The Perfect Pyrenees Adventure 2018

FULL WEEK FOREIGN TRIP – The Perfect Pyrenees Hiking Adventure In The South Of France.

DETAILS: If you haven’t visited the Pyrenees mountains before then you are in for a treat as they are a stunningly diverse and beautiful range. For simple and unspoilt beauty, it is fair to say that they are second to none in Western Europe. The mountains were formed 23 million years ago and run for approximately 270 miles with a typical width of 60 and rise to form a spectacular and formidable natural border between France and Spain. The central ‘High Pyrenees’ is dotted with peaks over 3000m with the highest mountain ‘Aneto’ reaching the dizzy heights of 3404m (11,168 feet).

These mountains can be wild, hostile and foreboding in winter because but in Spring and Summer they are often bathed in sunshine and provide limitless possibilities for hiking and outdoor pursuits with areas that remain isolated and remote where solitude can still be achieved and animals such as vultures, lynx and even bears still make their home. For our trip, we have chosen a location towards the eastern end of the mountain chain near to the principality of Andorra - partly because of it’s natural beauty and superb hiking but also because this area is influenced by a Mediterranean climate and so has lots of sunshine hours.

To narrow it down further, we will be exploring the spectacular locations of the Tete Valley, the Cerdagne Plateau and the Carlit Massif. As a base, we will be using a hotel located high up on the Cerdagne plateau. This base will provide us with an ideal place to access great hiking territory with close access to high alpine valleys and nearby peaks for some unforgettable views and hiking! As if that isn’t enough – there is an outdoor pool for you to enjoy so that you can relax those muscles after the day’s exertions with a swim in an outdoor pool framed by mountain peaks. The accommodation will comprise of en-suite rooms with two people maximum sharing. Occupancy and configuration will be assigned on a same sex gender basis. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

• Explore the breath-taking high mountain landscapes of the Tete Valley, the Carlit Massif and the Cerdagne Plateau situated of the eastern end of the French Pyrenees.

• Hike amongst snow-capped rocky peaks, alpine flower meadows and pine forests.

• Summit magnificent Pic Carlit (2921m) – the highest peak in the eastern Pyrenees. from which you can enjoy fantastic views of nearby Andorra, soaring peaks of the High Pyrenees and the lonely solo mountain of Canigou to the east. (N.B – reaching the very summit of Carlit will be weather and snow conditions permitting).

• Hike the magical Caranca Gorge including a ‘corniche’ path cut out from a sheer cliff face 400m above the Caranca River!

• Have the chance to see wonderful wildlife including marmots (groundhogs), the gravity defying isards (chamois), salamanders, vultures & golden eagles.

• Enjoy a rest day that enables you to explore the local historic sites, take a trip on the famous ‘Petit Traine Jeune’ (the little yellow train); pamper yourself bathing in a nearby thermal spa or simply rest up with a glass of wine and a sunbathe at the guest house pool. • Have a chance to start or end you’re trip with a visit to the spectacular medieval walled city of Carcassonne. Seeing this unique place really is a must and so we have designed the trip to end on a Friday so that you will have the perfect opportunity to stay on for an evening or the whole weekend if you want to. This is recommended as Carcassonne is a genuine ‘bucket list’ item that everyone should see.

• Small group limited to just 8 hikers.

TRIP DESCRIPTION:

