PYRENEES
Thousand Lakes Trek

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.

Although you will not be at altitude, don’t be fooled into thinking this is an easy option. 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. 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.

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. 

Please bring your own bottle, to reduce plastic waste where possible. While you’re trekking you’ll pass streams you can top up from so make sure to bring purification tablets with you.

What is the food like in the refuge?

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. 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! 

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

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!

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

The mountain refuges we stay in 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! 

Given you are carrying your own kit you 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 gear?

This style of expedition involves a lot less lugging of kit due to the nightly refuges. 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.

So what bag do I need?

A rucksack of around 40-60L should be fine and you should aim not to carry more than 10kg. We find it is better 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 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?

No, but we would recommend packing a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth, comfort, and hygiene (silk or cotton). Blankets will be provided at the refuge.

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

Summer in the Pyrenees can be busy at the main parking areas and chair lifts but once you’re trekking you’ll pretty soon feel like you have the whole mountain range to yourself. There will occasionally be people following the same path as you but it is an enormous area and there is normally more wildlife to be spotted than people. 

The huts can get busy in the evenings as people tend to hone in on them having joined from all directions, but the next morning they all disappear as quickly as they appeared.

Can we swim in the lakes?

Sure! Why not? It’ll be chilly though!

What’s the weather like up there?

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

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

Flights are not included on this trip to leave your options open for leaving the UK. 

Before confirming a pickup time flight schedules will be checked, as your guides would want to make sure you can make it to Toulouse on time. Confirmation on what time you should aim to arrive in Toulouse will be sent.

We will also check flight schedules before deciding what time we do an airport drop-off. Once we have told you the 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 and we will try and help. This may involve a hire car or 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 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. When signing up for the trip you will be given a pickup and drop off time. If flight delays mean you are seriously out of your allocated time slot, your guides will always do what they can and have on occasion personally done the pick-up. If all else fails, car hire is an option.

Do I need special insurance for this trip?

Individual travel insurance is compulsory on this expedition, and you will not be permitted on the trip without it. Your insurance details will be requested 8 weeks before your departure.

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.

Who is the guide for this trip?

The operator of this tour is 360 Expeditions

BAGS & PACKS

Daypack: Bring a well worn in 40-60L rucksack with a good waist belt. We also advise a waterproof cover. (remember that these covers are not 100% waterproof but act as a barrier).

Dry stuff sacks: Bags that keep clothing and important items like your passports and electronics dry are useful and they are great for quarantining old used socks! Please note that France has banned supermarket plastic bags so you might want to bring them with you. We always advise buying reusable and sustainable nylon roll top bags to keep kit dry.

Waterproof rucksack cover

Sleeping bag liner: Bedding is provided at the hotels and guest houses but some people prefer to bring a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth or comfort. Silk is best if it is the warmth that you are after.

Warm Headgear: A warm hat, beanie, balaclava, or anything that will reduce heat lost from your head is a good idea. Obviously, we’re hoping for sun, but it can get chilly and you may need it if you go for a swim. 

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 is not suitable for your lips and they will burn without protection.

Sunblock: Buy the highest SPF you can find. The UV intensifies as you climb especially when it reflects off the water nearby.

2x Baselayer: The function of your closest layer is to draw (wick) moisture and sweat away from the skin. Thermal base layers for use at higher altitudes will provide an additional insulative layer while drawing sweat away.

Midlayer: Lightweight micro fleece or similar will provide warmth and insulation without being overly bulky or heavy to pack.

T-shirts: A couple of T-shirts are advisable as the days are reasonably warm with high temperatures at the lower altitudes.

Hard Shell: These jackets are thin, highly waterproof and windproof and you can wear them 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. Normally made of soft polyester and sometimes resembling a neoprene finish, they are flexible and comfortable to wear but they are usually not waterproof although they do offer some light protection from rain..

Gloves

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: Polyester trousers are the norm, these dry quickly and don’t weigh much. Consider some with detachable lower legs as an alternative to shorts.

Underwear: Merino or another wicking material, not cotton. Quantity at your discretion!

Waterproof trousers: A lightweight pair of Gore Tex/eVent trousers are also great against the wind.

Hiking boots: Well worn in 4-season waterproof boots with mid to high ankle. Spare laces and Comfortable shoes

Most refuges need you 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 double them is up to you. Lighter-weight merino wool is a good option.

Comfortable evening clothes

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 and we find that they are useful to keep in your bag.

Wash kit: Keep it simple! A toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant are the essentials. Moisturiser is recommended and everything else is a luxury!

Alcohol Gel

Toilet paper 

Provided at the accommodation, and at public toilet facilities, but keeping a spare handy can’t do any harm.

Microfibre towel: Packable & Lightweight!

Personal First Aid Kit: A small kit with painkillers (Ibuprofen if you can take it and a Paracetamol) plus blister plasters, plasters, antiseptic, rehydration sachets, and any muscle rubs you wish to use is a good idea. Your guide will have a comprehensive kit for bigger problems. 

Personal medication: Kept in an accessible location in your pack

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

Head torch + A Spare or spare batteries

Snacks: Although you will be fed well, we do advise bringing a small selection of energy bars or your favourite snacks. 

Ear Plugs (Optional)

Penknife (Optional)

Swimwear: For any other opportunities that present themselves.

Trekking poles: Can help with your stability and can take some of the pressure off your knees on the downhill bits.

Passport: Your passport should have an expiry date at least six months after the final day of travel. Please bring a copy of your passport / saved image 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: 

It’s your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip.

You must carry a copy of your individual travel insurance to take part in the expedition EH1C (formally E111). You will not be permitted in the park without proof of insurance and we will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure.

There are many insurance providers available and we do recommend that you shop around to get the best cover for you on the expedition you are undertaking. You must check that the insurance cover they offer is right for you, including medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip, taking your circumstances (items to be insured, cancellation cover, medical history) into account.

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