Trekking holidays - guided hiking holidays in the French Pyrenees, with Mountainbug



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Our Pyrenees trekking holidays offer a chance for walkers to get way out into the high mountains and experience the true wilderness of the Pyrenees. There is nothing more satisfying than a point-to-point walk in the mountains; a journey covering many miles over days or weeks. Standing on the highest peaks, you can view your distant beginning, and look onwards to the coming route - stretching away as far as the eye can see. Staying high up in remote mountain refuges, we will watch the sun set behind a shadowy ridges, and depart early in the morning while the peaks are bathed in Alpen glow - magical.

Guided Trekking Holidays in the Pyrenees: HRP, GR10 & GR11

The Pyrenees mountain chain stretches unbroken from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean coast, forming the border between France and Spain. There are three long-distance trekking routes covering the whole length of the Pyrenees. The GR10 and GR11 "Grand Randonnee" routes are middle-mountain trails on the French and Spanish sides of the border respectively. The HRP "Haute Route Pyreneen" or Pyrenees High Level Route, is a high-mountain itinerary, following the French-Spanish frontier across the wildest and most spectacular peaks and passes. For an example of level please note that the HRP is considered to be more challenging than the Tour de Mont Blanc.

HRP - the Pyrenean Haute Route - Pyrenees High Level Route
(Haute Route Pyreneen/Haute Randonnee Pyreneen) New photo gallery from last year's stage 3 of the trek now available: HRP stage 3 - Aneto and Encantats National Park

Sticking to the highest and most inaccessible trails, the route of the HRP criss-crosses the border between France and Spain. At times the trail is difficult to follow and requires careful navigation over long days. The highest passes on the HRP are often snowy even in mid-Summer, and the going underfoot can be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable.

HRP - sunset from the Bayssellance
On a guided trekking holiday you will see the most remote parts of the Pyrenees whilst completing an unforgettable mountain journey.

Guided trips for Summer 2010: we will again be offering guided 1 week, 2-week, 3-week and 4-week treks following the HRP high level route from the mountain village of Etsaut, in the Western Pyrenees and ending after 4 weeks just to the East of Andorra. The HRP passes through the Pyrenees National Park and many of the iconic peaks and lakes of the Pyrenees, including the Vignemale, Gavarnie, the Ordesa canyon, Mont Perdu, Aneto, Pic d'Estats and the highest peak in Andorra the Coma Pedrosa. The third stage of the HRP - is a 7 day walk through the Spanish Maladeta and Encantats National Parks, including an ascent of the Pic d'Aneto - the highest mountain in the Pyrenees. We make use of the network of high mountain refuges for overnight stays, thus avoiding the need for camping gear and enormous rucksacks. If you are thinking of combining the trek with another holiday in the region we can hold onto large suitcases etc. and give them to you at the end point. If you are unfamiliar with refuges they are a great resource, we use the catered variety (rather than the empty cabins), which offer simple facilities, with communal dormitories or sleeping platforms. Washing facilities are very basic, but there is usually a beautiful mountain lake nearby for a refreshing dip!

Dates and prices for trekking holidays in Summer 2010

Please enquire if you would like us to schedule a bespoke trip.

Trip	Dates 2010	Includes	Price per person
Two week trek (Stages 1 & 2)	July 17th-31st 14 days	14 nights accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinners, 12 days guiding.	1355 euros
Three week trek (Stages 1,2 & 3)	July 17th-August 7th 22 days	22 days!!	2200 euros
One week trek (Stage 1)	July 17th-24th 7 days	7 nights accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinners, 6 days guiding.	715 euros
One week trek (Stage 2)	July 24th-31st 7 days	7 nights accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinners, 6 days guiding.	715 euros
One week trek (Stage 3)	July 31st-August 7th 8 days	7 nights accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinners, in-trip transfers and 7 days guiding, including an ascent of Pic Aneto with a UIAGM high mountain guide.	865 euros
One week trek (Stage 4)	August 21st-28th 7 days	7 nights accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinners, 6 days guiding.	715 euros

Not included: drinks and snacks at mountain refuges, airport or railway station transfers, flights to the Pyrenees.

We are now taking bookings for 2010. Please contact us if you have your own trip/dates to propose. We specialise in the personal touch, and if you are planning a group trip our holidays can be tailored to your particular interests and abilities.


HRP - sunrise at Refuge Pombie, beside the Pic du Midi d'Ossau	HRP - Refuge Arremoulit on a fabulous sunny afternoon	HRP - Refuge Bayssellance, below the mighty Vignemale	HRP - Goriz refuge at the head of the Ordesa canyon

This Pyrenees HRP trekking holiday is led by qualified International Mountain Leaders (Accompagnateurs en Montagne), and often by us Rob and Emma Mason. The trek is broken into week-long stages, with a rest day/changeover midway. During each of the three stages we are completely autonomous, carrying our own kit, but there is the opportunity to get a change of clothes and stock up on snacks and equipment mid trip. The trek is also available as individual weeks.