This is a 6 night hiking trip in a spectacular part of the Pyrenees where you will not only sample some stunning parts of this fabulous mountain range but will be able to explore this wonderful area of France and enjoy some famous French food and hospitality. You will get the chance to enjoy some amazing hikes, view some magical scenery, get close to wildlife also have the chance to visit the historic medieval walled city of Carcassonne. The cost of the includes airport transfers and getting to and from trail heads. Food is not included in the cost but the hotel can supply breakfasts at a small charge - although we will probably be doing a daily croissant run to enjoy fresh pastries every morning. A supermarket in the village can provide all the supplies needed for making your packed lunches and we will have different bar and restaurant options of evening meals. This will be a special trip in a super area of mountains to hike which is dominated by rugged mountain peaks forming the high border ridge between France and Spain, the vast flat plateau of the Cerdagne and the impressive Carlit Massif. Everywhere we visit there are dramatic landscapes that nature has carved with ice and fast flowing waters to leave huge hanging valleys, giant glacial lakes, vast cirques, pyramidal peaks and sheer cliff walls. The views will not fail to inspire and amaze you – after all this is the location that the French commandos choose to use for their mountain and winter training! We have selected 4 varied hikes that will enable you to sample a wide mixture of terrain and experiences and provide you with as much of a taste as possible of what this area has to offer in terms of its stunning natural beauty and exhilarating views. As if that is not enough, this is generally a sunny and warm location where we would expect to be hiking in shorts, T Shirts and shades most of the time but, of course, because of the altitude that we will be at the weather does not always behave so that can't be 100% guaranteed. LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY & VERTIGO ISSUES - IMPORTANT PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.

This trip has been designed for people with average to above average fitness levels and a good experience of hiking is necessary together with a head for heights. The type of terrain encountered, the paths used and the nature of the hikes on this trip will be very mixed and varied. There will be both long and steep ascents as well as sharp and steep rocky descents. Whilst we will mainly be using well known routes and paths, the terrain and ground will largely be tough and uneven and require crossing streams, slippery rocks, boulders, loose scree and even some scrambling. THE TRIP IS NOT THEREFORE SUITED TO BEGINNERS OR ANYONE WHO SUFFERS FROM VERTIGO OR JOINT PROBLEMS. Please note that if you are not already known to Kevin then you need to make contact to discuss fitness levels and hiking experience to ensure that the trip is suitable for you because this trip will be taking in high mountainous areas and includes some sections where basic scrambling is necessary. However, if you are fit and a regular hiker then everything will be entirely manageable so don’t be put off. The pace will be normal and the days will be intermediate to tough but all very achievable and this trip is all about the amazing scenery and nature so we will not be looking to rush things. A steady pace will be the order of the day so that we all get to enjoy the stunning landscapes and wildlife and get those photos bagged! If you have any concerns or want more information then email me and I will be happy to talk things through.

FOOTWEAR: Boots are essential on this trip due to the rough, uneven and rocky terrain that we will encounter and if you do not bring what we consider to be suitable footwear you face the risk that we may not be able to allow you on the hikes. Let’s be sensible guys - bring suitable hiking boots with ankle protection and that they have previously worn been and tested boots.

WALKING POLES and knowledge of how to use them would be advantageous but please bear in mind that these are an issue for air travel and also that you will need to have a rucksack that enables sticks to be stowed away because they will otherwise become a hindrance when scrambling is needed. CLOTHING: The climate of this part of the south of France is usually settled, warm and lovely in June so shorts and T Shirts are likely to be the main clothing option. However, as you will appreciate the weather in high mountains is not predictable and can often be very changeable so rain, thunderstorms. Mist and high winds are all possible so you will need to bring water proofs and an item of warm clothing just in case. Gaiters are also a good idea because we may have to hike through patches of snow. (NB - A full recommended kit list will be sent to attendees).

ITINERARY

Day 1 –Saturday 23 June. Travel Day/Arrival. The trip will start from Carcassonne airport arrivals hall at 18.00 Hrs. After assembling together as a group, we will drive to our mountain based hotel. our accommodation is set high up in the heart of the mountains the transfer will take approximately 2 hours 45 mins. We will have a late dinner soon after we arrive at 9pm and then we can all rest and settle into our rooms to ready ourselves for the first hike in the morning!

