GR10 and HRP Pyrenees Walking Routes April 28, 2008
Posted by Bill in : Outdoor Learning , trackback
We have been starting to plan a route out in the Pyrenees taking in some of the GR10 coast to coast route and the HRP. Can’t quite decide which section to do but hope to do a mix of each route over three weeks during the sumer break. Should be good from some of the guides I have been reading. I am particularly looking forward to the food and some fantastic bivouac spots! I haven’t been out there for a few years. Last visit was on mountain bikes so will be interesting to visit a couple of places that I know on foot. Look forward to also taking in some of the higher peaks.
It’s been useful to use google earth along with a guidebook to map out the route. I hope to fill in the map with photos and route descriptions once we have actually done it. As you can see we intend to walk from the West edge of the Pyrenees on the French side to the central area. Early stages of planning though.
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I have treked the full HRP.The original guide book and route by Georges Veron was better than the route by ‘Toon’.Sadly it is out of print.My copy got lost in the post when sent home to save weight.This summer I am doing one remaining alternative,where it is best to carry ice axe and crampons,from Ref Soula to Ref Portillon and over the Col Portillon into Spain and Hospital Banasque.Then to the town of Banasque to,hopefully,post the crampons home.Then on to Andorra,a beautiful treking area.
I would avoid the GR10,it spends too much time down low and on the French side,where there can be more cloud and rain.Only for a few days before and after Gavanne is it in the high areas.The best scenery and wild pitches are up high.
Thanks Richard. Thats food for thought. I have been also concerned about the Gr10. we hope to do a mixture of both. i.e. stay up on the HRP and occasionally venture down for sustenance using part of the GR10. So thanks I will look at the Gavenne area. Hope your trip goes well.
Having skied a couple of times down there the mountains look like they’d be fabulous in summer. I may be down that way again in November. Best of luck with the trip.
Alastair