Walking
Multi activity
Paragliding
Canyoning
Cycling
Family holidays
Skiing
Off-piste skiing
Ski touring
Snow shoeing
Ice
Spas
Snow report and events now on News

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.

HRP - the Pyrenean Haute Route - Pyrenees High Level Route
(Haute Route Pyreneen/Haute Randonnee Pyreneen)

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. 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.

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

NEW for Summer 2008 we will be offering a guided 2-week trek following the HRP high level route from the stunning Cirque de Lescun to the historic spa town of Bagneres de Luchon. This stage is the most spectacular and challenging section of the HRP, mainly with the Pyrenees National Park and passing many of the iconic peaks and lakes of the Pyrenees, including the Vignemale, Gavarnie, the Ordesa canyon and Mont Perdu. We make use of the network of high mountain refuges for overnight stays, thus avoiding the need for camping gear and enormous rucksacks. The refuges are catered and offer simple facilities, with communal dormitories or sleeping platforms.

HRP - Refuge Pombie, beside the Pic du Midi d'Ossau	HRP - Refuge Bayssellance, below the mighty Vignemale	HRP - Refuge Goriz, at the head of the Ordesa Canyon	HRP - Refuge Portillon, surrounded by 3000m peaks

This Pyrenees HRP trekking holiday is led by ourselves; Rob and Emma - both qualified International Mountain Leaders (Accompagnateurs en Montagne). The two-week trek is broken into two week-long stages, with a rest day/changeover midway. During each of the two 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 a week long option, in which case you would join us for the first or second part of the walk only.

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

* It is straightforward to walk directly on the GR10 from the Refuge Wallon to the town of Cauterets on Friday if you need to catch an early train or flight on Saturday

Looking onto the Pic du Midi	Below the Col de la Fache	Icebergs below the Grande Fache	The Marcadau valley near Wallon
Beside the Arremoulit Refuge	Lacs d'Arremoulit	Below the Collado del Arriel	Lake dip near the Pic du Midi

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

* It is straightforward to walk on the GR10 directly from the Refuge Portillon to the town of Bagneres de Luchon on Friday if you need to catch an early train or flight on Saturday

Above the Ordesa canyon	Faja de las Flores - a natural cleft	Looking into the Pineta canyon	Lac de Caillauas above Soula
Venasque valley	Spain from the Port de Venasque	Pic Aneto from the valley floor	Hospice de France

Prices (based on a minimum group size of five, maximum twelve plus guide)

Other dates are also available - please enquire if you have a group

Not included: drinks and snacks at mountain refuges, airport or railway station transfers (return trips available from 20-40 euros - please enquire), flights to the Pyrenees.

We are currently taking bookings for Summer 2008. Please contact us if the dates above don't suit, and you have your own trip 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.

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 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 for you. 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!

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 (30-40 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
  Paper back book (lightweight!)
  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 and film
  Maps
  Snacks – cereal bars, dried fruit/nuts, chocolate etc.