This trip will operate with a minimum of 6 participants using a UK leader.

The GR 11 Trek snakes its way along the southern side of the Pyrenees

From the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean our GR 11 Trek fully guided walk takes you through the central section from Candanchu to Benasque, passing through the spectacular Ordessa Canyon and giving you the option to make an ascent of Monte Perdido (3355m). This is a journey through a true mountain wilderness known for its wide green meadows, craggy limestone summits, green forests and mountain lakes. Along the way most nights are spent in mountain refuges, many of which are located in delightful settings, plus a few hotels where we can fully refresh ourselves!

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Pau and a take a taxi to the hotel. Alternatively you may fly to Toulouse or Lourdes/Tarbes and travel to Pau on public transport. The group will meet up for dinner in the evening.

Day 2 After breakfast we travel by private vehicle to Candanchu, a drive of 2.5 hours. Here there will be time for a walk in the afternoon in the local area.

Day 3 We follow the Rio D'a Canal Roya from Candanchu, climbing steadily to the lakes of Ibons d'Anayet, from where there are superb views to the Pic du Midi d'Ossau across the border in France. A steady descent now takes us down to the Culiballas valley and on to tonight’s village. 6 to 7 hours.

Day 4 A half day, but nevertheless a long climb up into the mountains. Our route crosses a ridge coming down from the Grande Fache (in France), before climbing up past the Respomuso dam and on to the refuge perched high above the lake for the night.  4 hours.

Day 5 We climb to the 'knife edge' Cuello de Tebarrai (2782m), the second highest point on the GR11. From here there is the option to ascend Pico de Inferno before making a long descent to the ski resort of Banos de Panticosa. 6 to 7 hours.

Day 6 Another high mountain day. A steep climb takes us through the granite wilderness to the Brazato pass from where there are splendid views of Vignemale and the d'Ossoue glacier in France. A long descent then brings us down into the remote Ara valley. 7 hours.

Day 7 A pleasant short day, with time to bathe in the pools near the refuge before setting off, takes us down the Ara valley to the busy mountain village of Torla. Free afternoon in Torla. 2 to 3 hours.

Day 8 A short bus ride takes us into the spectacular Ordessa National Park whose centrepiece is the Ordessa Canyon. We follow the canyon upstream, exiting at its head using metal spikes in the rock to assist progress onto a broad plateau and or refuge for the night. 5 to 6 hours.

Day 9 A day to explore this high mountain area with an ascent Monte Perdido or a walk up to the renowned 'Breche de Roland'. 4 hours +

Day 10 A long undulating day. Initially we descend the Anisclo Canyon, and leaving this via a side valley we ascend again up a side valley to the Collata Anisclo. A steep descent then takes us down into the Circa de Pineta and our refuge for the night. 7 to 8 hours.

Day 11 As we cross the valley ahead and climb to its northern edge we are rewarded with views back to the Perdido massif which we passed (or maybe climbed) the previous day. We descend through forests to Parzan, and on to the border village of Bielsa. 6 to 7 hours.

Day 12 We retrace the route we took in yesterday (maybe using a taxi along the road section) and then ascend the Barranco de Urdiceto. After passing a lake we descend into the picturesque Es Plans valley with views to the Posets massif, the second highest in the Pyrenees. After crossing the Zinqueta River a short climb takes us up to the refuge. 7 to 8 hours.

Day 13 Our final day's walk takes us along the Zinqueta River to Plan d' Arles and on to Port d'Ethos. A long beautiful descent down the Ethos valley follows where the terrain changes from barren rocks to meadows and forests, thick with Alpine flowers in the springtime. A short road section brings us to our destination of Benasque. 6 to 7 hours.

Day 14 Bus transfer to Barcelona. We will arrive at about lunchtime so the afternoon is free to explore this cultural city.

Day 15 Transfer to the airport to fly home, or extend your stay in Barcelona.

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