Walking in the Pyrénées  In the peak summer months the Pyrénées make for the most idyllic walking imaginable.  Rocky crags and mountain tops combine with sleepy villages and river valleys to make a terrain that is pure delight.  The weather is excellent in the peak summer months and this, combined with a multitude of other attractions in the area, provides the perfect destination for a family walking holiday.  Depending on the age, capability and experience of your children you will find there is a broad scope of walks with different degrees of difficulty and distance.

Col d’Aspin

Location: Follow the D935 south from Bagnères-de-Bigorre for 12km and then the D918 east towards Arreau for about 13km.
Description: A dramatic mountain pass takes you over the Col at a height of just under 1500m.  There are great views of the Pic du Midi du Bigorre from here.

Our recommendations: This is a great picnic spot and there are several walking trails departing from the Col, both at the same level and also climbing into the surrounding hills.  On the drive up the Col take great care as the route is frequented by cyclists and on the downhill stretch they can be travelling at high speed!
For the children:  Be careful with the wild horses and livestock (see above) that frequent this Col.  They seemed very tame when we were there but nevertheless, they are still wild animals.  If the children want more entertainment, drive to La Mongie and take a ride in the Pic du Midi du Bigorre cable car.

          - Cirque d'Estaube
          - Cirque de Gavarnie
          - Cirque de Lys
          - Cirque de Troumouse
          - Col d'Aspin
          - Lac du Bouillouses
          - Lac de Gaube

Needless to say there is so much walking in the Pyrénées we have only scratched the surface here.  For more information check out the websites listed in the panel below.

Websites on cycling in the Pyrénées (only for real roughnecks!):
http://www.cycling-pyrenees.com
http://www.cycle-rides.co.uk