Hike and Wild Swim the Thousand Lakes, Pyrenees

Show All 5 Images

Adventure Hosted by Rolfe

Rolfe, Guide
map marker icon
Pyrenees, France
6 days
Max 12 per group
Mixed
Moderate

Adventure overview

Hike and wild swim your way around one of the worlds most stunning mountain ranges

  • Arrival in Luchon: Pick up from Toulouse airport, check into Luchon guest house, optional afternoon rock climbing, evening briefing, and dinner.
  • Trek to Refugi de Saboredo: Early start, drive to Val d'Aran, trek through Pyreneen Black Pine and alpine flowers, lunch near Refuge de Colomers, continue over Gran de Sendrosa pass to Saboredo Refuge (5-6 hours hiking).
  • Refuge de Ventosa I Calvell: Traverse two lakes below Ratera Pass, join GR11, visit Cirque de Colomers, climb to Colomers Pass, and reach Ventosi I Cavell refuge (5-6 hours hiking).
  • Refuge de Restanca and Pico Montardo: Trek to Pico Montardo, ascend Haute Route to Crestada Pass, summit Montardo for panoramic views, descend to Restance Refuge (5-6 hours hiking).
  • Col de Caldes and Seven Lake Circuit: Ascend Col de Caldes, progress to Cirque de Travessani, embark on Seven Lake Walk, optional swimming challenge, return to France for celebration (5-6 hours hiking).
  • Bagneres de Luchon and Return: Depending on flight time, enjoy a relaxed morning at a natural spa or mountain biking/paragliding, then transfer back to Toulouse.

DAY 1 : Arrive Luchon

Day 1 and it's time to get cracking. We'll pick you up at Toulouse airport around 11.30 and bring you back to the guest house in Luchon. In the afternoon there's the opportunity to go rock climbing (if there's still time, and weather permitting). In the evening we'll have a chat about the plan for the following days going over all the essentials - food, equipment, weather, etc. All clued in it'll be time for dinner and a chill ahead of the adventure to come.

 

DAY 2 : Trek to Refugi de Saboredo

It's an early start on day 2 so we can make the most of it. After breaky we'll drive an hour and a half to the start point in the Val d'Aran in Catalonia, Spain. Without skipping a beat it's straight into the trek, which kicks off weaving through Pyreneen Black Pine before roaming out to expansive fields of alpine flowers. After a bit of a climb we'll discover our first sizeable lake near the Refuge de Colomers where it's time for a spot of lunch. Grubbed up we'll head out into the wild and rocky terrain meeting the Pyrenean Haute Route heading over the Gran de Sendrosa pass (2,200m) to reveal the Saboredo Refuge.

(Time on the move 5-6 hours)

DAY 3 : Refuge de Ventosa I Calvell

It's day 3 already and time to discover the mountains. We'll be traversing the shores of two stunning lakes pitched below the Ratera Pass where we join the GR11. We then stroll back down to the sparkling lakes of the Cirque de Colomers. Listen up for the marmots and soak in the colourful alpine flowers. We're then in for a treat as we head up the Colomers Pass (2,400m) to the Ventosi I Cavell refuge, which many think holds the best location of all huts in the Pyrenees.

(Time on the move 5-6 hours)

DAY 4 : Refuge de Restanca and Pico Montardo

Fully recharged and refuelled we'll head for Pico Montardo, looming 2,833m over the Refuge de Restanca. The route winds its way up the Haute Route to Crestada Pass. From there we'll move up to the ridge line to the summit of Montardo and its jaw dropping view of the Spanish/French border. You'll gaze out over inimitable Pyrenean peaks like Pico Aneto. Suitably awe inspired, we'll then trek down to Restance Refuge, known for its friendly atmosphere.

(Time on the move 5-6 hours)

DAY 5 : Out via col de Caldes and seven lake circuit

It's come time to love and leave the Thousand Lake area as we ascend over the Col de Caldes (2,400 meters) progressing to the Cirque de Travessani. Our path here meets the famous GR11 taking us onto what is for many the highlight of the circuit, the Seven Lake Walk. Now comes the icing on the cake for the wild swimmers amongst us who can attempt the seven-lake swim challenge. This is sure to be one you won't forget showing off your doggy paddle in an emerald lake surrounded by snowcapped peaks. It's then time to head back down to catch our transfer back to France and gorge on our celebratory feast!

