Expedition Report
The Pyrenees mountain range forms the border between France and Spain, with two main trails along its length. Four College students decided to tackle part of the GR10 trail on the French side of the border over 30 days in July and early August. They aimed to start about a third of the way along in Lourdes, a half days hiking from the GR10 trail, and to end in Prades, a few days before the end of the trail. They were intending to camp and also to stay in mountain huts and lodges, and were able to resupply at certain towns along the route.
The trail covered various terrains through national parks, boulder fields and well signed trekking routes, and included many climbs and descents, with 2,667m being the highest point reached. There were also encounters with beautiful scenery, lakes, and vineyards, and at one point they spotted a wild boar with its young. The route taken included stops at Soum de Trezeres, Lac Blue, Soum de Trezeres Reservoir des Laquets, Saint-Lary-Soulan, Cabine Ourtiga, Refuge d’Espingo, Bagneres-de-Luchon, Tarascon-sur-Ariege, Gesties, Cabine Artaran, Refuge du Rulhe, Refuge des Besines, Planes, Refuge du Ras de la Caranca, Vernet-les-Baines, Hut l’Estangol, Gite de la Palette, Las Illas, Refuge de Tagn Arede, and Baylus.
In addition to funding provided by the Exploration Board this expedition was supported by the Old Centralians Trust.
