Here you go Lloyd,
I’ve dug out our maps, here are our personal top spots to wild camp & visit in the Hautes-Pyrénées.
You will be spoilt for choice seeking out wild camp spots, in our 3 years living there we were only just scratching the surface. Every new route/track led to another find.
I’ve added some links to view.
Lac de Cap de Long {D929} My favourite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGsUuJe-UdY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Set in the Parc National des Pyrénées at high altitude close to the French/Spanish border. The lake is formed by a dam as part of a hydro-electric scheme, you can camp alongside the lake & explore the surounding national parc. There are some breath taking views of the valley below & lower lake from the dam wall to enjoy.
Circo de Pineta {PR 137} set in the Parque Nacional Ordesa y Monte Perdido:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGqAnR855e4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If you take the Tunnel de Bielsa border crossing into Spain continue for 7km’s to the village of Bielsa take the PR 137 Valle de Pineta to the Circo de Pineta. You can wild camp under the shade of the pine forest & explore the parc nacional with glacial lakes set at 3000m altitude if your fit enough.
Pic du Midi de Bigorre 2872m altitude:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jzmOdWDpqE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
On top of the Pic du Midi is a space observatory site which is open to the public, the Pic du Midi is the highest mountain in the Pyrénées accessed by a cable car giving fantastic views of the Pyrénéane mountain chain. If you take the Col de Tourmalet {D918} over the Pic du Midi you can wild camp either side of the mountain pass at an altitude of 2115m, just some 700m lower than the peak. just a 1hr trek to the observation platform. Remember to chock your wheels when you park up!
Lac de Payolle 1489m altitude:
http://www.lacsdespyrenees.com/lac-1267 ... yolle.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
As you come along the pretty Vallee d’Aure take the D918 up the Col d’Aspin, just short of the peak follow signs to the Lac de Payolle. Adjacent to the lake are some very popular wild camp spots, take your time seeking out the more private camp spots further along the forested mountain sides.
Lac de Génos-Loudenvielle 1000m altitude:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVM2g0v4DCs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
On the D618, you can wild camp here. Another dam formed lake surrounded by mountains. It has an adventure parc for the kids, a thermal spa plus an outdoor pool. A great place to watch paragliding........the landing strip is alongside the lake.
Cirque de Garvarnie {D921}
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpZyOAG3ChE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
We only ever visited here but never camped, I’m sure if you look around you will find a spot. A world heritage site. It’s a 1hr plus hike to the Cirque de Garvarnie. Once there you find a semi circle of 17 mountains of 3000m plus altitude with a 423m waterfall.
Lloyd, where ever you end up going invest in some detailed maps........there worth their weight in gold.
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