I'm off to the Pyrenees for the last week in August and the first 2 weeks of September to do a part of the GR11 - probably starting in Gavarnie and then crossing over to the Spanish side to Ordesa and then following the route eastwards. I'll be camping for most of it, but I've never been there before and was wondering whether the refuges are likely to be booked out for that period, should I have an urge for an occasional bit of civilisation - food/beds/showers and all that. Or would I be ok just winging it, which is what I would prefer.
Last week in August refuges could be crowded but once in September things start thinning out. However the Goriz hut above the Ordesa will probably need pre booking but can camp outside.
A word of warning about the descent to Piineta. I have yet to meet any body who has a kind word for it. Its a knee knackering descent all 5000 feet of it. My recommendation would be start from Cauterets. Go to to Ordesa via the Ara valley and return to Gavanie through the Breche de Roland. Then go east following HRP via Refuge de Espugettes and Refuge de Barroude and then head for the Bielsa valley and GR11
