Walks and Climbs in the Pyrenees

Walks and Climbs in the Pyrenees describes 170 walks, multi-day routes and moderate ascents of some of the principal summits in the High Pyrenees, between the Cirque de Lescun and Carlit Massif east of Andorra.

In the Pyrenees the walker, trekker and climber is spoilt for choice, as there are plenty of route opportunities, no matter what your previous experience. There are magnificent valleys and passes to wander day after day, and 3000m summits that are within the reach of most hill walkers. The landscape is full of diversity and contrast, with Alpine-style peaks, small glaciers, deep gorges and more than a thousand post-glacial lakes. There are three national parks, and other specially protected areas on both sides of the border.

For those who are looking for a challenge there are route which vertical and near-vertical walls and pinnacles to test the stamina and expertise of the ardent rock specialist. For the devoted backpacker there are valleys of sheer enchantment and tracts of semi-wilderness to answer all your needs.

This guidebook contains a variety of walks from short outings on gently graded paths to moderate walking with a reasonable amount of height gain and more strenuous routes with steep ascents and descents and occasionally, some modest scrambling.

Regions are described geographically, travelling from west to east: first on the French side of the border then on the Spanish. Andorra is included at the end of the Spanish section.

The ascents selected in this selection are mostly of limited difficulty, but a moderately difficult outing is not necessarily an uninteresting one, and if approached with an open mind, the unique character of the Pyrenees will reveal itself.