Pyrenean Cirques and Lakes

The road network in the high valleys of the Pyrenees is due to the construction of the hydroelectricity scheme in the 1950s and the ski stations in the late 1970s.  These roads allow you to gain significant altitude prior to starting your walks, and to reach sites in a relatively easy day walk that were previously accessible only in a very long day or with an overnight stay.  You can be  comfortably lodged in Hotel Les Templiers in Luz St Sauveur, conveniently located at the crossroads of a number of valleys, and set out each day for a new adventure.  If you dream of to being ‘up high’, but do not want to tackle 1000m of ascent each day then this week is for you.  You will encounter a range of high mountain landscapes with glacial cirques (corries), high mountain lakes and high passes, and a very accessible summit.  These walks are generally easier than the Eco Independent Walks because the roads take you up out of the valley floor, often the steepest section, to where the mountains begin to plateau out higher up.

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 before the 15th June and after the 22nd Sept.  Dates: June – October 2012. Contact: Sian.

Ascent is 300-500m each day (easy-moderate), with more challenging itineraries possible if desired.  Our suggested walks are:

Day 1: Choose either the beautiful Aygues Cluses valley with its meandering river, or the slightly steeper ascent to Ets Coubous, the bottom lake of a series of four – both provide you with a warm up in the lovely pine forested landscape of the Neouvielle Nature Reserve.

Day 2:  The Gavarnie Cirque is the most well known site in the Central Pyrenees, with the village being the home of mountaineering in the Pyrenees.  Its near perfect semi-circular formation provoked Victor Hugo to call it Nature’s Colosseum. 

Day 3:  The Bergons summit dominates the Luz Valley.  The road takes you through l’Estibe, with its traditional barns and summer pastures of sheep farmers in Luz.  Walk the last 300m to the peak for spectacular views up towards the Gavarnie Cirque and down the valley to Argeles.

Day 4:  From the Pont d’Espagne walk up to the Lac de Gaube for a day out in the neighbouring Cauterets Valley.  Walk from the spectacular waterfall to one of the largest natural lakes in the Pyrenees.

Day 5.  The Troumouse Cirque is a favourite with everyone who walks here.  It is less famous than Gavarnie but somehow more mystical with its high plateau and small lakes…

Day 6:  The Gloriettes Dam is at the mouth of the Estaubé Cirque and provides a spectacular starting point for your walk.  Finish the week by discovering the last of the three cirques in the World Heritage Area.

Each day we discuss the weather for the coming days, and how you are feeling in order to suggest an appropriate walk for the following day.  This allows you to adjust your itinerary according to the conditions at the time, and how you are feeling.

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 before the 15th June and after the 22nd Sept.  Dates: June – October 2012. Contact: Sian.

See Equipment and Packing Ideas