Aggie’s Freedom Trail Pyrenees Adventure 2027

The Freedom Trail (Chemin de la Liberté) across the Pyrenees is now an official way-marked route commemorating one of the escape routes of WW2. Several such trails were used by RAF and American Airmen who were shot down or crashed over Nazi-occupied Europe, as well as hundreds of Jews and refugees desperate to flee from German oppression. A range of routes across Europe were developed, often assisted by local people, leading to safety elsewhere.

This route from France crosses the high mountain passes of the Pyrenees to reach the safety of the Spanish border. As Spain was a neutral country, Allied forces could safely travel to Gibraltar to journey home to rejoin the fight, whilst other refugees found safety there. It is estimated that there were some 782 successful escapes around the ‘Chemin de la Liberté, and it is thought that some 33,000 people followed such trails of escape across Europe during the Second World War.

An ideal candidate is someone who is open minded, positive, flexible and enjoys the challenges of the great outdoors. Adventure travel involves elements of the unexpected so do not expect the standards to be the same as you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable (be it because of group pace, weather conditions etc.) and itineraries may be altered to allow for this. You must also be willing to train hard for this challenge!

The trek is accompanied by local professional English-speaking guides who have an excellent knowledge of hiking in the region. The guides are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey. You will also be supported by a Different Travel Company UK tour manager.

The terrain will vary throughout the 5 days but in general you will trek on mountainouse terrain with lots of uphill and downhill areas. There are some steep sections so trekking poles are recommended, particularly for those with knee issues. Underfoot you will find rocky or grassy trails, uneven and muddy forests, scree slopes and possibly some stream crossings. You may walk over some snow or ice covered ground depending on the weather conditions at the time. Each day you will trek for approximately 7-8 hours (variable depending on group pace) and you will cover approximately 10-19km. It is critical that your training includes hill walking and trekking up and down gradients while carrying a heavy backpack. Each day you will experience undulating terrain, so it is important that your training includes hill walking and trekking up and down gradients.

You will stay in 3* hotels while in St Girons and Vielha on a twin or triple-share basis.

During the trek you will stay at auberges and mountain refuges in a mixed dormitory, with up to 15 people per room. You may camp on one night.

Subera hut (night 3) is a very primitive mountain hut with space for only 10 people to sleep inside. This cannot be reserved and groups often prefer to camp outside; you will need your own sleeping bag for this but tents and sleeping mats are provided. The hut has a cold water sink, occasionally light via a generator and a fire place. There are no toilet facilities here so a toilet area is created near camp. Facilities at the other refuges vary but are slightly more comfortable, e.g. there are hot showers at Estagnous refuge (€2) and refreshments can be purchased from the refuge store (payable locally).

Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included throughout the trip. A variety of bread, cheese, meats and fruits are generally available for breakfast in hotels but the options are more limited in the auberges and refuges. Lunch will be packed with bread, fruit, cheese, bars etc. or will be ingredients to form a buffet lunch, which will be shared. Dinner will be hot and include dishes such as soup, salad, potatoes and meat followed by a dessert depending on location.

The majority of special diets, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc., can be catered for if we are notified in advance,

The climate in the Pyrenees region can be unpredictable so it is vital to be prepared for all weather conditions and temperatures by packing technical non-cotton layers and waterproofs. In general, the temperature each day will be dependent upon the weather but will range between 9-22°C during the day and could be as low as 5-8°C at night. Weather conditions will vary but in general you will experience sunny, clear days with some rain. As you ascend into the mountains there may be very cold winds so having a suitable shell or warm layer is important even in mid-summer. Snowfall is unlikely but possible.

It’s important to be prepared for all weather conditions and temperatures by packing non-cotton trek layers and waterproofs. It’s better to have waterproofs and not need them, than to not have any when you need them!

Although the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate, climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out of our control. Should this happen the guide will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and ultimately safety of the group as a whole.

You must be aged 18+ to join this trek. It may be possible for you to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old but you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit.

Visit here to find the kit list relevant to this trip.