Day 2 - Hike 1: Hike From Planes To Roc Del Boc & Return. After breakfast, we will have a short briefing and then get straight into the walking with our first adrenalin fuelled hike. We will take a short drive from the hotel to the hike in the tranquil Planes glacial valley and onto a ridge for a classic ridge walk up to the Roc del Boc – the ridge’s high end where we will be able to soak in some amazing 360 degree panoramic views. We will then make our way back down to the guest house. The Roc del Boc is 2774m (9100feet) and the walk is approximately 13km/8 miles long with an altitude gain of 1274 m (4180 feet). It is anticipated this will require approximately 6 hours of walking. The ridge we traverse is quite narrow at times and it may be necessary to use our hands with some basic scrambling. Walk rating – Tough. Please note that this walk includes travelling along an exposed ridge and so we do not recommend the last part of this walk if you have vertigo or a fear of heights.

Day 3 – Hike 2 - The Caranca Gorge. Today’s hike will see us take on an epic hike into the spectacular Caranca Gorge. We will start with a short walk from the guesthouse to an assembly point where we will all be treated to an early, enjoyable surprise and then the serious hiking begins as we enter the mouth of a magical, sheer walled gorge. We will climb up through the gorge taking a long rocky path until we reach a narrow section where we must negotiate a series of ladders, rope bridges and passerelles to carry us over the deafening white waters below. After stopping for lunch, we will then turn back to again enjoy the rush of picking our way over the white waters and then descend on the opposite side of the gorge via a jaw dropping corniche path that has been cut into the mountain side 400m high – this is truly memorable walk and you will want to come back!! Walk rating – Medium. It is expected that this trek will involve 5 to six hours of walking. Please note that this route includes paths with significant height exposure and the use of rope bridges, ladders and gantry style walkways fixed to rocks over white water so we do not recommend this walk if you have vertigo or suffer a fear of heights.

Day 4 – Rest Day. After the physical exertions of the last two days it is likely that you will want a rest and so you have the opportunity to enjoy a day relaxing and recuperating. Of course you could hike some more if you want! There are however several fantastic things to see or do in the local area including bathing in volcanic springs, visiting some of the breathtakingly beautiful and historic villages such as Villefanche De Conflent, checking out a Solar Oven experiment or taking a long ride on a fabulous little mountain train that runs all the way up the valley. Or you could simply rest up and chill out by the pool or take a gentle stroll around the landscape.

Day 5 – Hike 3 - The Cambre d'Ase. Today’s offering is a long circular loop walk starting out directly from our front door up into the wild and unspoilt Planes Valley. If we are lucky we may see isards, vultures and marmots. Once again, we will climb up high (2750m/9022 fee) and so be treated with 360 degree panoramic views. Rating – Tough with about 17km/10.5 miles distance to cover and +1250m (4100 feet) of height to gain. This walk will take approximately 7 to 7 hours 30 to complete.

Day 6 - Hike 4: Pic De Carlit. After breakfast, we will take a short private transfer to one of the most beautiful places in the Pyrenees – Lac De Bouillouse in the heart of the Massif De Carlit. From the lake, we will set off towards the summit of the highest peak at the eastern end of the mountain range. The trek will take us first through a wonderfully serene and picturesque landscape of alpine meadows, blue glacial ‘tarn’ lakes and pine woods until we emerge to sight the massif 1000m prominence of rock that is Pic Carlit. At the top of this huge lump of rock is the summit at 2921m (9583 feet high). We will then head up a seemingly ever- steepening slope of rough terrain and ice carved features negotiating boulders, rocks, scree and snow patches before a last lung busting steep section requiring some scrambling enables us to bag our cherished prize of the summit from where we can savour unrivalled views of a truly breath-taking landscape around and below us dotted with lakes and snow-capped peaks. Rating - Tough – This walk involves a prolonged and steep ascent of approximately 1900m requiring ascending for over two hours and involving some scrambling. It is not suitable for vertigo sufferers or persons with a fear of heights.

Day 7 –Friday 29th June. Departure/Travel Day. Sadly its time to say goodbye. After breakfast we will set off for a return to Carcassonne airport via a private road transfer. Once at the airport the trip officially ends but you may wish to stay on to visit the spectacular medieval city. I certainly will! . COST OF TRIP: The cost of this trip is £600. Payment will be collected by PAYPAL or by direct bank transfer made payable to Mr Kevin Wise.

