BEST OF THE PYRENEES

Yes. At Adventuress in the Wild we work with tour operators who are providing trips for anybody who identifies as a woman. We have found that women are more likely to step out of their comfort zone and try new activities when they are surrounded by other supportive women. All of the tour operators we work with believe that adventure is for every woman no matter your background, ability, body type, or orientation.

Where we endeavor to work with tour operators who provide female guides and ground crew, this isn’t always possible for all trips. Therefore your guides and staff on this particular trip will be male. All staff are highly respectful and have worked with 360 Expeditions for many years.

Consider this a trek, although there may be occasion to use hands for short sections of easy scrambling. No previous climbing or trekking experience is necessary. This trip is challenging and a good solid fitness level is required. There will be prolonged walking over varied terrain and you should be training to comfortably walk for 6 to 8 hours, over undulating terrain, with a few punchy uphill climbs, carrying a pack up to 6kg in weight.

When is the final payment date?

25th April 2025

Do I need special insurance for this trip? 

Individual travel insurance is compulsory on this expedition, and you will not be permitted to join without proof of insurance. We will request full details 8 weeks before your departure. 

Your insurance for this trip must include, at a minimum, medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip and for the adventure activities included.

Flights aren’t included – what time should I arrive and depart to Toulouse? 

Flights are not included in this trip so your options are open on when to arrive/depart. 

However you may wish to wait until we have confirmed a transfer pickup time with you as we want to make sure you can make it to Toulouse on time and we will confirm what time you should aim to arrive in Toulouse. 

We will also check flight schedules before deciding what time we do an airport drop-off. Once we have told you transfer times, please find flights that work for these times, or arrange a night at either end in Toulouse. If there are any issues with booking your flights, please let us know. Bagneres de Luchon is 1h 40 mins drive away from Toulouse.

What is the accommodation like?

The hotels in Luchon are comfortable and central. 

The mountain refuges throughout the trek are basic but large. Running water and flush toilets are as standard and hot showers are provided although the hot water may run out if demand is high. You’ll be sleeping in dormitories, so earplugs are recommended if you’re a light sleeper! 

Food will be good and generous on the carbohydrates to keep you well fuelled; pasta, rice, potatoes, etc. Food is often flown in by helicopter so keep your expectations realistic. As you will be carrying your kit and prefer not to be weighed down with full camping equipment, we think the refuges are the sensible and more comfortable option.

What happens if I miss the pickup time? 

We suggest that you get as early a flight as possible from the UK to Toulouse. This gives you options if your flight is delayed to get to the starting point. Once flights are released you will be informed of a recommended flight time to meet the airport transfer. If flight delays mean you are seriously out of your allocated time slot, your guide will always do what they can and have on occasion personally done the pick-up. If all else fails, car hire is recommended.

What’s the weather like up there? 

It should be sunny and warm (pretty hot lower down). However, being in the mountains, and not very far from the Atlantic, means there is a risk of rain, thunder, and other inclement weather. So while the Pyrenean climate is generally better than the UK, pack accordingly and check the forecast for a rough indication.

Do I need any technical gear for this? Is equipment provided? 

The standard walking gear outlined in the kit list is sufficient for this trek. All necessary equipment for safety will be provided for the adventure activities. This includes technical equipment like wetsuits, harnesses, and carabiners as well as waterproof barrels for your belongings.

Do I carry my own gear? 

This style of expedition involves a lot less lugging of kit but with the freedom of trekking our own route. Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner are provided at the refuge each day. You will be carrying your bag for these two days so don’t overpack, take just what you need for the 2 days and all other kit and clothing can be stored in the minibus.

What bag do I need? 

A rucksack of around 30-40L should be fine. It’s ideal to have a bigger bag with space, than a smaller one that you have to fight to get everything in! Your daypack only needs essential items for the day and activities so try to keep it as light as possible. 

You will need a warm layer, waterproof jacket, packed lunch, snacks, spending money, water, camera, sun cream, and personal medication. 

If you are borrowing or purchasing a rucksack, ask someone to help you adjust it to fit your back properly and make the adjustments with the rucksack loaded, not empty. It should sit high on your back with the weight distributed vertically, rather than pulling your shoulders back or sagging below your waist. Take the time to get it right to ensure it is comfortable. A waterproof rucksack or one with a waterproof cover is worth considering as is packing your gear in waterproof stuff sacks in case of heavy rain.

