The HRP / GR11 blog series
Arrival in Gavarnie
Total miles walked: 32.4
HRP stage: 16
Location: Gave de Gavarnie – a clearing in the woods beneath the famous cirque
Today has been a much easier day on the trail. I woke up and immediately made up my mind not to climb Vignemale, despite the continuing excellent weather – I have concerns about the glacier, and it’s a serious mountain to take on so early in the trail. Plus there was Gandalf’s warning to consider.
Instead, I resumed my descent of the GR10 to arrive in Gavarnie, which is a superb little town with all the amenities a hiker could need. I stocked up on food (five mountain saucisson for 10 Euros – bargain!) and followed the queue of hikers making their way to the Cirque de Gavarnie, a stunning rock amphitheatre ringed with several 3,000m peaks. There is also a huge waterfall (the Grand Cascade) which is several hundred metres high.
After 19.00, I found a pleasant spot to camp near the river. The only problem with this pitch is that dozens of flies keep invading my tarp. I’ve taken shelter inside my bivvy bag.
Tomorrow I intend to climb the mountain of Pimene and bivouac near the col before continuing towards Parzan and Bielsa, my next resupply point.