(Time on the move 5-6 hours)

DAY 6 : Bagneres de Luchon and flight home

So does that mean it's all over? Maybe not. If you've got a later flight you can choose to either take a chilled morning to visit the natural spa and perhaps hit the shops for a few gifts. Or if you're up for it, get yourself out for some world class mountain biking and/or paragliding in this outdoor mecca before the transfer back to Toulouse.

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

  • Nothings better than camping! But we'll let you off this time.
  • 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.

Included:

  • Leaders - Highly experienced and fully qualified.
  • Transfers - To and from Toulouse Airport, along with all local travel.
  • Equipment - Provided for canyoning and rafting.
  • Accommodation - Shared in guest houses, hotels, or refuges.
  • Meals - As specified in the itinerary.
  • Discount - Cotswold Outdoor special offer.
  • Payment Plan - No extra cost payment plan (select at checkout)

Not Included:

  • International Flights - To and from Toulouse.
  • Mountain Taxi - Local service available, if required.
  • Personal Gear - Equipment and supplies to be provided by participants.
  • Personal insurance - Required. We recommend Campbell Irvine
  • Personal Expenses - Includes alcohol, laundry, and similar items.
  • Additional Meals - Not stated as included in the itinerary.
  • Early Departure Costs - Associated with leaving the expedition early.
  • Optional Activities - Additional cost for activities mentioned in the itinerary (details on request).
  • We haven’t included flights as this gives you options from the UK. There are many flights arriving in Toulouse daily from many different airports – chat to us for more information.
  • We’ll pick up from the airport at 11.30 am on day one of the itinerary. On the final day, we’ll drop you off at Toulouse airport for 2.30 pm.  (These times are approximate and are TBC.) Please find flights that work for these timings.
  • If there are any issues with this please do let us know and we’ll try to help, however it might mean getting a hire car, train or taxi to your start/finish point.
  • The base is 1h 40mins drive from Toulouse Airport.

Food and Water

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?

The guide 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.

Accommodation

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

Nothings better than camping! But we'll let you off this time.

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.

Kit

What? No porters?!?

You don't need porters! This summer trek is a hut supported trek.  Where we will get breakfast, packed lunch and dinner at each hut. Therefore there is no need for tents, fuel stoves etc.

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.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

The refuges all provide blankets so you can just take a sleeping bag liner with you which will save you some weight.

Some of our leaders prefer to take a one or two season sleeping bag, if you would prefer your own sleeping bag we definitely recommend looking for something lightweight – you will be carrying it!

The Trek

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?

Of course! But they aren't heated...

The Weather

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 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.

Travel

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.

We will be at the airport at 11.30 am on day one of the itinerary. On the day you leave, we will be dropping the team off at Toulouse airport for 2.30 pm.  (These times are approximate and are TBC.)

Please, therefore, find flights that work for these timings.

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

Bagneres de Luchon is 1h 40 mins drive away.

Insurance

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.We will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure.

Electronics

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. For selfies...yes.

General questions

Is there a minimum age for this trip?

Yes, all our trips are for people of 18 years of age and older.

  • Free cancellation or date change up to 65 days before departure
  • Deposits are non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled by us, then you'll get a full refund

Why book with us?

Expertly vetted handpicked guides

Our team of experts spend hours on end rigorously assessing guides so you can travel safe in the knowledge you're going with the best!

Book now, pay later, at no extra cost

Pay all upfront or a small deposit today and spread the remaining payments out at no extra cost to you (just select at checkout)

Go places you couldn't go alone

Scale mountains, ride waves, and hike routes that might be a bit spicy without an expert guide

Flexible Booking

Free date changes up to 65 days before departure, no questions asked

Just turn up adventures

Most of our trips include guiding, accommodation, transfers, and equipment so all you have to do is turn up and enjoy

Feel good travel

1% of all our revenue (not profits) goes to fund leading environmental and social projects
£1,140 / Person (inc deposit)
As featured in:

Guide Reviews

Real Adventures. Lifelong Memories.
Book unique, hassle free adventure holidays at the best price.
(+44) 207 167 9438
[email protected]
39 Steeple Close, Poole, England, BH17 9BJ
© Copyright 2024 - Call to Adventure - All Rights Reserved
envelopephone-handsetmap-markeruploadchevron-downchevron-left-circle