Heart of the Pyrenees Walk

Location: The Pyrenees, France. Holiday type: Independent walking, hotel-to-hotel. Managed by Headwater appointed agent. Activity level: Choose 2 or 3 boots Duration: 8 days (7 nights) Hotels: Mid range/good value. Meals: Continental breakfast and all evening meals. Prices from: Please call. Departs: Saturdays from 9 Jun '12 to 15 Sep '12   JFMAMJJASOND

Highlights With both moderate and challenging walking options on offer each day, this superb high level mountain hike takes in dramatic gorges, beautiful lakes and traditional mountain villages unchanged over the years. Friendly, simple hotels throughout.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive at Aste

A short transfer (35mins) to your hotel in Aste, just south of the delightful spa town of Bagneres de Bigorre.

Day 2 - At Aste 14km/9mi/4.5hr or 20km/12mi/6.5hr

Today's route takes you through the quaint stone village of Beaudean, climbing the north side of the Serris valley above open plateaux and rustic barns, eventually bringing into view the spectacular peaks of the Pic du Midi (2877 m) and Montaigu (2339 m). Picnic on the summit of Petit Monne, whilst enjoying breathtaking views of the Adour valley as soaring griffin and bearded vultures circle in thermals overhead. Return via the delightful villages of Campan and Beaudean.

Day 3 - Aste to Bareges 16km/10mi/5hr or 19km/12mi/6hr or 23km/14mi/7hr

After a scenic drive over the famous Col du Tourmalet, set off on foot through the Neouvielle National Park following the classic GR10 footpath up the splendid Aygues Cluses valley. Impressive granite rock formations lead you to deep emerald tarns and alpine flower-strewn meadows - keep your eyes and ears sharp for the rare black woodpecker!

Day 4 - At Bareges 14km/9mi/4hr or 17km/11mi/5.5hr

The gentler route explores the other side of the Bastan valley, traversing pine-clad slopes to join the GR10 into the verdant Bolou valley, where it's possible to spot isard and rummaging marmots. Or out to panoramic St Justin's oratory for sweeping views, before ascending in graded zigzags up the appropriately named Montagne Fleurie - trails lined with a wealth of wildflowers.

Day 5 - Bareges to Luz St. Sauveur 12km/7mi/3hr or 16km/9mi/4.5hr

The easier walk wends its way down to Luz on inviting tree-lined footpaths and quiet tracks passing through the small, picturesque villages of Sers with it's 12C church, pretty Viey, Betpouey and Viella, all clinging to the sides of the valley. Or leave Bareges along the GR10 to reach the delightful Bolou valley, before dropping down to the village of Viella and to your hotel just below the castle at Luz.

Day 6 - At Luz St. Sauveur 16km/10mi/4.5hr or 18km/11mi/5hr

Today you'll pass through ancient villages of the area known as the Pays Toy: Vizos, Saligos and Sazos where houses cluster around tiny Romanesque churches, and lavish floral window-boxes are proudly on display. You'll return via the impressive Pont Napoleon, financed by Napoleon III after his visit in 1859 with wife Empress Eugenie. The more challenging option follows the higher footpaths with ever-increasing views down the valley.

Day 7 - Cirque de Gavarnie 12km/7mi/4hr or 21km/13mi/7hr

A short bus ride (30mins) to the pretty mountain resort of Gavarnie, the start of today's walk. You head up to the Plateau de Bellevue to get awesome views across to the Cirque de Gavarnie, a magnificent 1,000m amphitheatre of black cliffs, stretching into the clouds. You may choose to explore the charming side valley of Pouey Aspe, before continuing right into the Cirque to the base of the Grande Cascade which tumbles down hundreds of metres. An easy walk back to the village before the bus ride back to Luz for a delicious 3-course dinner!

Day 8 - Leave Luz St. Sauveur