HRP - Pyrenees High Level Route Stage 1 - Lescun to Gavarnie

Trip highlights: Chemin de la Mature - a pathway hewn into the cliffs. Passing the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, the Balaitous and the Vignemale, three of the most iconic peaks of the Pyrenees. Stunning views into the Cirque de Gavarnie on the final day.

View HRP Week one in a larger map

Day	Route	Length*	Comments
Saturday	Arrive at Etsaut	n/a	A comfortable first night in civilisation. Etsaut is a traditional mountain village nestling deep in the imposing Vallee d'Aspe.
Sunday	Etsaut to the Refuge d'Ayous	5 hours	We begin on the GR10; starting the day with the impressive "Chemin de la Mature" - an airy pathway hewn into the cliffside. Soon, we find ourselves at the Col d'Ayous, with an awe-inspiring view over the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, and our refuge sitting beside its own lakes.
Monday	Refuge d'Ayous to the Refuge Pombie	5 hours	A fairly short, but challenging day, ascending steeply to the flanks of the Pic du Midi Ossau through a rugged landscape of craggy peaks and fallen blocks of volcanic rock.
Tuesday	Refuge Pombie to the Refuge Arremoulit	5 hours	We spend the first part of the day in the valley bottom, in pretty pastureland (with the opportunity to buy fresh Pyrenean sheep's cheese along the way). After lunch we traverse above the Lac d'Artouste on the airy Passage d'Orteig, and across a dramatic granitic landscape to the Arremoulit. A night in the shadow of the towering Balaitous.
Wednesday	Refuge Arremoulit to the Refuge Wallon	8 hours	A long, tough day, taking the HRP variante Sud through Spain to pass the enormous Respumoso reservoir and the stunning Col de la Fache at 2664m. At this altitude, there will be patches of snow to cross and an almost martian-landscape of broken red rock.
Thursday	Refuge Wallon to the Refuge Bayssellance	8 hours	An easy scramble this morning takes us to the Col d'Aratille and views South into Spain again. Once we reach the Col des Mulets, we are rewarded with stunning views of mighty Vignemale and the North Face glacier. In the afternoon, after hot chocolate at the Oulettes de Gaube refuge, we ascend again to the Hourquette d'Ossoue (optional ascent of the Petit Vignemale, 3032m) to reach the Refuge Baysellance.
Friday	Refuge Baysellance to Gavarnie	6 hours	It is worth getting up early today to see the sun rising behind the pink-tinged walls of the Cirque de Gavarnie. We descend beneath the East-face of the Vignemale - one of the largest remaining glaciers in the Pyrenees, to reach the barrage d'Ossoue. From here we have a relaxing walk down through marmot-riddled meadows to Gavarnie.
Saturday	DAY OFF/changeover		A day off in the pretty town of Luz-St. Sauveur. Take a dip in the outdoor pool or pamper yourself at the thermal spa. Luz has several sports shops and a supermarket if you need to replenish your supplies.

* Timings are taken from published guidebooks (and increased in several cases following previous years experience). The actual day length however may be longer, depending on numbers, and the abilities and fitness of group members.


Limestone peaks in the West	Looking onto the Pic du Midi	Sailing on Lac d'Arremoulit	Dinner by the lake

Lunch at the top	Approaching the passage Ourtiga	North face of the Vignemale	Early start, Refuge Baysellance

HRP - Pyrenean High Level Route Stage 2 - Gavarnie to Bagneres de Luchon

Trip highlights: Cirques de Gavarnie, Estaube and Troumouse - three spectacular limestone amphitheatres forming the border between France and Spain. Spanish idyll and great food at the Granges de Viados. High mountain crossing between the Soula and Portillon refuges, with an optional ascent of the Pic Gourdon, 3034m.

