Pyrenees HRP Section 4

Planning on 4th stage of HRP over the summer but starting at Vielha. I walk with 3/4 days supplies then I need a shop.

Plan is supplies at Salardu, then divert to Tavascan for supplies, then it gets tricky.

Options seem to be walk to Ferrera to Pedrosa to El Serrat, or Ferrera to El Serrat, where Kev Reynodls says you can hitch or get a bus to Andorra-la-Vella where you get a bus/train back to France.

Probably flying to Toulouse.

There's no clear advice on those last options though, that I can find. Anyone know about that area and the transport links? Also hitching - is it OK to do it there? There are some dodgy areas for it in the Pyrennes where you could get stranded (Parzan).

Also because this is cutting the section short for resupplies, I could have a few more days to get over to Carlit - but I have no idea if that's feasible with the buses etc and then how I connect back to Toulouse.

Many thanks, these forums are very useful!

www.jameslomax.com

El Serrat to Ordino by bus and then a more frequent bus to Andorra La  Vella.

From there direct bus to Toulouse or to L'Hospitale for train connction or entry  point to Carlit.

I haven't seen anybody hitching in Andorra, either  because they don't or else they get a lift quickly. Not much traffic down from El Serrat  but I don't see any issues with hitching.

If  going to Carlit them consider a semi circle starting from L'Hospitale and ending up at Ax les Thermes or Merens for bus/train to Toulouse. 

Alternately you could stuff yourself with Pizza etc at the bar in El Serrat then walk on and spend the night at Refuge de Sorteny. Following day continue on via Col de Meners and down the Ronsol valley and catch the bus (frequency every half hour) to Soldeu where there is a supermarket.

www.jameslomax.com

Thank you. I must admit this is confusing for me. I don't know where these places are/how they connect, and most importantly what the access/exit choices are with buses and trains. I'll research what you said pedro and either post again or PM you.

One thing though - you say 'entry point to Carlit' - does that mean I can stay/camp at L'Hospitale and then walk to Carlit? And how would I connect back to Toulouse from Carlit?

Alternatively - and this might be a good idea - I'll research the GR11. I don't have any books on it, only for the HRP and the large "Pyrenees" book by Kev Reynolds.

The GR11 might also be more attractive than the HRP, in Andorra?

Oh yeah - and what is this word "L'Hospitale"?! - I can't find a translation, there are lots of L'Hospitales, and its confusing because it looks like "hospital"!

www.jameslomax.com

L'Hospitalet has a 'T' on the end. Consider the translation as  'hospitable' rather than hospital ie a traveller's refeshment stop.  The one I am  referring to is at the start of section 5 of TJ's book.

Carlit is a large flat Massif.   L'Hospitalet is on the west edge. Go east, nort h and west ( roughly) will bring you back onto the main route just sot to Toulouse having been through the main part of the Carlits. Alternately follow the HRP and divert at the end of TJ's day 36 to Mont Louis. From there, catch the little  'yellow train' to Latour de Carol  which is on the train line which is just south of L'Hospitalet.

The GR11 through Andorra is not  worth writing home about. A lot of ups and downs and not much wild country. Improves after Encamp though.

Yes, a map would be useful. Fora start however, Google map will give a good idea of layout.

If you mean l'Hospitalet-pres-l'Andorre then dont translate it, Google it, its a village!!!