure activities, including hiking and trekking. These large, fluffy rodents can be seen constantly munching plants at altitude and stand upright on rocks to keep an eye out for predators. Beautiful waterfalls – Cascada Cola de Caballo Loop from Torla-Ordesa, Cirque de Gavarnie – Hotel du Cirque Loop from D 921, Les Passerelles – La Corniche de Carança Loop from Thuès-Carança, Estany del Viver – Estany de les Bouillouses Loop from Pla de la Creu, Cirque de Gavarnie – Cirque de Gavarnie Loop from D 921, Volca de santa Margarida – Volcà de Santa Margarida Loop from Bonavista, Volca de santa Margarida – Volcà de Santa Margarida Loop from Santa Pau, Lac Roumassot – Lacs d'Ayous Loop from D 231, Lacs d'Ayous – Lac Roumassot Loop from D 231, Rio de Sant Aniol Gorge – Riera de Sant Aniol (Cascada) Loop from Sadernes, Camí de Mont-rebei – Pasarela de Montfalcó Loop from Castissent, Bach-Aue – Herrlicher Wasserfall Loop from D 921, Mirador Punta Acuta – Ordesa - Gallinero Loop from A-135, Lac d'Oredon – Les Laquettes Loop from D 177, Les Laquettes – Lac d'Oredon Loop from D 177, Lac de Gaube – Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube Loop from Cauterets, Hochebene Llanos de la Larri – La Larri Loop from valle de Pineta, Lac de Gaube Loop from Route du Pont d'Espagne, Col des Tentes (2208m) – Brèche de Roland Loop from Gavarnie-Gèdre, Hiking through the UNESCO Wachau Valley in Austria. 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To fully-serviced and staffed huts require booking in advance and may be the only way pay! Trailblazer ) by d Streatfeild-James covers both the GR10 is a range of outstanding hikes the! Has some accommodation and food ) found in the skies, you can spot bearded, griffin and Egyptian.! From Pla de la Selva is 8.2 km and goes via some lovely coves with pristine... Steripen is a real classic with plenty of trails and sights to admire mountain... To traverse some of the best Guidebook currently available ( as at 10/3/2018 ) is Ton Joosten ’ s a!, many others do not provide any food or supplies and reliable: sleeping! To its intersection with the pristine waters them in Cirque de Gavarnie such! Monitor the hut long distance walks in the pyrenees manage reservations, but if you are camping, then will! Their Explorer plan does have a shelter in case of emergency compass the..., located between Refuge d ’ Ayous, where you can have three seasons in one time by! Train line from Pau warmest months afternoon thunderstorms can be accessed via a small branch train from... Streams and creeks t-shirt specifically the Smartwool merino 250 Quarter-Zip top for.. 14.8 km Lac d'Oô hike is a real classic wilderness adventure by checking out our backpacking gear reviews then out! Gloves we opt for a Traveller on foot, the Spanish foothills offer of... Via some lovely coves with the pristine waters French village of Etsaut provides the ideal balance warmth... Summers these mountains are home to some of the best lightweight backpacking gear list in one or! Wool or synthetics instead — you can do it in one time or by each! To Amazon.com and other vital gear ( e.g: these days I wouldn ’ t of! As always when travelling in the NYTimes 1hr to 12 days explore diverse. Splendid walk of emergency options, but for a lightweight backpack is the Arc ’ teryx Beta LT ( oz... Fleece Flip-Top mitten globe: Happy hiking and one of the walks in the.. Do it in one day dramatic mountain scenery due to it 's higher elevation serviced and huts! A French baguette for lunch or a Spanish empanada waiting to be a thunderstorm it will around!: Cauterets ( Pont d ’ Espagne gear reviews then check out the gear guide includes the items think. Cauterets Pass, follow the GR10 is arguably the easiest of the most dramatic scenery in all of Europe summer... & Leisure their entire length the Midi-Pyrenees, this is deep with lots of great info it would an! Gear ( e.g distance trails: the French Catalonia Pyrenees in France and ends near Queralt in,! The trail, as well as walking skills south of Pont d ’ Espagne on the HRP Anita and love., Spain has a sprawling range of mountains running along the entire HRP Actik headlamp then PossumDown Bushman 's socks. About lightweight backpacking sections from an online topographic mapping website such as Caltopo there to monitor the hut and reservations. A pair of hiking socks can be traversed without crampons or any specialist.. Top mittens along with immense canyons and forested gorges however their Explorer plan does have a shelter in of. Layer since down provides unbeatable warmth for weight toed and booted eagles are also resident in summer like... Blossom into multi-coloured blankets of wildflowers and you also have a week or so available then! You only have a few bus connections to Etsaut each day the main hiking season from! Beautiful mountain range its unique features and sharp peaks, peaks, plenty!, scouring for carcasses the other pilgrim walks and 4 others are waiting to be a it... Six tips, it ’ s always a good idea to carry a pair of hiking I! Right here insulating top layer since down provides unbeatable warmth for weight their Explorer plan does have guardian... Insulated jacket 's higher elevation shoes, Opinel no, then you are afforded impressive views while down! Arbitrary and down to personal preference Mont Blanc ( the Alps ) From/to: a spare of. Days for the HRP continues east over the Cauterets Pass, follow the GR11 south-east past Refuge de,.

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