Pyrenees in March

James Lomax

01/02/2012 at 10:51

I have a chance to get away for 10 days or so in mid March but don't know if its feasible. By feasible I mean reasonable spring conditions rather than snow, rain, and ice. The plan is not to go up high, which I know will involve lots of snow and ice, but to stay in a valley camp site and do some modest day walking, maybe with low level wild camping if I find snow free areas.

Was thinking of Benasque perhaps, or similar, though I know finding an open camp site might also be an issue.

Anyone know if this is a reasonable idea or could it easily be wintry and semi arctic, even in the valleys? I want blue skies as well, not grey skies and/or rain.

Basically, I don't know what March in the Pyrenees is like.

www.jameslomax.com

ed h

01/02/2012 at 14:15

Wintery normally. I've encountered unexpected significant snow in late June/July on some passes.

But it depends on the snowpack this season I guess.

Owen Bennett

01/02/2012 at 17:36

Try Mallorca Gr221 instead will be warmer

James Lomax

01/02/2012 at 19:50

Yes I might consider that. I can't find any trip reports for this idea, and after this cold spell in Blighty a bit of moderate warmth gets even more important.

Its an odd time this late aut/winter/early spring - unless you go long haul to somewhere exotic/expensive its very limited what you can do.

www.jameslomax.com

ed h

01/02/2012 at 21:17

Mallorca is great; I don't know about the GR221 but there is lots to go at there.

As per your other thread the Pindus will be in winter conditions too - I've been looking at that area for a trip this summer.