The French Pyrenees are a mountain walker’s delight - and far less crowded than the Alps. On this trip we take you deep into the heart of the mountains where you will chance upon cool forests and sparkling tarns set in delightful surroundings, often close to awe-inspiring rock peaks and gleaming snowfields.

Any journey through the High Pyrenees inevitably involves some nights in huts and has a wilder feel to it than walking in the Alps. Our journey has been designed to show you the highlights of the High Level Route whilst using comfortable hotel accommodation where possible.

After a night in the historic town of Pau, this walk starts by passing the stunning Pic du Midi and takes an excursion into a wild corner of Spain to arrive in the pleasant town of Cauterets. From here we follow the High Level Route past the Vignemale to the Cirque de Gavarnie and the Cirque de Troumouse, finishing our walk in the mountain splendour of Barroude.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in the historic and attractive town of Pau. Rendezvous at the hotel in the evening.

Day 2 We travel by minibus to Lac de Bious-Artigues. An interesting afternoon walk over the Col de Peyreget (2208m) then takes us to Refuge de Pombie.

Day 3 An exhilarating day’s walk across some spectacular country including the exposed but easy crossing of the Passage d’Orteig to the Refuge d’Arremoulit situated delightfully beside a lake.

Day 4 A good walk through some wild mountain country takes us over the Port de Palas into Spain.

Day 5 A climb to the Col de la Fache followed by an easy scramble to the summit of the Grande Fache. Our first 3,000m summit!

Day 6 A spare day to explore the beautiful upper Marcadau valley and perhaps bag another peak.

Day 7 A superb walk past several lakes to reach the Refuge d’Ilheou, nestled beneath the peak of the Grand Barbat.

Day 8 A half day walk down from the mountains and back into civilisation in the old ski resort of Cauterets. A chance to relax in the afternoon and get set for the second half of the trip.

Day 9 Today's walk takes us past the beauty spot of Lac de Gaube, with views of the Vignemale drawing us on. A steep climb follows to the Hourquette d’Ossoue and the highest hut in the Pyrenees. In the afternoon we can make an ascent of the Petit Vignemale (3032m).

Day 10 (The Petit Vignemale can be ascended if not done the day before). We descend the long Vallée d'Ossoue past the snout of the Vignemale glacier and Russell's caves to overnight in Gavarnie.

Day 11 A short taxi ride to the Port de Boucharo and then the climb to the Brèche de Roland, an impressive notch in the frontier ridge. This involves crossing snow patches and some awkward scree. From here we should have time to climb the Taillon (3144m) before returning past the Refuge de la Brèche and down to the Port de Boucharo, to meet our transport that will take us back to the hotel.

Day 12 A steady climb leads over the Hourquette d'Alans (2420m) and into the Cirque d'Estaubé. We continue past the Lac des Gloriettes to Héas.

Day 13 A long but rewarding day, walking up into the wild, massive Cirque de Troumouse, then crossing the Hourquette de Héas (2606m) before dropping down to the Refuge de Barroude, sheltered beneath its mountain wall.

Day 14 An optional ascent onto the frontier ridge, followed by a straightforward walk out down the Vallon de la Géla to meet transport back to our hotel in Pau.

Day 15 Depart Pau and head home.

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