Great Pyrenees Walking
We have walked in the Pyrenees for many years. For pleasure, to observe wildlife, with groups, all year round. There is something for everybody. Our specific interests are circular day walks, the use of mountain refuges and wild camping. We can recommend qualified mountain leaders and activity professionals.
Our home in the Pyrénées Orientales is ideally located for walks in the high peaks to the west, the immediate surrounding Cathar castle and massif des Corbières area and is also just 50 minutes from the coast and lagoons of the Mediterranean.
I also work with groups that follow escape routes across the Pyrenees, clandestine paths that enabled so many to escape tyranny during the Spanish Civil War and WW2. These often simple shepherds paths, other ancient smugglers routes criss-crossed the entire length of the mountain chain. Each having its own share of drama and tragedy. There are crossing options in the spring through to the autumn. See this site for more information: https://freedomtrailtreks.com/
Our home in the Pyrénées Orientales is ideally located for walks in the high peaks to the west, the immediate surrounding Cathar castle and massif des Corbières area and is also just 50 minutes from the coast and lagoons of the Mediterranean.
I also work with groups that follow escape routes across the Pyrenees, clandestine paths that enabled so many to escape tyranny during the Spanish Civil War and WW2. These often simple shepherds paths, other ancient smugglers routes criss-crossed the entire length of the mountain chain. Each having its own share of drama and tragedy. There are crossing options in the spring through to the autumn. See this site for more information: https://freedomtrailtreks.com/
Pic de Bugarach
Principle factors to consider when walking in the Pyrenees:
Apply all safety considerations as for walking, hiking in any mountain area.
Summers are hot, even at altitude. Access to fresh water is increasingly difficult in high summer. Storms brew most days throughout the chain. Vacate summits and high cols by 16h local to avoid potential lightening strikes. Check forecasts daily. Consult local tourist office/mountain guide forecasts and information. Always follow local advice, instructions. Inform someone of your planned route and times, especially if that plan changes.
White Pyrenees shepherds' guarding dogs (Patou). Try to avoid, detour around sheep and cattle. If unavoidable, first talk to, gain the trust of the dog at a reasonable distance. With a bit of time & reassurance (for them and you!) they will calm and let you pass. Don't ever feed or touch a Patou. Remain calm, avoid eye contact and remember they are trained, especially to intimidate. It is their job!
Refuges. There are many cabins, refuges dotted across the Pyrenees. There is much variety from a basic shell to near-hotel quality. The non-guarded operate on a first come, first served basis. That said the usual mountain code of sharing and helping happily applies. Most share food and sleeping spaces! Anything that was left for others to use (ie: wood) should be replaced if consumed. Those refuges that offer food & drinks are very popular during summer months, especially at weekends. They should be booked in advance. You can however pitch a tent next to a refuge and use some of their facilities although you may not get fed. A beer though usually helps to finish the day!
Wild camping is permitted away from road heads. Do remove all rubbish, burn or bury toilet paper but avoid making fires. Number twos should be well away from usual pitching area & buried, please. White tissues are a scourge and take months to decompose.
Unless specifically prepared and equipped, avoid winter and any contact with snow. Snow falls are currently less but snow lies from Nov through to June above 1800m.
The usual plea: please leave the mountains as exactly as you found them.
If you would like any specific advice or information on walking in the Pyrenees, please do contact me directly.
mailto:contact@pyrenees.site
Apply all safety considerations as for walking, hiking in any mountain area.
Summers are hot, even at altitude. Access to fresh water is increasingly difficult in high summer. Storms brew most days throughout the chain. Vacate summits and high cols by 16h local to avoid potential lightening strikes. Check forecasts daily. Consult local tourist office/mountain guide forecasts and information. Always follow local advice, instructions. Inform someone of your planned route and times, especially if that plan changes.
White Pyrenees shepherds' guarding dogs (Patou). Try to avoid, detour around sheep and cattle. If unavoidable, first talk to, gain the trust of the dog at a reasonable distance. With a bit of time & reassurance (for them and you!) they will calm and let you pass. Don't ever feed or touch a Patou. Remain calm, avoid eye contact and remember they are trained, especially to intimidate. It is their job!
Refuges. There are many cabins, refuges dotted across the Pyrenees. There is much variety from a basic shell to near-hotel quality. The non-guarded operate on a first come, first served basis. That said the usual mountain code of sharing and helping happily applies. Most share food and sleeping spaces! Anything that was left for others to use (ie: wood) should be replaced if consumed. Those refuges that offer food & drinks are very popular during summer months, especially at weekends. They should be booked in advance. You can however pitch a tent next to a refuge and use some of their facilities although you may not get fed. A beer though usually helps to finish the day!
Wild camping is permitted away from road heads. Do remove all rubbish, burn or bury toilet paper but avoid making fires. Number twos should be well away from usual pitching area & buried, please. White tissues are a scourge and take months to decompose.
Unless specifically prepared and equipped, avoid winter and any contact with snow. Snow falls are currently less but snow lies from Nov through to June above 1800m.
The usual plea: please leave the mountains as exactly as you found them.
If you would like any specific advice or information on walking in the Pyrenees, please do contact me directly.
mailto:contact@pyrenees.site