View HRP week 2 - mountainbug.com in a larger map

Day	Route	Length	Comments
Saturday	Arrive at Luz-St. Sauveur	n/a	A comfortable first night in civilisation. Luz is a lively spa village with an excellent icecream shop and bakery!
Sunday	Cirque de Gavarnie to the Cirque de Troumouse, Maillet Refuge	7.5 hours	A classic stage of the HRP, traversing between three of the most famous landmarks of the Pyrenees - the Cirques of Gavarnie, Estaube and Troumouse. Along the way, we pass the deep-blue Lac des Gloriettes and, no doubt, lots of marmots! A night at the Maillet refuge in the Cirque de Troumouse.
Monday	Maillet Refuge to Barroude Refuge	6.5 hours	We spend the morning in the shadow of the cliff-walls of the Cirque de Troumouse, making our way over to the Hourquette de Heas. The path is very wild, with spectacular views. The Barroude refuge is in a secluded cirque, beside its own lakes.
Tuesday	Refuge Barroude to Refugio de Viados	8 hours	A 200m climb takes us to the Port de Barroude - the gateway into Spain. From here, we descend steeply into the Barrosa canyon and the Hospital de Parzan. A roadside-trudge is avoided with a handy taxi transfer, and then a pleasant walk down through rolling farmland to the Granges de Viados.
Wednesday	Refugio de Viados to the Refuge Soula	7 hours	Beginning on the GR11, we soon re-enter France at the Port d'Aygues Tortes, before descending beside a rushing torrent to the Refuge Soula.
Thursday	Refuge Soula to the Refuge Portillon	8 hours	One of the most beautiful walks in the whole of the Pyrenees; we pass high mountain lakes and cross beneath North face glaciers. Our high point today is the Col des Gourgs-Blancs 2877m, with an optional ascent of Pic Gourdon (3034m).
Friday	Refuge Portillon to Bagneres de Luchon	8 hours	After watching the sun-rise over the Portillon glacier, we descend steadily to the lovely Lac d'Espingo - just in time for a morning coffee at the refuge! From here we rejoin the GR10, for a pleasant traverse around to Super Bagneres, from where we can either take the cable car or walk down through the forest to our finish at Bagneres de Luchon.
Saturday	Depart		Leave in your own time. There are train and coach services connecting to the Toulouse mainline, or we can give you a lift back towards Lourdes.


Above the Ordesa canyon	Faja de las Flores path	Looking into the Anisclo canyon	Isards (Pyrenean Chamois)

Spain from the Port de Venasque	Men's wash room - no hot water!	Ascending from Refuge Soula	Above the Refuge Portillon

HRP - Pyrenean High Level Route Stage 3 - Bagneres de Luchon to Vaqueira

Trip highlights: Ascent of the mighty Pic Aneto, 3404m - the highest summit in the whole of the Pyrenees. Traverse of the Encantats National Park - a beautiful wilderness of granite boulders, pure blue lakes and comfortable refuges.
View 2009 photo gallery

View route on Google maps:

View HRP - Week 3 with Aneto in a larger map

Day	Route	Length	Comments
Saturday	Arrive at Bagneres de Luchon	-	The newly refurbished Hospice de France just above the historic spa town of Bagneres de Luchon is our start point for this trek
Sunday	Hospice de France to Renclusa - the Aneto refuge	6 hours	This morning we ascend steadily to the Spanish border, where we have spectacular views across to the Pic d'Aneto. From here the route takes us down into the Benasque valley, and a final push up to the Renclusa refuge; our base for two nights.
Monday	Renclusa refuge to Aneto; circuit	9 hours	We meet up with our "guide de haute montagne" for the ascent of Aneto; the highest peak in the Pyrenees. This is a long and challenging day, with time spent on the glacier and an airy final traverse to the summit. Crampons and ice axes will be provided by the guide.
Tuesday	Refuge Renclusa to Hospice de Vielha	8 hours	An early start for a long day heading East again. We traverse the lower slopes of Aneto and break over the North East arete to make our way down past the source of the mighty Garonne river, the Molieres lakes and to the Hospice de Vielha.
Wednesday	Hospice de Vielha to Refuge Restanca in the Aigues Tortes (Encantats) National Park	7 hours	We head up out of the valley into the lake-land of the Spanish Pyrenees; the Aigues Tortes national park. This is a stunning wildnerness with a great refuge network that allows us to make our way through its heartland over the rest of the trek.
Thursday	Restanca refuge to Colomers refuge	4 hours + optional peak	Into a relaxing section of the walk, after three challenging days. A fairly short leg, passing several lovely lakes on our way to the Colomers. There should be no excuse not to take advantage of the (usually!) balmy Spanish weather for a refreshing dip along the way. Optional peak ascent of the Montardo.
Friday	Colomers to Amitges refuge	5/7 hours	The choice to head straight over to the Amitges refuge or detour further into the stunning Cirque du Colomers.
Saturday	Amitges to Vaqueira	8 hours	After leaving our comfortable refuge we climb up towards the Pic d'Amitges. From there we take the ridge walk down to the Lac Gelee, then strike out along the valley floor back to civilisation.

