Walking in the Pyrenees - Sunflower Books

The Pyrenees – a mountainous adventure

The Pyrenees, a majestic mountain range that forms a natural border between France and Spain, provides an endless number of routes for walkers.

With its diverse landscapes, ranging from lush valleys to snow-capped peaks, you’ll be guaranteed superb views. Our guidebook to walking in the Pyrenees will help you to discover the best that this region has to offer.

Below we have described some of our favourite walks in the Pyrenees.

Circuit in the Garrotxa, and Santa Pau (Walk 4)

Behind the Costa Brava lies one of the most important volcanic regions in Europe, the Garrotxa. The earliest eruption was some 350,000 years ago, the most recent 11,500 years ago.

Our walk takes you first through the Fageda d’en Jordà, a once-great beech wood, into this strange volcanic region which, with its curious light and lush vegetation, has long inspired artists such as Joaquim Vayreda, one of the founders of the Olot School.

A Canigou canter (Walk 7)

A classic walk featuring the summit ascent of Canigou, at 2784 metres (9130 feet), one of the highest mountains of the region and a much-loved landmark, quite clearly visible from many Costa Brava beaches.

Unlike the peaks further west, this is a Mediterranean mountain, free from ski-lifts, resin-scented and saturated with light.

Pedraforca (Walk 10)

Pedraforca is one of the most famous mountains in Catalonia. Inside the beautiful Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, the bizarre double summits, separated by a so-called enforcadura (fork) of scree, are a landmark challenging you to reach the summit.

There are three main approaches. We are going to take you up the one that poses the least difficulty, which starts from Gósol.

Among the lakes (Walk 14)

This is the Ariège at its most awesome. On a warm, sunny day the high-mountain scenery is uplifting, and the lakes, beginning with the Soulcem, can be an inviting shade of blue.

But if the weather should deteriorate, be warned that these bare, wind-blasted slopes in the shadow of Montcalm and Estats can become quite vicious.

Cirque de Gavarnie (Walk 20)

Gavarnie is a very popular climbing and walking centre in the Pyrenees and its cirque is one of the great spectacles of the world. If you’re in the area on no account miss this.

The glacier-scoured wall of rock, rising more than 1300m/4265ft from the valley floor and with a circumference of over 3km/2mi, is visible from some distance.

As you approach the village, watch out, too, for the famous Brèche de Roland, the gap in the top of this rock wall.

Circuit from the Pont d’Espagne via the Vallée de Marcadau and Lac du Pourtet (Walk 23)

The Marcadau is one of those rare Pyrenean valleys that has something of the ambiance of the ‘Grand Nord’.

It leads to the Refuge Wallon Marcadau, with its feeling of high mountain isolation, and from there the route climbs steeply to the lakes of Nère and Pourtet, before descending again towards Pont d’Espagne.

Ordesa – the Grand Canyon walk (Walk 26)

If you had to choose just one walk in the Pyrenees, this should be it. Amidst unforgettable canyon scenery, the track leads you to the foot of Monte Perdido, the third highest mountain in the range.

The rocks themselves are a main attraction – endless calcareous cliffs, traversed by awesome stone balconies (known as fajas).

But there is also the chance to see rare birds such as lammergeiers, griffon vultures and wallcreepers – while it is almost a certainty that you will spot izards (Pyrenean chamois).

The best time of year for walking in the Pyrenees

The ideal time to explore the Pyrenees on foot is during the shoulder seasons, spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October).

During these months, the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the mountain scenery is at its most vibrant.

Getting around the region

Trains and buses connect major towns and cities in the Pyrenees, making it easy to reach popular hiking destinations.

However, renting a car provides flexibility to explore at your own pace, especially for venturing off the beaten path.

The Pyrenees’ diverse landscapes, rich history, and stunning scenery make it a destination that every hiker should visit. Whether you’re seeking a challenging mountain trek or a leisurely walk through a picturesque valley, the Pyrenees offer something for everyone. Buy a copy of our guidebook to walking in the Pyrenees.