Eco Independent Walks

While you might previously have viewed the use of public transport as a constraint these walks are designed to take full advantage of it.  Our routes take you from one place to another with no requirement to turn back on yourself or complete a loop to return to your car. We will pick you up if you miss the bus or the bus misses you for some reason!

If you want a day (or two or three) off walking there is plenty to see and do both around Luz and in places accessible via the bus network.  Visit Gavarnie and just stroll around.  Catch the bus to the Argeles market which has been held every Tuesday morning since the 14th century (or so they say) and then explore the Argeles lake.  Visit Gedre with its National Park house and beautiful old mills.  Hire bikes and cycle along the old railway line between Pierrefitte and Lourdes (and even up to Cauterets).  Visit Lourdes, the Pic du Jer  funicular, the medieval castle which holds the Pyrenean museum and ‘la grotte’.

Price: 535€pp twin share in Hotel Les Templiers with 7 nights accommodation, all breakfasts, 6 dinners (so you can have one night out), 6 picnics, maps and notes.  Single supp. 17€ per day. 15% discount in Spring and Autumn.  Dates: May – October 2012. Contact: Sian.

Ascent is 300-700m each day, and more challenging itineraries are possible if desired.  The standard walk suggestions are:

1.  Walk from Pierrefitte up to the historic Poueyaspé Chapel where St Savin had his hermitage.  Return via the village of St Savin, a crucial meeting point on the Way of St James.

2. Tour of the Luz Valley via the Larbeze “granges” above Saligos – lovely views of the Luz valley and up to Gavarnie.

3. Walk from Luz to Barèges on the GR10 via the villages of Viella, Viey and Sers + St Justin’s cross where blueberry crepes are on offer.

 

4. The Gavarnie Cirque and its balcony paths – a classic and breathtaking walk.

5. The Barada Valley and the Cirque de Lys - a lovely secluded cirque.

6. The Bergons summit – fabulous views from the top up and down the valley.

More challenging possibilities are on offer – just ask when you arrive.

 

Each day you head out with a map and our notes to explore high pastures, wildflowers, old forests and wildlife, and to enjoy the dramatic views offered by the Pyrenees. We have a large number of walks available, and based on your experience of the first day we can suggest appropriate walks for subsequent days. If you’d like a day off then you can explore one of the local markets, visit Lourdes castle and the Pyrenean Museaum or head up the Pic du Midi de Bigorre in the cable car.

Price: 535€pp twin share in Hotel Les Templiers with 7 nights accommodation, all breakfasts, 6 dinners, 6 picnics, maps and notes.  Single supp. 17€ per day. 15% discount in Spring and Autumn.  Dates: May – October 2012. Contact: Sian.

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