PYRENEES:
Thousand Lakes Trek

The Pyrenees straddle the border between France and Spain for 400+km and rise to 3,400m. The stunning 1000-lakes route through the Parc National d’Aigüestortes i Sant Maurici in Catalonia weaves between winding rivers, sheer ravines, cool lakes, raging waterfalls and fertile marshes, and reaches some of the range’s highest summits, fittingly, ‘Aiguestortes’ means ‘twisted waters’ in Catalan – you’ll see a lot of them! This majestic 4-day trek explores these hidden beauties and embraces the unique camaraderie and warm hospitality of the remotely located mountain refuges.

We’ll be trekking through high mountain forest, rich in beech and pine, crossing meadows and mountainsides blanketed in colourful flowers and passing hundreds of sparkling snow-fed lakes. To reach the high passes that lead from one valley to the next where vibrant alpine flowers dot the rugged landscape we cross eerie landscapes dotted with huge boulders. With luck, you’ll spot the world’s largest bird of prey, the Lammergier, circling above, whilst Marmots whistle warnings to each other on the rock-strewn slopes.

Europe doesn’t have to be tame. This is an absorbing trek of extreme contrasts, taking in Catalonia’s iconic peaks and entering lush worlds rarely seen by travellers. It will challenge everything you thought you knew about European mountains.

Day 1 

Arrive Luchon

You’ll be met at Toulouse airport and transferred to Luchon where you’ll have some time to settle into the guest house.

If there is time this afternoon and weather permitting, you can take part in an afternoon of rock climbing before returning to the guest house for an evening briefing covering essential information for the following days, talks on food, personal equipment and weather forecasting before a relaxing dinner.

Day 3

Refuge de Ventosa I Calvell

Today you are well above the tree-line and before you lays a day of mountain discovery. An early start sees you traversing the banks of two beautiful lakes tucked beneath the Ratera Pass where you’ll link up with the famous GR11. You drop back down to the Cirque de Colomers and its many sparkling lakes and tarns. Adding colour are dozens of alpine flower species and the loud squeaks of marmots. You” make our way north and ascend the Colomers pass (2,400m) until you reach the refuge of Ventosi I Cavell which many call the most spectacularly located refuge in the Pyrenees.

Trekking time 6-7 hours

• Guides
• Airport transfers to and from Toulouse (please see Essential Trip Information for more info)
• Transfers to and from mountain base
• 2 nights accommodation in Luchon based guest house with breakfast
• Refuge accommodation during trek including breakfasts, packed lunch and dinner
• Dinner on first night

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).

• Dry stuff sacks

Roll top bags that keep fresh clothing and other important items like 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 rolltop bags for keeping your kit dry.

• Waterproof rucksack cover

SLEEPING GEAR

• Sleeping bag liner 

Bedding is provided at the hotels / guest houses but some people prefer to bring a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth / comfort. Silk is best for keeping you a little warmer.

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.

• 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, some wet wipes 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 360 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 (Optional)
• 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

Can help with your stability and can dampen the pressure on the knees coming down hill.

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.

EH1C (formally E111)

While you do have travel insurance, this can save you paperwork and reduce upfront costs should you have a minor ailment or need to see a local GP if you already have one

It is vital that you ensure that the insurance cover your provider offers is suitable for you, taking your personal circumstances (items to be insured, cancellation cover, medical history) into account. Many other insurance providers are available and we do recommend that you shop around to get the best cover for you on the expedition you are undertaking.

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.

Where do we get drinking water from?

All drinking water is from the refuge or can be bought at various stops for the first day’s walking. We pass streams in various places that you can top up from if you should run out, so take purification to add to it in the form of silver chloride or chlorine.

What is the food like in the refuge?

The food in the refuges is plentiful and of very good quality, often using locally sourced ingredients. Breakfasts consist of pastries, fresh bread and jams and you can expect hearty meals in the evenings.

Do you provide snacks during this expedition? Or do you recommend that we bring our own?

360 provides some snacks for your days on the mountain, however do bring some of your favourite snacks from home, a range of fast and slow release energy snacks. The pure ‘energy’ style bars which are solid are quite tough to eat on the mountain so go with simple things. Flapjacks, shortbread, sweets, nuts and chocolate are great, snacks that you’re going to really look forward to eating and which will give you energy.

What are the refuges like? Is it better than camping?

The refuges are basic, these are inaccessible mountain huts – albeit large. They all have running water, so flush toilets are standard. Most will have hot showers, but on a busy day that hot water will be in high demand and may run out.

Accommodation is in dormitories, so earplugs are recommended if snorers keep you awake. Food will be good with ample carbohydrate content – think pasta, rice, potatoes etc, but don’t expect a la carte, food often has to be flown in by helicopter! Given we are all carrying our own kit we don’t want to be weighed down by tents and cooking equipment, and as the refuges have beds and washing facilities they are considered the sensible and more comfortable option on these routes.

