Chemin de la Liberté – WWII Freedom Trail over the Pyrenees I 6 days I JULY I AUG I SEPT

Trek approx 3-4 hours

We visit the Chemin de la Liberte museum in the morning in St Girons and then walk from La Soumere – Aunac (3.5hrs) taking lunch at the Louis Barreau memorial. After this we contour down and round before making the final ascent to Aunac on a forested path around a curious cone shaped mountain. It is easy to see how people could remain well hidden in this terrain! Overnight accommodation is provided at Aunac Auberge which used to be a meeting place for escapees or Esbintz depending on the size of our group. Dinner 7pm. (B,L,D)

Trek approx 6-7 hours

After a hearty breakfast with wonderful views, we head off through the forest for a long day of trekking. Our path takes us steeply up to the Col de le Core (1395m) – this is a fairly demanding ascent but the views around us are spectacular as we gain height. Here we enjoy a buffet lunch and collect our kit for tonight. The hard part of today’s trek is behind us as we contour around the mountain-side, getting a glimpse for the first time of the terrain that awaits us. In less than two hours we should reach Subera Hut, set in pasture meadows at the foot of towering cliffs. There are often cows grazing here, and we can hear the welcoming sound of their cow-bells. Night camp at the Subera Hut (1449m).  (B,L,D)

Trek approx 8 – 9 hours

A challenging day lies ahead of us today, as our trek heads into serious mountain terrain towards the Col de Craberous (2382m), passing the crash site of a British Halifax bomber. 80km off its intended route, it sadly crashed on a training flight in July 1945, killing all seven on board. Wreckage is left untouched out of respect, and a plaque commemorates the crew. We continue to climb to the top of the col and descend to Espugues refuge and towards a beautiful mountain lake for lunch. We’re likely to see wild horses in this area. As we near the snow-line, the scenery becomes more impressive; craggy peaks and towering cliffs, with patches of snow between the jagged rocks. It’s hard to imagine how those escaping France would have felt, making this journey in the dark and in fear of betrayal and capture. Rising up from the lake there are some bouldery steps where hands are needed and it’s neccessary to put one or more walking poles away. After our last steep climb  trends across over glacier scraped granite slabs up to the cap de pecouch. We descend over boulder-strewn slopes to the Estagnous refuge. (2245m). (B,L,D)

Trek approx. 6-7 hours; drive approx. 1 hour to Vielha

We set off from our hospitable refuge, and trek downhill to the lovely Lac Rond (1929m), stretching out any aching muscles in anticipation of the next challenge. Lac Long lies only about half an hour away, but is 200m above us, and the path to it is extremely steep. In places there is via ferrata cableway to assist. Once at Lac Long (2125m) the border at the Col de la Clauère is almost within sight. Our path crosses a deep gully, usually filled with snow, which provides an arduous slog to the top (2522m), where we gaze into Spain – another stunning view! We traverse across before descending on vague sheep track paths to reach a lake. This is swimable in on warmer days. Afterwards we continue the descent past some small waterfalls and an abundance of sunny side of the mountain flowers. We get into our waiting transport and drive to the Spanish ski resort of Viehlha. 3* hotel. Alternatively we can transfer you back to St Girons. 3* hotel. (B,L)

Morning transfer to Toulouse Blagnac Airport from Viella. (Lunch not included) (B)

Price: +£100

Day 6

Today is free to relax! Ax-les-Thermes is a lovely old spa town, and a spa is the perfect way to treat yourself after the rigours of the past few days! The sulphurous hot springs have been used since Roman times. There are also many cafés to visit, and plenty to see if you feel like a gentle wander around town. We meet again in the evening for a slap-up dinner to celebrate our huge achievements. (Lunch and dinner not included)

Accommodation will be provided either in a Gite a Chez Arran, with a pool and relaxation area, or a hotel in Ax -es-Thermes. (B)

Day 7

We are free until it’s time to transfer to Toulouse Airport for our flight home (Lunch not included). (B)