Trek the Pyrenees through France and Spain

Your host will meet you on arrival at Lourdes train station and transfer you to Cauterets (1000m), known for its toasty thermal spas. Meet up with the rest of your group for a dinner and chat through the trek with your guide.

Kick off your adventure with a hike up towards Pont d’Espagne (1500m) via the waterfall path. This is a relatively gentle climb all the way with frequent waterfalls ranging in size from a few metres to 50m. Continue on to the crystal clear Lac de Gaube and surrounding glaciated valley. Your final stop is the Oulettes Refuge (2151m) where you'll be rewarded for your day's efforts with spectacular views of the north face of Vignemale and its small glacier.

Fuel up on breakfast at the refuge before hitting the trail to cross over into Spain via the Col des Mulets (2600m). You'll be rewarded by your first big views across the peaks of the Spanish Pyrenees and then it's a long descent into the forest as you head towards the Bujaruelo Refuge. There will be plenty of time to recover with dinner and a good night’s rest.

Today is going to be easier on the legs before returning to high altitude tomorrow. After a leisurely amble, you'll spend the afternoon relaxing in the Spanish mountain village of Torla (1000m) - a tiny alpine hamlet with the awesome peaks of the national park spanning the backdrop.

After breakfast, you'll head toward the glacially carved Ordesa Canyon, part of the spectacular Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. From the plateau at the bottom, you'll climb the steep ascent to the viewpoint at the Mirador de Calcilarruego - a natural balcony hanging 600 metres above the canyon floor - before continuing to the next refuge at 2200m. You are now in high mountain territory with views of the canyon from above and mountaineers planning their ascents of the surrounding peaks.

Today you'll cross the Millaris Plateau and start climbing towards the famous Brèche de Roland, or Roland’s Breach (2800m), a natural gap on the border, 40m across and 100m high. Once through the Breche, you'll re-enter France and start the big descent (1450m) down to the village of Gavarnie with dramatic views of the Gavarnie Cirque. Arrive at your hut where a hot shower and a hard-earnt meal will be waiting for you.

Your final day in the Pyrenees and it's likely to be a wet one. You'll head up and around the Gavarnie Cirque, and down into the heart of the cirque via a balcony path. Climb to the foot of the Grand Cascade, the highest waterfall in France at 423m and, if you’re up for it, stand under it for a celebratory high-pressure wash. Bid farewell to the high mountains as you are driven to Luz for a farewell dinner and a much-deserved drink.

The adventure comes to an end today, your host will organise your outward bus transfer back to Lourdes train station ready for your onward journey home.