Do I need a sleeping bag? 

No, but it’s recommended packing a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth, comfort, and hygiene (silk or cotton). Blankets will be provided at the refuge.

How fit do I need to be? 

A good fitness level is required for this trip. Prolonged walking over varied terrain with reasonable altitude gains and losses carrying a 6kg pack for 6-8 hours is no small feat. You should consider this a trek, although there may be short patches of easy scrambling. You do not need previous climbing or trekking experience. Making an effort with your fitness levels before you join the trip will have a positive impact and we’re sure you’ll enjoy it a lot more.

Can we swim in the lakes? 

Sure! They’ll be cold, but exhilarating. Don’t feel obliged if it’s not your thing.

Are your instructors qualified? 

Yes, all instructors have the appropriate qualifications.

Where do I get drinking water from?

Bottled or filtered drinking water will be provided during the trip. Please bring your own bottle, to reduce plastic waste where possible. While we’re trekking day you’ll pass streams you can top up from so make sure to bring purification tablets with you.

What is the food like during the trip? 

The food is generous and of very good quality and uses locally sourced ingredients where possible. Pastries, fresh bread, and jams are the usual fare for breakfast and the packed lunches will be simple, but filling. Evening meals will be more substantial affairs, preparing you for a day full of activity.

Are snacks provided during this expedition?

Some snacks are provided while trekking but feel free to bring some from home. Flapjacks, shortbread, sweets, nuts, and chocolate are all useful additions as they travel well and you’ll look forward to the energy boost!

Will my mobile work? 

In the cities. In the countryside it will probably be sporadic. Most UK providers have coverage throughout France and Spain, but you may want to check with your provider before you travel.

Will there be somewhere to charge my phone and camera?

Your hotel will have plug sockets in the rooms, but the charging points in the refuge aren’t always reliable. You may find a powerpack useful (we recommend PowerTraveller) to keep all your tech charged.

Who is my guide for this trip?

This trip is operated by 360 Expeditions.

BAGS & PACKS

• Daypack

Bring a 40-60L rucksack that is well worn in and with a good waist belt. A waterproof cover is advisable (remember that these covers are not 100% waterproof but act as a barrier). You can leave belongings in Luchon for the end of the trek, but while out in the hills you will need to carry all of the kit that you are not wearing.

• Dry stuff sacks

Rolltop bags that keep fresh clothing and other important items lime your passports and electronics dry in the event of a total downpour that could seep into your kitbag. Good for quarantining old socks! Please note that France has banned plastic bags. In any case, we would always advise buying reusable and sustainable nylon roll top bags for keeping your kit dry.

• Waterproof rucksack cover

SLEEPING GEAR

• Sleeping bag liner

Bedding is provided at the hotels / guest houses but you’ll need a sleeping bag liner for your night at the refuge, although blankets are provided.

HEADWEAR

• Warm Headgear

This can be a warm hat, beanie, balaclava, anything to reduce the heat loss from your head. We’ll hope for sun, but it can be chilly in the mountains – and after the watersports you might be cold after getting out of the water.

• Wide brimmed hat

Keeps the sun off exposed areas like ears and the nape of the neck

• Sunglasses

Category 4, wrap around style sunglasses are highly recommended. These sunglasses allow for the highest available protection against harmful UV light found at altitude and from glare from the snow, if there is some at the higher altitudes. It’s worth spending money on good UV filters. 

• Lip Salve

Sun cream does not work on your lips, and they will be susceptible to sun burn without proper protection.

• Sunblock

We’d recommend you buy the highest SPF you can find, as UV intensifies with altitude especially when reflecting off the water.

UPPER BODY

• 2x Baselayer

This is the layer closest to the skin and its principal function is to wick, or draw, moisture and sweat away from the skin.

• Midlayer

These are typically lightweight microfleeces or similar technology that provide varying degrees of warmth and insulation without being overly bulky or heavy to pack

• T-shirts

A couple of T-shirts are advisable for this summer expedition.  The days are reasonably warm, with high temperatures at lower altitudes.

