ABF The Soldiers' Charity : The Pyrenees Route

The Pyrenees Route

This route is not for the faint-hearted. With a peak ascent of 2522m, this arduous trek takes you high into the Pyrenees through harsh mountain terrain.

The spectacular scenery and fascinating history will make the challenge worth the while. Following in the footsteps of allied servicemen and Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied France, you'll pass various historical sites and memorials and hear stories about the exceptional individuals who risked it all for freedom. As you walk, you'll be surrounded by a breathtaking landscape including meadows, woodlands, craggy peaks and rolling hills.

The current itinerary for The Pyrenees route is below. Please note this is subject to change.

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Itinerary

Travel Day: UK – Toulouse

You will arrive at Toulouse Blagnac France with an overnight stay in a hotel in Seix, before the Pyrenees Escape Route Challenge begins.

Day 1: St Girons - La Soumere - Louis-Barreau Memorial - Camp Memorial - Aunac

If open, before the walk begins, you will visit the Chemin de la Liberté Museum. The trek begins at St. Girons and passes through La Soumere and the Louis-Barreau and Camp Memorial, before finishing in Aunac. You will be hiking for approximately 8-9 hours, ascending 712m and covering 12km. You will spend the night in dormitory style accommodation.

Day 2: Aunac - Col de la Core - Subera Hut

Starting at Aunac, you will head through the forest and contour around the hillside up the Col de la Core. You will trek between 6-9 hours, cover around 13km and reach up to 1500m. You will then finish at Subera Hut and spend the night wild camping in a meadow. Tents will be provided.

Day 3: Subera Hut - Halifax Bomber Crash - Estagnous Refugé

You'll start at Subera hut and start a challenging day into mountainous terrain. You'll pass the crash site of a Halifax bomber which has been left untouched in memoriam. You will then continue to ascend up to the Estagnous Refugé, the finishing point of your day. You will have covered another 11km and reached an ascent of 2382m. You will spend the night in dormitory style accommodation.

Day 4: Refuge Estagnous - Lac Long - Borde de Perosa

On your final day, Spain, is nearly in sight. You will ascend an extremely steep path to Lac Long. In places there is a ferrata cableway to assist you, though no technical experience is needed. You'll then cross a deep gully, before an ardous slog to the peak ascent (2522m), where you will gaze into the luscious Spanish landscape, or for those who completed the trek during World War Two - freedom. After reaching the border, you will then be transported to Vielha, where you'll enjoy a celebration meal and have the opportunity to explore Spain.