However, there are plenty of breaks and the scenery balances the effort, with chances to see herds of Merens ponies (the distinctive black mountain pony of the Pyrenees), and Griffon vultures circling overhead, with a possibility to sight the Lammergeier with its vast 9-foot wingspan. The path can be uneven under foot, and rising from the lake there are some boulder-strewn areas where at times we may have to stow one or both walking poles and use our hands for balance over the rockier sections.
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. Remains of the wreckage still litter the ground, untouched out of respect, and there is a simple memorial plaque set into the rock.įrom here, we climb the gully leading to the Col de Craberous (2,382m), which may be snow filled early in the season, before a steep descent for 300m and then a succession of lakes and boulder fields to reach the Col de Pouech above the manned Refuge of Estagnous.Īs we near the snow-line, the scenery becomes more impressive craggy peaks and towering cliffs, with patches of snow between rocks. We stop to remember the crew of a British Halifax bomber that crashed into the Pic de Lampau during a training flight in July 1945, killing everyone on board. This is wild camping, with no facilities, as we spend the night under the stars, with the gentle ringing of goats’ bells across the mountain and, if it’s been a chilly day, the shepherd’s fire to keep us warm.ĭAY 4 : La Cabane de Subera (1,499m) – Le Refuge des Estagnous (2,245m)Ī challenging day lies ahead of us today, as our trek heads into serious mountain terrain. Of course, those escaping from France had no such luxuries as huts or tents, but tonight we immerse ourselves in history and take our shelter in either the rustic shepherds hut (cabane) or in tents. The hardest part of today’s trek is behind us as we hike around the mountain, getting a glimpse of the terrain that awaits us, before climbing over a few easy cols up to the Cabane, set in pasture meadows, underneath the rock wall of Le Cirque de Lameza.
Here, we will enjoy a buffet lunch and collect our kit for tonight. Our path takes us steeply up to the Col de la Core (1,395m), a fairly demanding ascent, but the views around us are spectacular as we gain height. We start our day walking through old beech forests, preparing for a long day of trekking. Photo credit : 360 Expedition Leader Emma Linford Find out moreĭAY 3 : Aunac (766m) – La Cabane de Subera (1,499m) Throughout this historical Pyrenean trek that commemorates the bravery of others, you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable and experienced guide who will make sure you immerse yourself fully into the experience knowing that the day- to-day logistics are taken care of. To have made this trek at night, under-nourished, ill-equipped and hunted by the Wehrmacht, Austrian Mountain troops and the Milice would have been a remarkable endeavor! The crash site and memorial of an old Halifax bomber reminds us of the wartime significance of the route amid stunning Pyrenean panoramas, clear mountain lakes worthy of a refreshing dip, wild horses, deep gullies and exhilarating ridges. We then begin climbing towards the Cabane Subera high in the peaks of the Ariège before continuing towards the Col de Craberous (2,382m). This trail begins in Saint Girons, trekking through the forest into the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Freedom trail free#
With a free day at the end to relax in the beautiful mountain town of Bagnères de Luchon. Our challenging 4-day trek takes us on a historical journey from France to Spain through the stunning Pyrenees with amazing views every step of the way. The Freedom Trail also known as the Chemin de la Liberté marks one of several escape routes used by Frenchmen, Jews and crashed RAF airmen escaping German-occupied France over the Pyrenees into Spain.
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