Hiking In The Pyrenees
If you're planning on doing even very basic walking or other outdoor activities - canoeing, riding, cycling, paragliding - in the Pyrenees, a good contact point for ideas, information and publications (in French) is Randonnees Pyreneennes, 4 rue Maye-Lane, 65420 Ibos, near Tarbes (tel 05.62.90.09.90; information centre tel 05.62.90.09.92). In addition, there are plenty of walkers' guidebooks to the area in both French and English . The most detailed maps are the French IGN 1:25,000 "TOP 25" series; #1547OT, #1647ET, #1647OT, #1748ET and #1748OT cover the Parc National des Pyrenees. Less demanding walkers can make do with Rando Editions' Cartes de Randonnees , which covers the range at 1:50,000 in eleven sheets numbered from west to east. The walking season usually lasts from mid-June through late September; earlier in the year, few staffed refuges function, and you will run into snow even on parts of the GR10. Whatever you intend, bear in mind that these are big mountains and should be treated with respect: to tackle any of the main walks preparation is crucial. Before taking to the hills, check weather forecasts, usually posted at the local tourist office, and be sure you are properly equipped with water, food, maps, bivvy bag, emergency signalling, whistle and knife, as well as warm, wetproof and windproof clothing and suitable boots - not to mention ice axe and crampons if you are going anywhere near permanent snow, which you shouldn't be doing unless you have experience in high-altitude mountaineering. Above all, don't take any chances: mountain conditions can change very quickly, and sunny, warm weather in the valley doesn't necessarily mean it will be the same higher up, three hours later. If you don't have any mountain-walking experience, it's probably best not to undertake anything more than a well-frequented path unless you're accompanied by someone who does. One kilometre in twelve minutes (5kph) is a fairly average walking pace for level ground; if you're going uphill, allow an hour for every 500m in elevation gained. If you are out of condition it'll take longer. Work yourself in gently, otherwise you could easily ruin your holiday: if you overdo it on your first day, you'll be plagued by blisters and aching muscles on the second. The best rule of thumb is: if in doubt, don't do it.
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