Independent Walks

Exploring the Pyrenees on foot is a rewarding, sometimes challenging experience. Some people prefer to go on a walking holiday on their own or with their friends and family rather than walking in a guided group, often because they enjoy the challenge of finding their own way.  Most parts the Pyrenees are a safe place for an independent walking holiday despite the fact that the mountains are remote and people thin on the ground in places. You can amble along old stone footpaths between villages on parts of the high road to Santiago de Compostella between Lourdes and Gavarnie, or higher up on well trodden high mountain paths. Most mountain summits are ‘treks’ rather than mountain climbs and you don’t need ropes or technical equipment to do any of our independent walks.

We help you walk on your own by providing all of the detailed planning and logistical back up you need. We organise accommodation, provide maps and walk notes and brief you on your walking holiday before you depart.  On the hotel to hotel trek we move luggage, for others based in the Hotel Les Templiers in Luz we are on hand each day to help with public transport details, weather forecasts and daily walk suggestions.

While we provide all the help and advice we can, remember that you are walking independently and at your own risk.  We make every effort with the instructions in our notes, and provide 1:25000 maps but you remain responsible for your own safety.  It is prudent to carry a mobile phone with you.

Independent Walk Notes

All of the walks we offer on a self guided, independent basis have been recently walked by one of us. Each section is described in terms of where to walk, where to take a turning, what markings are on the footpath, key landmarks, and the approximate time each section will take to complete. You can walk confidently knowing that your notes are up to date and have been written and checked by one of us (rather than being copied from guide books or other second hand sources).  Our Pyrenees walking holidays are in France, on our home ground, so we know the area well.  However as we are not continually walking these routes it is possible that things change, and that what looks obvious in one season (early spring or autumn) when we are walking, is not so obvious in another season (the height of summer) when you are walking.  As our clients are walking these routes more than us we listen to what they tell us and re-check or update notes where necessary.

Cultural and Historical Notes

Our notes are peppered with historical and cultural references. Who was the first person to climb the Mont Perdu? Who was Count Henry Russell and why is he so important to the history of climbing? What happened in the legendary battle at the Breche de Roland ? The Pyrenees also provide the environment for unique flora and fauna too, so we indicate in the text places that you are likely to be able to see particular wildlife or flowers. It’s well worth carrying a small pair of binoculars in a handy pocket too because the area is famous for its large birds of prey.

Maps

When you arrive in the Pyrenees we will provide a set of maps with your walking route pre-marked on it. We use the French IGN maps at a scale of 1:25,000. If you would prefer an unmarked map we can lend you these as an alternative or you can buy them in a local shop. Maps are easily available in the Pyrenees.

Local Transport

Different transport arrangements are necessary for different independent walking weeks. The walks in the Eco Independent Walks package use many of the ancient footpaths created over centuries by people travelling from village to village or taking their crops to market. While you may not ‘bag peaks’ on this kind of walking holiday you will certainly enjoy wonderful mountain scenery. From your base in Luz (generally in Hotel Les Templiers but possibly in a hotel or gite nearby) you can use the local bus services to access a surprisingly large range of walks, and certainly enough to keep you occupied for a week to ten days. The bus services are improving all the time and we have all the timetables and information to ensure that you can get around easily. Using the local bus network gives you the freedom to walk from place to place rather than being required to return to your car.

If you wish to access the high mountains, including bagging a few peaks, and then come back to the comfort of your accommodation in Luz each evening then the Middle/High Mountain Hikes week is for you, but you will require a car. The closest car rental service is Avis at the Lourdes train station. Catching the train to Lourdes and then renting a car is a lower carbon solution than driving from home.

For the Valleys of the Lavedan hotel to hotel walk we collect you from Lourdes train station and then move your bags from hotel to hotel. If you feel like a day off from walking you are welcome to hop in the car with your bags and get a lift to the next hotel. We can also almost always offer longer or shorter versions of each day’s itinerary. This walk can also be done without bag transfers, i.e., you carry your bags on your back as in a conventional trek. Ask us for a price if this interests you.  At the end of the week you catch the SNCF bus straight from Luz to Lourdes, and then continue your journey.

Eco Independent Walking (300-800m ascent June – Oct)

Day walks from Hotel Les Templiers in Luz, sometimes using the local bus network to access the start, or return from the end of a walk.

Valleys of the Lavedan (choice of ascent, June – Oct)

From Lourdes to Gavarnie on parts of an old ‘high road’ return route from Santiago de Compostella.  This is a lovely flexible hotel to hotel trek anywhere from 7 to 13 days.

Pyrenean Cirques and Lakes (300-500m ascent, June – Oct)

You are based in Hotel Les Templiers in Luz St Sauveur and explore the classic sites of this and neighbouring valleys on foot.  Thanks to the construction of the hydro-electricity scheme in the 1950s there are many high roads and having a car means you can gain height easily each day to explore many areas which would require an overnight stay in a refuge if you were simply on foot.

Pyrenean Passes and Summits (800-1500m ascent, July-Oct)

Again you are based in Hotel Les Templiers in Luz St Sauveur and use your car to gain height each day in order to reach the range of high passes and peaks that are on offer in the valley.  These walks require a good level of fitness and previous experience walking in the mountains.   You are likely to encounter snow on the peaks until mid-August.

Pyrenees National Park Independent Trek (1000m ascent, Jul-Oct)

New for Summer 2012 we are offering an independent trek between Cauterets and the Cirque de Troumouse through the highlights of the French Pyrenees National Park.  We book the refuges and provide you with maps and detailed notes.  You walk independently and we are on hand to come to your assistance if necessary.  This trek requires a reasonable level of fitness and you are likely to encounter snow on the highest passes until the end of July.