stunning views in this spectacular nature reserve

different deep blue lakes to discover each day

learn about the geology, flora and fauna of this area in the company of a local expert

The walking books describe the area as ‘a rosary of water'– a poetic but apt metaphor for this unique landscape of blue lakes, linked like beads by fast flowing streams. If you look at a map of the Pyrenees your eye is drawn immediately the Neouvielle because of impressionist splashes of blue and green: lakes and forests. On a 3D map the effect is intriguing as you can see the whole area is also very high. The ancient plateau has been carved and burrowed by centuries of glaciation, into a complex interaction of blue water and grey pointy granite peaks which dominate the surrounding valleys. The views are incredible. In its midst, and visible on every day of our walk, is the pyramidal summit of the Neouvielle mountain (3091). In the early summer its lower slopes are mottled with the purples and pinks of wild rhododendrons. We follow the links in the ‘rosary’ of lakes through open bolder fields and forests stopping for lunch, and even a swim, in the blue lakes.

We stay each night in a mountain refuge where a guardian provides evening dinner, breakfast and a packed lunch for the next day. You need to carry with you just the things you need for walking and one change of clothes. This is a grade C walk mixing mountain and forest paths with boulder fields and off track walking.

HOLIDAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 - Fly to Pau Pyrenees
The best way to get to the Pyrenees is on a Ryanair schedule to Pau. You arrive in Pau and transfer to Luz Saint Sauveur for a night in a two star hotel. Evening briefing with one of our leaders.

DAY 2 - Up to the Glere
We start with a leisurely walk from Barreges to the Glere refuge, an old stone building oringinally constructed for the damn builders. It is based at the foot of Neouvielle natural reserve. From here you can already see 3000m summits and we will have begun to encounter the area's abundance of lakes.

DAY 3 - Over two cols
We climb over the Hourquette de Mounicot followed by col d Aubert to look down on the string of lakes on this eastern side of the Neouuvielle peak. From here on, we are actually in the natural reserve, arguably one of the most beautiful areas of the Pyrenees. Later in the day's walk we drop down to a comfortable auberge, Oredon, situated at the side of a lake of the same name.

Day 4 - Time for a swim!
From ther refuge we climb to a low col and through the Estiberre valley, contourning yet another lake to follow the GR10 footpath which brings us up to the tranquil setting of our refuge for the night, the Bastan. The lake beside this refuge is large but very shallow which makes for an enjoyable early evening swim.

Day 5 - An optional peak
A shorter day today will bring us over the col de Bastanet from where we could take the option of climbing a relatively airy peak, the Bastan before dropping down to the refuge Campana, ever surrounded by waters of varying tones of blue and green.

Day 6 - A harder day
This is quite a long day with three passes and the summit of Madamette as an option but well worth the effort for the stunning views in all directions. We head over the Hourquette de Caderolles, followed by the col de Nere to drop into the peaceful valley of Aygues Cluses before climbing up again to the col de Madamette and back down to the same comfortable refuge as our second night (but via a different itinerary).

Day 7 - the Ayre
We climb back over the col d Aubert and head down via the last lakes of Coubous to finish our trek in the start of the Aygues Cluses valley.

DAY 8 - Fly back to London
You head back in our minibus to Pau Airport or Lourdes SNCF to connect with transport back home.


Please Note: All the above routes are weather dependent. In case of difficult conditions Pyrenean Mountain Tours staff will advise you on appropriate route choice.

EQUIPMENT AND PACKING IDEAS
We recommend that people joining this trek are equipped with the following:

Technical equipment
Comfortable Walking Boots (2 or 3season)
Walking pole if you like them

Clothing suggestions
Fleece
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof over trousers
Sun hat or peaked cap
Sunglasses
Shorts and T-shirts
Good quality walking socks

Other items
Map set
A small rucksack
Sun block for face and lips
Personal First Aid kit (plasters,compede, paracetamol)
Water bottle or Platypus
Penknife

Please remember to carry as little gear as possible. A heavy rucksack will make the trip hard work and less fun.