• Hard Shell

These jackets are thin, highly waterproof and windproof and worn over all other items of clothing. You’ll find these made of Gore-Tex or other proprietary waterproof yet breathable technology. Inexpensive hard shells that aren’t breathable will prevent evaporation, making you sweat intensely and, as such, are not recommended.

• Soft Shell (Optional)

These should be windproof (not all are) and insulative. They are mostly made of soft polyester and sometimes resemble a neoprene finish which makes them very mobile and comfortable to wear. While offering a degree of weather repellence, do note they are usually not waterproof.

• Gloves

LOWER BODY

• Shorts

A couple of pairs of shorts are advisable for this summer expedition. The days can be reasonably warm, with high temperatures at lower altitudes.

• Trekking trousers

These tend to be polyester so they dry quickly after a shower and weigh little in your pack. Consider perhaps a pair with detachable lower legs as an alternative to shorts.

• Underwear

Merino or wicking material, not cotton. How many pairs you take is entirely up to you!

• Waterpoof trousers

A lightweight pair of Goretex trousers will act as a great windproof too.

FEET

• Hiking boots

Well worn in 4 season waterproof boots with mid to high ankle support

• Spare laces

• Comfortable Trainers/Crocs

For use in the evenings. With most refuges, you will need to take your boots off when you go in. Some provide croc/slippers but not all. When you go rafting you will need a spare pair of close toed trainers or hardy water shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. 

• 3x Trekking socks

Whether you wear a single layer, or 2 pairs, is a personal choice. Lighter weight merino wool is a good option.

• Comfortable Evening Clothes

HYDRATION

• Water Bottles/Bladder

You’ll need enough to carry 2 litres, either in a combination of bladder and Nalgene bottles, or just Nalgene bottles

• Water purification

Although generally all water is boiled or brought filtered from the hotel or refuge in the morning, some trekkers prefer to double up and add purification tabs as well. Always good to have in your bag.

TOILETRIES

• Wash kit 

Keep it simple. Essentials are toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. Moisturiser is advisable, everything else is a luxury!

• Alcohol Gel

• Toilet paper 

Provided at the accommodation, and at public toilet facilities, but a spare in your daysack may be useful if you need to hide behind a rock during the day.

• Microfibre towel

Packable & Lightweight!

MEDICATIONS

• Personal First Aid Kit

The group medical kits are designed to be used in emergencies and are akin to an A&E rather than a pharmacy, so please come prepared with useful meds for yourself such as painkillers (Ibuprofen if you can take it and Paracetamol) plus blister plasters, plasters, antiseptic, rehydration sachets and any muscle rubs you wish to use.

• Personal medication

Kept in an accessible location in your pack

MISCELLANEOUS

• Camera

Bring plenty of spare batteries and memory cards. A power pack is handy for keeping things charged in the case of no charging points in the refuges

• Head torch + A Spare or spare batteries

• Snacks

Although you will be fed well, we do we advise bringing a small selection of energy bars or your favourite snacks. Have a couple per day.

• Ear Plugs

• Penknife (Optional)

• Swimwear

For the wild swimming, canyoning (you’ll be provided with a wetsuit on this day also) and for any other opportunities throughout the trip if you wish!

• Trekking poles

Optional, but they can be useful on the trekking sections. These tend to be a personal preference, but can help with your stability and can dampen the pressure on the knees coming down hill. Check with your airline about packing these.

DOCUMENTATION

• Passport

Don’t forget this! Your passport should have at least 6 months validity: ie. your passport expiry date needs to be at least six months after the final day of travel. Make sure you also have at least two blank pages.

• Copy of passport

• Dental checkup 

We recommend you have a dental check-up before your trip. New fillings can be an issue at altitude if there is an air pocket left in the gap

• Travel Insurance

Bring a copy of your own travel insurance details and relevant contact numbers.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip, to include at a minimum medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude and for the relevant activities included on this trip.

Let us know if you would like to pay for your trip in instalments. The first instalment will always be the required deposit amount. Instalments are only available if making payments before the trip’s final payment date. The entire balance must be paid on the final payment date. 

Contact us at info@adventuressinthewild.com for more information.

This booking will be subject to The Operators Booking Conditions, and Adventuress in the Wild Booking Conditions.