Walking the Best of the High Pyrenees

Walking information

This holiday features mainly comfortable, but some challenging walking, so is suitable for people who are reasonably fit, and used to walking (albeit 'gently') for much of the day. On most days there are choices of itineraries, which you can decide for yourself each day. The whole summer season is recommended but there might be some snow left in June.

Day 1: Arrival in Cauterets

Cauterets is an attractive and vibrant Pyrenean mountain town, which in the 19th century was packed with Romantic authors and artists as well as the affluent bourgeoisie all 'taking the waters' (what the French call 'the cure') thanks to its natural, health-giving thermal springs. They would also explore the other natural wonders of the region and have a go on the funicular railway (unfortunately no longer running).
You stay at Hotel Lion d'Or*** (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 2: Gaube Lake (16km/9.9mi)

Short transfer (local bus to pay locally) so you can start from the photogenic stone bridge called the Pont d'Espagne with its impressive waterfalls. From there, you walk up through pine forests to appreciate one of the most memorable views in the High Pyrenees: the massive Vignemale mountain and the glacier of Petit Vignemale reflected in Gaube lake.

After breaking the spell of that view, you follow a path alongside a tumbling torrent with frequent waterfalls surrounded by forests and alpine type meadows before arriving at the mountain refuge of Les Oulettes from where climbers often launch their attempts on the north face of Vignemale (3,000 feet of climbing heaven or hell, depending on your point of view). You then descend by delightful paths for the short transfer back to (local bus to pay locally).
You stay at Hotel Lion d'Or***(Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 3: Embarrat lake and Marcadau Valley (16km/9.9mi or 20km/12.4mi)

After a short transfer (local bus to pay locally), you stroll quietly across the Clot plateau (but not feeling like one, we hope), and then the Cayan plateau where the torrent from the slopes above snakes its way between pine trees, and forms small islands in mid-stream. The source of some of the streams you pass are the impressive Embarrat and Pourtet lakes you now reach at well over 7,000 feet (remembering that you did not start at sea level, but were already at many thousands of feet up). {BREAKK} Rising even higher are the granite 'needles' of Castet-Abarca walked on only, but not infrequently, by Pyrenean chamois. You now have the privilege of walking down the Marcadau valley, which Walkopedia says is one of the world's best walks, and Cicerone describes as a walkers' paradise, but you can decide for yourselves what you call it. As you get lower, so the pine forests reappear, and the stream gets rather more calm, cool and collected.

Its here you will see the large and impressive Refuge Wallon on its literally outstanding site (drinks and snacks usually available) close to a lovely little chapel. You return to the Pont d'Espagne then transfer back to Cauterets (local bus to pay locally).
You stay at Hotel Lion d'Or*** (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 4: Cirque de Gavarnie (10km/6.2mi)

Today we visit what most people regard as the most exceptional and memorable site in the whole of the Pyrenees. We drop you off in the village of Gavarnie from where you walk fairly gently up a wide path on a mountain 'balcony' to the Bellevue plateau with privileged panoramas of the high mountain scenery all around you. From the top, you descend into the centre of the enormous natural 'amphitheatre' that is the Cirque du Gavarnie with its myriad waterfalls - many impressively long and powerful - sheer bare rock cliffs, and contrasting peaceful valley bottom.

The appropriately named Grande Cascade at about 1,300 feet is over 300 feet higher than the Eiffel Tower (300 feet!), and one of the highest in Europe. The bucolic final section is along the valley bottom, or, more challengingly, by the Espugues route, which follows an attractive rocky balcony path. Either way you arrive at Gedre-Gavarnie village. Truly memorable, we are confident you will agree. Then transfer to your hotel.
You stay at Hotel de la Breche de Roland *** (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 5: Cirque de Troumouse (12km/7.5mi)

A beautiful walk from the hamlet of Heas, passing herds of summer pasturing long horned cattle and up to the incredible glacially created 'arena' that is the Cirque de Troumouse (rising to almost 10,000 feet all around you). There can be no doubts about why this whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You walk across the plateau in the middle of the Cirque with its wildflower meadows and streams before arriving at the Aires lake where there is also a refuge cabin. Having spent plenty of time taking it all in, you now descend down good footpaths back to Heas. Don't forget to visit the 16th century pilgrimage chapel built to house a wooden Black Madonna found by local shepherds, and which miraculously (say some) survived an avalanche. Then transfer to your hotel.
You stay at Hotel de la Breche de Roland *** (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 6: Ets Coubous Valley (11km/6.8mi)

Today you walk mainly in the wonderful Ets Coubous valley, which offers a succession of lovely lakes where the colour of the water and the reflections change as you walk by. It is an altogether enjoyable walk that enables you to really immerse yourselves in the endless panoramas and beauties of the High Pyrenees. Thoughts of home and work seem a million miles away, and you will hopefully fully appreciate the tranquillity that comes from being among, and almost part of, these magnificent mountains.

Transfer to your hotel
You stay at Hotel Le Chalet*** (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 7: Pic du Midi (10km/6.2mi)

Transfer to the village of La Mongie, where start your the cable car journey up and up and up another 4,000 feet to the summit of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre for views across what feels like endless miles of the mountains and a visit of the observatory. On your descent of the Pic du Midi, via the historical 'Chemin des Muletiers' (the 'Muleteers' Path'), originally taken by the men who built the observatory. Continue through a gorgeous valley, high-altitude grazing areas and shepherds' huts. Transfer to your hotel.
You stay at Hotel Le Chalet*** (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 8: Leave Campan

Transfer from your hotel to Lourdes.