Upon confirmation of your RSVP you will be committed to pay a £150 deposit and to pay the remaining balance of £450 by bank transfer by the 1st May 2018.

Please note that payments are non-refundable and non-transferable unless the trip is cancelled or rescheduled. Once full payment has been received and after 1st May 2018 you may try to sell your space to a member of the same gender by advertising it for sale on this page. However, if you miss the final payment deadline, try to advertise/sell a space that’s not fully paid for, or pull out of the trip before final payment is made your space will be lost and your deposit will not be refunded and is not transferable to another trip or another person. Full details of how to make the final payment will be sent just over a week before the payment due date of 1st May 2018 by email.

Information on how to pull out / buy a space (only after the payment deadline above) will be sent by email upon full payment but if you have only paid the deposit and still owe the remaining amount for the trip then no refund will be due if you pull out or miss the final payment deadline. If you have made full payment for the trip then you are welcome to advertise your space for sale on the trip page and to try to sell it to somebody else directly and will need to arrange this yourself and take payment directly from whoever buys your space. You can only sell your space to someone of the same gender as we have single sex rooms and please let us know by messaging the trip organiser. You are free to advertise your space by social media such as Facebook or by emailing directly to your friends and of course if you cannot come because you are unwell or other unavoidable situations then it is likely that you can claim from your travel insurance and we will assist you with any such claim by confirming payment and trip details as necessary.

FOOD:

As indicated above, the trip does not include meals. Breakfast will be available to buy at the hotel but I am happy to carry out a morning pastry run to the local bakery to get orders for fresh croissants and cakes etc. We will each be responsible for providing our own packed lunches but in addition to the local rustic bakery there is a supermarket in the village so you can get all you need for your packed lunches. For evening meals we can eat at the hotel or at another local bar or restaurant. Please note that if you need lactose, gluten or wheat free products then you will need to satisfy yourself about your meals and you may wish to bring your own speciality snacks and foods.

NB - The local currency is the EURO and most places will take cash or card. There is an ATM in the village.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• All travel for the hiking days and airport transfers as necessary.

• Six nights accommodation in a three star hotel with swimming pool, bar, restaurant and other facilities. THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Your flights or rail journey to and from Carcassonne

• The cost of meals and food.

• Drinks and personal expenses

• Travel insurance. It is essential that you take out adequate travel insurance and you will need to provide a copy of this on the trip. This really is an essential requirement of participating in this trip and the cover must include the cost of any medical treatment needed and evacuation and also specifically the activity of hiking (up to 3000m). Your policy must include helicopter evacuation off the mountains, as if injured or require medical treatment the cost is your personal responsibility and liability. It is also recommended that this covers cancellation and curtailment. You will require cover at time of booking and provide a copy before we leave the UK as without it we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case.

START OF TRIP AND FLIGHT INFORMATION:

Please note that ALL times are in local time to the town, i.e. the times listed for France are in French local time: GMT +1

The trip starts at the arrivals section of Carcassonne Airport at 18-00Hrs on the 23rd June 2018. The travel details suggested below are for guidance only and it is your responsibility to pick the most suitable flights (or flights and train) to meet your requirements and also to book your own details correctly and accordingly. You may need to pay more than the prices below if you have checked in baggage and to meet any airline requirements. We cannot take responsibility for any problems or cancellations with your flight although if you are on the recommended flight we will wait for this flight, if it is delayed. If you choose another flight and are not at the airport in time, you will need to make your own transfer to the mountains although in this case it is accessible by train. We suggest taking hand luggage as all bed linen etc is provided. Please note that if you do book checked in luggage that we may not be able to transport larger suitcases. You will also need to ensure you have all valid documents to visit this country including Passport and Visa if require.

