HRP Pocket Guide Rev 1

Well it’s taken me a time to finally get around to it but the first revision of the original HRP Pocket Guide is now complete. Nothing significant has changed but I did find a few minor errors/ typo’s & thanks to some feedback I’ve clarified some of the description.
Another variation has been included; a rough stage across the barren karst landscape from Source de Marmitou to Col de Pau, 2.15 Var. This variation bypasses Lescun hence additional supplies would be needed to be carried from Les Aldudes to gain Candanchu.
The Word, GPX & kml files are stored within a Google Drive folder found HERE.

I’ve been asked a few times what would be my ideal HRP route; well that’s a difficult one with any of the routes/ variations having their advantages/ disadvantages & individuals will have different objectives e.g. fastest, easiest, toughest, most scenic, ascend peaks, avoiding staffed Refuges, use Refuges, etc. For me the ideal route would be as follows:
Section 1: I’d use the variation bypassing La Rhune, 1.3 Var, I find the primary route an mundane deviation; then take bypass of Arizkun, 1.6 Var & 1.7 Var, to resupply at Les Aldudes.
Section 2: Follow the GR12 variation, 2.5 & 2.6 Var, which avoids black top & unnecessary descent. I’d bypass Iranty again using the GR 12 variant, 2.9 Var, to rejoin the primary route on the Millagate Ridge for the ascent of Pic d’Ochy. Then finally the variation bypassing Lescun, 2.15 Var, which provides some specular scenery.
Section 3: The primary route as described, resupply at Candanchu
Section 4: The primary route via Refuge Larribet represents a significant deviation & height loss, hence I’d opt for the variation via Refugio Respomuso, 4.7 Var, then ascent to Port de la Peyre-Saint-Martin to rejoin the primary route over Col de Cambales. Resupply at Gavarnie.
Section 5; The primary route as described, resupplying at Benasque.
Section 6: Only to be used if the weather is really poor, the primary route, Section 5, is far better.
Section 7 & 8: I’d recommend the variation bypassing Salardu via Port Bonaigua, 7.7 Var & 7.8 Var followed by 8.1 Var & 8.2 Var, resupplying at Arinsal.
Section 9 & 10: I like the variation via resupply at Pas de la Casa, 9.6 Var & 9.7 Var, followed by 10.1 Var & 10.2 Var. Resupply at Bolquere.
Section 11: The primary route as described, resupplying at Arles-Sur-Tech.
Section 12: The variation via Roc St Sauveur, 12.2 Var, is recommended since it avoids unnecessary descent.
Section 13: The primary route as described.

Well I hope fellow backpackers enjoy the route & please don’t forget to drop me a line with any corrections/ updates/ suggestions.

Postscript: I’ve gratefully received number of comments/ edits/ suggestions from fellow trekkers though the season & there maybe more to come yet. An update to the West – East & East – West Pocket Guides is in preparation & I anticipate publication by the end of 2019……….so watch this space.