French Pyrenees: Parc National des Pyrénées & Cirque de Gavarnie.

Backabush is going mountaineering in the Pyrenees!

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/3/e/b/600_434913771.jpeg

The Pyrenees are a vast and spectacular range of soaring peaks stretching from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in the east. They form a natural buffer between Spain and France offering the hiker some of the finest mountain scenery in Europe!

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/3/e/e/600_434913774.jpeg

We will be hiking into the Vallee de Marcadau and sleeping in high mountain refuges as we explore a wilderness of rocky peaks, deep valleys and multitude of lakes. After exploring the Marcadau Valley our route will take us for a night to the foot of Vignemale, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees (3298m).

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/3/f/7/600_434913783.jpeg

Our high mountain traverse follows part of the famous GR10 route through some of the finest scenery of France and across high passes into Spain. This is a mysterious world of lofty summits and hidden lakes.

Continuing along the route of the GR10 we will eventually reach the awe inspiring Cirque de Gavarnie. Many experienced hikers consider this famous part of the Pyrenees range to be the finest section in France with soaring cliffs rising hundreds of metres on each side. We will explore deeper into the cirque to take a look at the Gavarnie Falls, the highest in mainland France with an overall drop of 422m.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/3/f/8/600_434913784.jpeg

This is a region of dramatic landscapes, spectacular views and beautiful wild flower meadows. Lucky hikers may even spot some of the abundant wildlife - marmots, Pyrenean chamois, and some of the many birds of prey like the griffon vulture and the bearded vulture, Europe's largest and rarest vulture but not uncommon in the area.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/3/f/d/600_434913789.jpeg

Our plan is to take a small group on an adventurous mountaineering expedition to cross high passes along the Spanish-French border and enjoy magnificent views along the way. We will start with a night in Lourdes followed by 3 nights high amongst the peaks in mountain refuges before dropping down to the village of Gavarnie. We will then return to the comforts of a quality hotel in Cauterets, famous for its thermal spas and healing waters, after the rigours of our trek.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/3/f/f/600_434913791.jpeg

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/4/0/1/600_434913793.jpeg

This itinerary involves trekking in a high mountain environment along strenuous routes. There will be steep ascents and descents involved, on sometimes rough or unclear paths. For this reason the trip is best suited to fit, well equipped and experienced hikers and the group size will be kept small.

Our intended plan is as follows:

Friday 24 July: Arrive at Lourdes airport in France and transfer to our hotel in Lourdes. Spend the afternoon exploring Lourdes.

Saturday 25 July: Transfer to Cauterets. Trek from Cauterets to Refuge Wallon.

Sunday 26 July: Day hike from refuge Wallon.

Monday 27 July: Trek from Refuge Wallon to refuge de Bayssellance.

Tuesday 28 July: Trek from Refuge de Bayssellance to Gîte le Gypaète in Gavarnie.

Wednesday 29 July: Day hike to the famous Cirque de Gavarnie. Transfer back to Cauterets after the hike.

Thursday 30 July: Day hike from Cauterets - Pic du Cabaliros. For those who prefer to rest & recover, spend the day in one of the town's thermal spas.

Friday 31 July: Transfer back to Lourdes airport.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/4/0/4/600_434913796.jpeg

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

Accommodation - 1 night hotel accommodation in Lourdes (twin share rooms), 4 nights dormitory accommodation in mountain refuges & gîte, 2 nights hotel accommodation in Cauterets (twin share rooms).

Dinners & breakfasts in the refuges and gîte (4 dinners, 4 breakfasts).

Guided trekking lead by trained Mountain Leaders (http://www.mlte.org/content.php?nID=29) (MLTE) and qualified first aiders.

Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

Flights.

Airport transfers.

Transfer between Lourdes & Cauterets, and between Gavarnie & Cauterets.

Meals in Lourdes & Cauterets. There are plenty of restaurants dotted along the main street in Lourdes. In Cauterets we can eat in any of the many village restaurants offering delicious local specialities or at our hotel which serves some of the best food.

Packed lunches. We can get supplies in the local shops in Lourdes and Cauterets or buy packed lunches at the refuges.

Flight details:

• OUTBOUND - Friday 24 July

Ryanair flight FR522

Departs - 8:35 London (Stansted)

Arrives - 11:35 Lourdes

• INBOUND - Friday 31 July

Ryanair flight FR523

Departs - 12:00 Lourdes

Arrives - 13:00 London (Stansted)

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/a/7/6/600_294559062.jpeg

To confirm your place on this trip please send payment. The account details are:

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS

Sort Code: 090127

Account Number: 22440622

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/a/7/6/600_294559062.jpeg

IMPORTANT NOTE: We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.

We recommend that everyone participating in outdoor activities obtain appropriate insurance. The BMC offer excellent policies for all outdoor enthusiasts at very competitive rates: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/modules/insurance/Landing.aspx .