Recommended flights:

Out: Saturday 23rd June 2018

Ryanair 14-30 Hrs from London Stansted (LST) to Carcassonne (CCF) landing at 17:30pm

Return: Friday 29th JUNE 2018 Ryanair 15:35pm from Carcassonne (CCF) to London Stansted (LST) landing at 18:35pm

The basic cost of these flights is currently £130.98 return – so book soon before they rise!

TOULOUSE AIRPORT ALTERNATIVE: An excellent alternative option of flying directly to Carcassonne is to use the nearby main international airport of Toulouse Blagnac. You can fly to Toulouse with either EasyJet, British Airways or Air France and will find there are several flight options per day to and from here. From Toulouse Blagnac airport you can take a regular ‘Navette’ shuttle bus that leaves every 20 minutes from outside the airport arrivals area into the centre of town at a cost of around 8 Euros single/15 Euros return ticket. This shuttle stops outside the main SNCF Toulouse Matabiau railway station and then terminates next door at the city bus terminus. From Toulouse Matabiau railway station there are regular and cheap train services to Carcassonne and the journey will take around 40-50 mins minutes typically. At Carcassonne SNCF railway station, there is a similar shuttle bus to the airport at Carcassonne or of course you can take a taxi. Please note that if you fly to Toulouse you will need to take a morning flight in order to give yourself enough time to get across to Carcassonne Airport for our meet up and transfer. DO NOT BOOK FLIGHT BEFORE CONFIRMING YOU HAVE A PLACE FOR THE TRIP.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: As stated above, the start of the trip and our meeting point will be the Arrivals section of Carcassonne Airport at 18:00 Hrs. We will travel by private car transfer to our hotel in the mountains and this transfer has been designed to connect with the flight suggested above. Please make sure that you have some food prior to landing as we will have a drive of 2- 45 approximately to the mountain guest house. We should however be able to obtain a late evening meal after a planner arrival of approximately 9pm. SAFETY: Everyone's safety is of paramount importance to the group and so the hikes will invariably stick to well used routes and paths. The area we have chosen for this trip has relatively good mobile signal coverage and nearby settlements so that we will never be far away from civilisation or in an isolated location. We have detailed the hikes so you can see what you're signing up for. However, this is a mountainous region and therefore the weather can be very unpredictable and changeable. At the types of altitude we will visit, blue skies can suddenly change to low cloud and mist and high winds, rain, snow, hail and thunderstorms can often occur. However, late June is a good time to visit the area and hot sunny days are common so a major thing you need to think about is to stay hydrated and safeguard against the sun. It is not unusual to experience sudden rain or thunderstorms at any time, especially late in the afternoon, and so it is essential that you bring appropriate waterproof clothing in addition to your summer clothes. The itinerary or walks may have to be changed to suit prevailing weather conditions.

Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury and you need to come suitably equipped for the activity you've chosen to participate in. As detailed above, appropriate walking clothes and footwear are essential for this trip for safety but it is also important that you do not drink alcohol before or during any of the hikes and if you are feeling unwell you make this known before attempting any hike. The event organiser has the right to decide if you are not fit to participate with the group, and will remove you from the trip if they feel that this is necessary for safety reasons and no refund will be given.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS - IMPORTANT

Please note that this trip is being organised as a self-guided group trip set up by an outdoor enthusiasts hobby group. The organiser is an experienced hiker who has trekked in this particular location extensively over many years and knows the area well and so has proposed certain suitable walks but this is an event that is being run on a non-profit basis and is not being run by any business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content merely represents shared personal knowledge based upon research and experience. There is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide" or "operator". Each participant is therefore responsible for their own safety, behaviour and for bringing suitable clothes and equipment to hike with in the mountains. Whilst some attendees may be experienced hikers and the organiser has outdoor first aid training and will carry a first aid pack, nobody attending assumes responsibility for others or for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Notwithstanding the above, a great deal of planning has gone into the trip location to take into account all reasonable precautions to ensure that what has been planned will be safe and enjoyable and that attendees do not need have specialist technical skills or technical climbing equipment since treks will be limited to hiking with some basic use of hands and scrambling in places. By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.

Errors and Omissions Excepted