This trip ends in Spain, but includes transfers back to Bagneres de Luchon (France) on Saturday evening. We recommend staying an extra night in Luchon, and making your onward travel plans for the following day. There are public transport links to Toulouse and in the Bordeaux direction from Luchon.

HRP - Pyrenean High Level Route Stage 4 - Ariege and Andorra.

Trip highlights: Traversing the Ariege and Andorra (A stage with long days through this very wild region), taking in the the Pic de Estats at 3147m (10 325 feet), and the highest peak in Andorra the Comapedrosa 2942m: Full trip details coming shortly.

View HRP week 4 in a larger map

Training and fitness

The HRP is one of the most challenging long-distance trekking routes in Europe. The days can be long (7-10 hours walking), and a typical day might include 1000-1300m of ascent and descent. There are long sections off-path through extensive boulder fields aswell as short but steep scrambles. Following a set route, with pre-arranged overnight stays at the remote mountain refuges, the HRP is committing, so it is very important that you are trail fit and prepared for your holiday. We recommend that you undertake some pre-training prior to departure to build up your fitness and stamina - ideally mountain walking (also a good opportunity to break-in new boots, road-test your kit etc), but regular swimming/aerobics/gym will also be good preparation. Please contact us if you would like advice on training for the HRP.

Tailored trekking holidays

As International Mountain Leaders, we are qualified to lead walks and treks virtually anywhere in the world. Currently specialising in the Pyrenees, we will shortly be leading trips in Austria, the Italian Dolomites and other European destinations according to demand. If you are part of a walking group (min 4) and have a trek in mind, please get in touch and we will work with you to arrange a customised holiday.

International Mountain Leaders

We believe that the French have got it right when it comes to guided walking. There are over 3000 "accompagnateurs en montagne" in France, and we are proud to be two of the few English members living full time in France. If looking elsewhere for guided walking be sure your guide is an IML or Guide de Haute Montagne as these are the ONLY legal qualifications for leading in Europe. We are keen for you to get the best out of your walking holiday in the Pyrenees, and on a guided trek you will see so much that you risk missing on your own. You won't need to worry about getting lost in the fog, or coming up against an uncrossable river, and we will always make sure that our routes are suitable. As local residents here in the Pyrenees, and also as part of the knowledge required for our International Mountain Leader qualifications, we are full of interesting facts about the Pyrenees - flora and fauna, geology, history, local culture, language and the way of life of the mountain people of the Pyrenees - and while we're out and about you'll be discovering things first hand that no guide book could ever tell you.

If shopping around for a guided walking holiday PLEASE check the qualifications of the leaders, for your own safety in the mountains!

Why choose MOUNTAINBUG?
All-inclusive holidays	Our holidays really are all-inclusive - there are no hidden extras.
Qualified leaders	All our trips are led by ourselves - qualified International Mountain Leaders (Accompagnateurs en Moyenne Montagne). Visit our "About Us" page to find out more.
Local knowledge	We live in the Pyrenees year-round. We are a French company, support the local economy and know the area intimately - guaranteeing you the best routes and a seamless holiday.
Decent accommodation	Our trekking routes are planned to take us to the best-located mountain refuges. At the beginning and end of our trek, we stay in backpacker's lodges, with good food and serving local specialities.
Transport	We include local transport where necessary during the trek. We can arrange airport/railway station transfers for the start and end points.
Personalised trips	Our trips can be specifically tailored to your interests and abilities - tell us what you want to see, and we'll take you there! We offer the personal care and attention that only a small company can give.
Responsible travel	Mountainbug operates a "responsible travel" policy; supporting the local community and economy, traditional methods, language and customs. We "tread lightly" in the mountains and leave no trace of our passing. We try our hardest to reduce our carbon footprint and our impact on the environment. Visit our Responsible Travel page for details

KIT LIST FOR PYRENEES TREKKING HOLIDAYS

Clothing/footwear
Sturdy walking boots
Walking socks

Comfortable walking shorts and trousers T-shirts/base layer
Warm jumper or fleece
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Lightweight waterproof trousers
Sun hat/peaked cap
Sunglasses
Swimming costume + small trek towel

Hat and gloves

Other useful items
Mid-sized rucksack (30-45 litres)

Waterproof rucksack liner

Sheet sleeping bag liner
Sun block and lip balm (minimum factor 25)
Personal first aid kit (plasters, blister kit, pain killers)
Water bottle (1.5-2l)
Walking poles

Water purification tablets

Ziplock bags (always useful for putting stuff in!)

Small bottle of multi-purpose liquid trekking soap (for washing clothes and yourself!)

Mosquito repellent
Head torch

Optional items
Sandals

Camera
Maps
Extra snacks – cereal bars, dried fruit/nuts, chocolate etc.
Paper back book (lightweight!)