What? No porters?! Do I need to carry my own gear?

This summer trek is a hut-supported trek. We love this style of expeditions – slightly less to carry than when we’re fully self supported (so there is no need for us to carry tents, fuel stoves etc.), but we still get the freedom of trekking to our own route during the days, and when we arrive at our refuge / hut we will get breakfast, packed lunch and dinner on each day. You will be carrying your own bag, with clothes and toiletries etc. (do check the kit list or get in touch for more info!) so go careful with your packing – you can always leave additional kit in Luchon prior to the trek start.

So what bag do I need?

A rucksack of around 40-60L should do you just fine. Aim not to carry any more than 10kg. You will be able to leave some kit with the minibus for when you get back off the mountains. If you are borrowing or buying a rucksack, ask someone to help you adjust it to fit your back. And ensure you are making these adjustments with weight inside it, not empty. Generally it should sit reasonably high on your back so that the weight is acting vertically downwards, not forcing your shoulders back or drooping past your backside. Again, it’s about how you feel comfortable wearing it and important to get right.

Make sure too that it is either waterproof or you have a waterproof cover for your rucksack. It’s not a bad idea to pack your gear into waterproof stuffs sacs, or even bin bags, in case of a deluge.

Do we need any technical gear for this?

No, this is a trek, so standard walking gear outlined in the kit list should suffice. Walking poles are optional.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

All refuges provide blankets but for your comfort and for hygiene reasons we’d recommend bringing a sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton) or a very lightweight sleeping bag. Remember whatever you bring you’ll be carrying yourself.

I’ve skied in the Alps, I’ve seen how busy it can get in winter, is summer the same?

Summer in the Pyrenees can be busy within striking distance of the main car parks and operational chairlifts as they attract the local walkers, bikers and day trippers. But once you are a few hours away from these it will feel like you have the whole mountain range to yourself, with occasional people sharing the same path as you. It is a huge area, and most of the time you’ll see more wildlife than people. In the evenings the huts can get busy as people tend to centre on them having come from all directions, but the next morning all those people will disappear once more.

How fit do I need to be?

Although we’re not at altitude, or in somewhere like the Himalayas, don’t underestimate this trek! The days are relatively long with reasonable altitude gains (and losses) each day. If you make an effort with fitness before coming out you’ll enjoy it far more than if you are struggling up every hill each day barely able to notice the spectacular views.

Can we swim in the lakes?

They’ll be cold, but there’s no reason why not!

What’s the weather like up there?

It’s likely to be lovely and sunny, and reasonably warm (pretty hot lower down). However, we’re in the mountains, and not very far from the Atlantic, so there is every risk of rain, thunderstorms, and wind. Night time temperatures high up will be decidedly chilly.

The climate of the Pyrenees is generally better than the UK, but there is still the risk of inclement weather, so we advise in the kit list to pack accordingly (see the relevant tab above). And just like any other holiday, having a quick last minute look at the forecast before you come out can be a useful pointer of what’s in store.

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

We haven’t included flights as this gives you options from the UK. There are many flights that come to Toulouse daily from many different airports.

It’s important that we check flight schedules before confirming a pickup time with you, as we want to make sure you can actually make it to Toulouse on time. We will confirm what time you should aim to arrive in Toulouse as we draw closer to your departure date.

We will also check flight schedules before deciding what time we do an airport drop off.

Once you know the above, please find flights that work for these timings, or plan to have the night before and/or night after in Toulouse.

If there are any issues with booking your flights, please let us know and we will try and help however it might mean getting a hire car/train or taxi to your start / finish point.

Bagneres de Luchon is 1h 40 mins drive away.

What happens if I miss the pickup time?

We suggest that you get an early a flight as possible from the UK to Toulouse so if your flight is delayed this gives you options in being able to get to the starting point of your expedition.

At the point of sign up, 360 will have given you a pickup and drop of time. If you are wildly out of the time slot due to flight delays, 360 will always do what they can to arrange an alternative with you and have on occasions personally done the pick up. Thereafter the options will be to hire a car or jump on a train.

Do I need special insurance for this trip?

You must carry individual travel insurance to take part in the expedition. We cannot take you on the mountain without proof of insurance.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip. To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip.

Your insurance details are requested on the booking form, however this can be arranged at a later date. 360 Expeditions will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure.

Will my mobile work?

On and off, don’t rely on it but there could be exposed points where you get a signal, notable higher up. In valleys you’ll be hard pushed to get a signal unless they are populated.

Adventuress members discount only applies to trips run by Adventuress in the Wild. This trip is run by our friends at 360 Expeditions