GR11 Trek Stage 2 Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: Feb - October
GR11 Trek Stage 2
Trek Adventure
This is where the GR11 really gets going - heading into the high mountains, and through some of the famous sights and landscapes - such as the Ordessa Gorge, and the Monte Perdido National Park. Our route is challenging - involving some serious ups and downs, and we shall be self supporting throughout this challenge - carrying sufficient clothing and personal supplies to be independent. We shall reach hotels or guesthouses at least every other day - meaning we can get cleaned up and enjoy a tasty meal!
Our daily treks vary from around 6 hours up to 12.5 - so we shall have some leisurely days, followed by some where we shall need to be underway early to give ourselves every chance of completing the trek before sundown. The trek will take us through some sublime scenery, but will also help us along our ultimate aim - the crossing of the Pyrenees from Coast to Coast, from Atlantic to Med. Our planned schedule takes us via several mountain refuges - but we shall only use one during this trek - most planned days taking us on and down into valleys where we can find small hostals, lodges or hotels.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Travel from UK to Pau and transfer to Candanchu
Day 1 Trek - Candanchu to Sallent. Duration = 6 hours
Day 2 Trek - Sallent to Banos de Panticosa. Duration = 10 hours
Day 3 Trek - Banos de Panticosa to San Nicolas. Duration = 6.5 hours
Day 4 Trek - San Nicolas to Refugio Goriz. Duration = 6 hours
Day 5 Trek - Refugio Goriz to Parzan. Duration = 12.25 hours
Day 6 Trek - Parzan to Refugio d'Estos. Duration = 10 hours
Day 7 Trek - Refugio d'Estos to Hospital de Viella. Duration = 12.75 hours
Day 8 - After overnight in either Viella or Tarbes, depart on flight home!
Accommodation
We shall be using a mixture of simple guesthouses and mountain refuges for this challenge. We shall try to use comfortable places where it is possible - however, we are constrinaed by the accommodation available to us each evening.
What is a Level 4.0 Trekking Challenge Like?
You are now moving into the realms of serious challenges - where you are likely to encounter rough and steep terrain, sleep deprivation – ie very long days, or even high altitude. In any case - be prepared for an event which is going to take you well past the limits of your comfort zone. Trekking days will be up to 13 hours, or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. The severity of the challenge may be magnified by various factors - and you will need to be more resilient - variable weather conditions, simple food and maybe camping – these factors forms a part of the challenge. You need to be in good shape to undertake any of these events, and you need to be training regularly. The height gain each day is greater than for level 3 - so expect plenty of hills! A level 4 challenge would involve a very long day (in excess of 28 miles) or some serious hill climbing (multiple peaks in one day) - or possibly both!
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.0 ‘Trek’?
To participate in these events you need to be in very good fitness. You enjoy taking exercise, and do it regularly (a couple of times a week minimum). You may well partake in several different types of activity, possibly including the gym, swimming, running, or circuit training. You probably are capable of running up to 5 or 6 miles, but in a good steady speed (around 9-10 minute miling). If you do not run - you should be regularly undertaking challenging walks or other strenuous exercise. You should be comfortable walking 17-19 miles in the English lowland countryside.
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
You should be used to walking reasonable distances each day to contemplate this trek. It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Included In Trip
Expedition planning, hotel / refugio reservations, expedition leadership.
Excluded From Trip
International Flights, Taxi transfers.
Equipment Required
Medikit
Water Purification Tablets, Suncream, Blister Repair Kit
Plasters, Vaseline, Rehydration Salts
Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Pack Towel (lifesystems recommended), Soap (small bar)
Shampoo (not a full size bottle!)
Toothbrush, Toothpaste (small size)
Hill Walking Items
Sleeping Bag - 2/3 season rated to 0° C comfort rating or sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton)
Medium Sized Rucksack - lined with waterproof bags
Rucksack Liner(s) / Plastic Liner(s) for Rucksack
Bladder System (highly recommended - or other water bottles e.g. exercise bottle/Nalgene bottle)
Walking Poles (highly recommended)
Sun Hat (wide brimmed), Neck Scarf
Snack Foods - we recommend good slow burning items - nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars etc.
Warm Clothing
Lightweight Fleece, Medium Weight Fleece, Lightweight Gloves
Heavy Gloves (mitten type recommended), Fleece Hat
Trek Clothing
Long Cotton Trekking Trousers, 1 Pair Tracksuit Bottoms
Comfortable Trekking Shirts (long/short sleeved)
Walking Boots (broken in with ankle protection)
Walking Socks, Liner Socks
Underwear, 1 Change of Casual Evening Wear
Waterproofs
Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex, E-vent)
Outer Waterproof Bottoms
Other
Toilet Roll / Pack of Travel Tissues, Spare Lace
Camera, Film / Memory Card / Spare Battery
Travel Documents, EHIC Travel Card
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Passport
Wallet, Credit Cards, Cash
Sunglasses, Spare Comfortable Shoes
Penknife, Mobile Phone (packed in a plastic bag deep inside your day pack!)
Emergency Rations (energy foods - for the tough days on trek)
Head Torch with spare batteries and bulb
Kit Hire
It is possible to hire equipment via our specialist kit hire providers Outdoor Hire Ltd. We have negotiated a 10% discount for all our mountain challengers.
Weather
Expect the weather to be pleasant with daily temperatures into the twenties - although we could experience colder temperatures at higher altitudes. You will need to be prepared in case of rain (just in case) - hot and sunny weather - and colder temperatures. The mountains always have a fickle weather pattern and hence we need to make sure we prepare for all eventualities.
Notes on Trekking Events
Trek the Mountains of the World with Adventure Cafe, and our fantastic team of qualified leaders. From the UK, to the Alps, Pyrenees, Atlas Mountains, Himalayas and even Kilimanjaro. Put our International Mountain Leaders to the test! Check.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events