Trekking In The Pyrenees Holiday

By James Stone -


The stunning Pyrenees Mountains on the border between France and Spain provide a spectacular backdrop to a trekking or hiking holiday.

The mountains separate the Iberian Peninsula from France and extend for 430km (267 miles) from Cap de Creus on the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic Ocean. The small independent mountain principality of Andorra lies in the Pyrenees and is a fascinating place to visit.

The Pyrenees tend to be divided into the Central, the Atlantic or Western, and the Eastern regions and each area offers an array of amazing views, fresh mountain air and pretty towns and villages to walkers.

Waterfalls are one of the most dramatic features of the Pyrenees, the highest of which is the spectacular Gavarnie, at 462m (1,515ft), and the glaciers of the northern slopes of the central Pyrenees are particularly breathtaking.

The wooded mountains to the west provide some of the best locations for nature spotting, with busy mountain streams weaving through picturesque valleys. The terrain is the east is more barren and the wildlife more Mediterranean. One of the key creatures of interest in the mountains are the bizarre blind insects that inhabit the Ariege Caverns.

A trek in the Pyrenees is safest and best during the spring and summer months when the weather is at its most clement and the mountain trails are particularly beautiful, alive with delicate plants and flowers.

The coast to coast long distance footpaths from the Atlantic to Mediterranean, the Spanish GR11 and the French GR10, provide excellent trails through countryside, valleys and mountains to gorgeous coastline.

It is vital to plan well for a trip trekking in the Pyrenees and be careful to select trails that are suitable for the abilities of all parties. There are plenty to choose from, ranging in difficulty from pleasant, easy walks to much more extreme hikes.

Organise a sightseeing visit to one of the many old churches, castles, Roman sites, monasteries, forts and museums across the Pyrenees if possible, in order to find out more about the region's rich culture and history.

Fishing, cycling, skiing, golf, riding, canoeing or a trip to one of the many health spas that have sprung up across the region can offer a break from walking for a day. Tired muscles can be soaked in any of the dozens of mountain lakes or in one of the many hot springs.

The Pyrenean towns and villages on both sides of the Franco-Spanish border are interesting places to visit for their traditions and culture. These are also the best places to schedule overnight stops and most towns have suitable, affordable accommodation, shops, bars and places to eat fresh local dishes and drink crisp local wines with a view of the mountains.

During July the Pyrenees feature in the annual Tour de France cycling race, attracting crowds of spectators along the scenic route. The mountains are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the Alps and tend to be less crowded.

Taking the right equipment is also important and it is a good idea to research and consult as much as possible about what to take. Large areas of the Pyrenees have been designated as national parkland, with good amenities and information available on these regions.

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