Pyrenean Haute Trekking Route

The Pyrenees mountain chain stretches unbroken from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean coast, forming the border between France and Spain. 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.

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.

A guided 2-week trek following the HRP high level route from the mountain village of Etsaut, in the Western Pyrenees, to the historic spa town of Bagneres de Luchon. This stage is the most spectacular section of the HRP, mainly within 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.

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.

Price

From: EUR1400 per person (2 weeks)

Price Includes

• Seven nights accommodation
• Food
• Five days guided walking
• Local minibus transfers
• Qualified mountain leader

Price Excludes

• Drinks and snacks at mountain refuges Airport or railway station transfers (return trips available from 20-40 Euro) Flights to the Pyrenees.

Departure Dates

Stage 1:-
Saturday - Arrive at Etsaut
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'Ilhe - 5 hours
We quickly find ourselves in the high mountains, following the Spanish frontier. Great views onto the Pic d'Anie and the Basque country to the West.

Monday - Refuge d'Arlet to the Col du Somport - 5 hours
A varied day, beginning in the high peaks and descending through grassy valleys and woodland. At the Col du Somport we take the opportunity to stock up on Spanish goodies at the border!

Tuesday - Col du Somport to the Refuge Pombie - 6 hours
Circling beneath the awesome Pic du Midi d'Ossau - a real icon of the Pyrenees. The refuge Pombie nestles beside it's own gorgeous blue lake.

Wednesday - Refuge Pombie to the Refuge Arremoulit - 5 hours
Traversing above the Lac d'Artouste on the airy Passage d'Orteig (weather depending!). A night in the shadow of the towering Balaitous.

Thursday - Refuge Arremoulit to the Refuge Wallon - 8 hours
Taking the HRP variante Sud through Spain, pass the enormous Respumoso reservoir and over the stunning Col de la Fache at 2664m

Friday - Refuge Wallon to the Refuge Bayssellance ** 7 hours
We pass beneath the mighty Vignemale and the North Face glacier (optional ascent of the Petit Vignemale, 3032m).

Saturday - Refuge Baysellance to the Barrage d'Ossoue - 2 hours - AFTERNOON OFF
An early start to cross beneath the Eastern glacier of the Vignemale. Transfer to Luz-St. Sauveur for rest and resupply.

Stage 2:-
Saturday:- Arrive at Luz-St. Sauveur
A comfortable first night in civilisation. Luz is a lively spa village with an excellent icecream shop and bakery!

Sunday:- Col des Tentes to the Refuge Goriz via the Faja de las Flores - 8 hours
Transfer to Col des Tentes. We soon find ourselves in Spain, on the "lost path" to the Escuzana peak at the head of the Ordesa Canyon. Descending into wild country, we take the awe-inspiring Faja de las Flores - a natural notch in the limestone crags and one of the most unforgettable walks in Europe.

Monday: - Refugio de Goriz to Parzan village - 8 hours
A spectacular day, taking us beneath the towering lost mountain - Mont Perdu, and deep into the Pineta Canyon.

Tuesday:- Parzan to Refugio de Viados - 7 hours
A whole day in Spain. We follow the GR11, crossing the Paso de los Caballos at 2314m then descending through woodland to the Refugio de Viados.

Wednesday:- Refugio de Viados to the Refuge Soula - 6 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 - 6 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 Refuge de Venasque - 8 hours
Back into Spain and the Valle de Remune. We spend much of today walking beneath Pic Aneto - the highest summit in the Pyrenees at 3403.5m. A final ascent brings us to the Port de Venasque and the refuge sitting beside it's own lake just below.

Saturday:- Refuge Venasque to Hospice de France - 2 hours

An early start to descend back to civilisation and our pick-up bus waiting at the Hospice de France. Transfer to Bagneres de Luchon train station, or Pau airport.

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.

Accommodation Details

All of our holidays are based with us in our newly-renovated 300 yr old house in the heart of the high mountain village of Bareges.

The house has a 3-star rating from 'Gites de France' (the highest standard in the village). We have five spacious, characterful and well-appointed bedrooms, one of which is a very large two-room suite. Each has an en-suite shower room, and we can offer twin or family (4 to 8 people sharing) accommodation for up to 14 people.

As well your room, all our guests have access to the spacious lounge and games room, with a lovely wood-burning stove, well-stocked bar, coffee bar, big-screen home cinema and a computer with internet access. We also have a big dining room and a heated equipment room (for coats, boots and skis), and a sauna - perfect for relaxing tired muscles after a hard day in the mountains!