Planning on a second trip on the Pyrenees HRP using Ton Joosten's book, probably setting off from Gavarnie.
He gives the following days an E grade for 'extreme':
21 Soula to Portillon
22 Portillon to Renclusa
23 Renclusa to Vielha
Can anyone advise on these days? I wander over Wales and the Lakes quite happily and last year did the Lescun to Gavarnie section of the HRP quite comfortably. Its difficult to judge Joosten's advice for these sections. I'd certainly like to walk the best parts, but don't want to get into any trouble.
I walked the stages 21 and 22 in early Sept last year. All three stages provide some of the best sustained high level walking I've ever done.
They are only really possible in good conditions, as they essentially entail walking over loose rock and scree, and navigation would be taxing in low cloud. The literole inferior pass is the highest of the HRP and there can be a lot of snow. You can bail out at each refuge if you had to or if the weather forecast is poor use GR11 from Viados. I didn't complete the 23 stage as I couldn't find a safe way down the Mulleres although most people seem to.
I've got more detail in my log of the trip. If you would like it, contact me through OM.
I have been up the crux of the Mullieres and having done so I would have no hesitation in going down it although it may look intimidating from above. And I am no rock climber !
I'll be going at the end of August which is probably the optimum time for snow clearance - but that means nothing in certain parts, like the Vignemale for example which last year definitely needed crampons and possibly an axe. This is what I did:
Not sure if it will coincide but I am starting from Hendaye on 17th July I hope, also hoping to avoid the need for snow/ice gear...Fantastic photos btw!
If wanting to use Refuge Renclusa especially late August then we suggest you reserve in advance as the last 2 times we've used this refuge its ended up being full. It's the 'lauching point' for Aneto which is not only the highest peak of the pyrenees but also the highest in mainland Spain and seems to be on every Spaniards tick list!
Late August, virtually all snow and ice should be cleared unless of course you decide to have a go at Aneto in which case you have the large permanent glacier.
