Trekking In The Pyrenees - Softcover

Streatfeild-James, Douglas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1873756828 ISBN 13: 9781873756829

Publisher: UNKNO, 2005

Synopsis

This is an area of awe-inspiring natural beauty. Approximately 450 km (280 miles) in length, the range includes rolling foothills, steep gorges, high passes, and imposing peaks. Superb scenery, a rich culture and a long history, wonderful cuisine, and excellent sporting opportunities all combine to make the Pyrenees one of Europe's most exciting regions; there's no better way to experience it than on foot.

>Ninety detailed trekking maps--showing walking times, places to stay, and points of interest, with detailed route descriptions: GR10 from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, GR11 from Roncesvalles to Andorra, Link routes, and HRP sections
>Practical information--planning a trip
>Getting to France and Spain from other countries in Europe, North America, and Australasia
>Where to stay (all budgets), where to eat, what to see
>Getting to the start of a trek
>Historical and cultural background
>Health and safety
>Minimizing impact on the environment
>French and Spanish language sections
>Pyrenean flora and fauna--four-page full-color guide to the flowers of the Pyrenees
>Illustrated bird identification section
>Forty color photographs

About this title

About the Author

Douglas Streatfeild-James grew up in Malta, Britain, and Canada. After graduating from Oxford University, he spent six years in the British army where he honed his map-reading skills and learned that being cold, wet, or hungry was definitely to be avoided. He has trekked in South America, canoed across France, motorcycled across Europe and backpacked around much of Asia. He wrote Lonely Planet's Goa guide and is the author of Trailblazer's China by Rail.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

INTRODUCTION
From the rolling foothills of the Basque Country to the bare rocky peaks of the Maladetta Massif, the Pyrenees have something for everyone. Deep green valleys characterize the western end of the range, while dusty brown slopes speckled with vineyards are distinctive in the east. The harsh, empty landscape of the Central Pyrenees can be forbidding and beautiful by turns, with its passes, gorges, caverns and waterfalls.

The Pyrenees offer all that's best in walking: fantastic scenery, great places to stay, good weather and, above all, variety. Serious trekkers will relish the chance to seek out the untouched valleys of the high mountains. Those who prefer an easier pace can stay closer to civilization, enjoying the culture of the area through which they are walking. The region can provide the best of both worlds. Stay high in the mountains for days on end if you like, either camping or using the excellent mountain refuges that are available on both sides of the border. When you decide to venture down, the hills are scattered with beautiful villages, ideal places for an overnight stop. Try the local wine and cuisine, relax and regain strength for the next day on the trail.

There's a wide variety of other activities, too. If you like to break the day's trek for an hour or two, there are literally hundreds of perfect lakes in which to cool your feet or, if you're hardy enough, to swim. The clear mountain tarns are ideal for a day's fishing, and the ancient churches are worth a visit in their own right. For the adventurous there's everything from mountain biking and paragliding to rafting and rock climbing.

Traditionally the Pyrenees have been compared to their nearest neighbours, the Alps, and because of their inferior height have somehow remained off the walker's 'wish' list. The result is an area of mountains which has, for the most part, escaped the commercialization that has occurred elsewhere; a place where there is still scope to explore an area of untouched natural beauty.

USING THIS GUIDE
In this guide the region is split into three sections: Western, Central and Eastern Pyrenees. The s20introductory chapters cover getting to the mountains and what to expect when you get there. Thereafter, the information about each area is to be found at the start of the appropriate section. If, for example, you are planning to go to the Basque country (Western Pyrenees) you will find information on trains, planes and buses in Part 1. Information about local bus services once you arrive is to be found at the beginning of the section itself or in the relevant village section in the trail guide.

The sketch maps in this book are designed to be used in conjunction with large-scale contour maps, not to replace them. The maps are drawn to make route planning easier by showing the detail which other maps do not: walking times, accommodation, viewing areas, water points, accommodation, difficult route junctions and other useful observations. Everywhere to stay that is within easy reach of the trail is marked--be it a top hotel or an empty shack. Further details about each place can be found in the text.

About this edition

• Publisher: UNKNO
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1873756828
• ISBN 13: 9781873756829
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 319