How I’m Preparing To Hike The French Pyrénées…As A Beginner
In early July, I’ll be heading to the Occitanie region, drawn by the stunning mountain scenery and the opportunity to explore the great outdoors. Despite not being an experienced hiker, I’m determined to make the most of this adventure. To see these breathtaking vistas, I know I need to prepare and get fit, and I want to share my journey with you. This post is all about how I’m preparing to hike the French Pyrénées as a beginner hiker.
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Table of contents
1. Why Head To The French Pyrénées Mountains?
The Pyrénées form a natural border between France and Spain (and Andorra), stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. What makes this mountain range so special? The scenery is absolutely stunning!
(a) Eastern Pyrénées
Orientales and Ariège departments. Certainly one of the highlights was seeing the mountains while riding the Little Yellow Train (Le Petit Train Jaune).
After seeing photos of the central Pyrenees with their pristine lakes, I knew I had to visit. [The Western Pyrenees and Basque mountains will have to wait for another trip!]
(b) Central Pyrénées
Click on the map or on this link and you’ll be directed to a Google Map indicating all the places in this post.
For my upcoming trip, I’ll be in the central Pyrénées, southwest of Toulouse and south of Lourdes. My friend and I will stay in Cauterets and Luz-Saint-Sauveur, both in the Hautes-Pyrénées department. This region boasts the highest peaks and the Parc National des Pyrénées, which features 350 kilometers of marked trails and 300 lakes.
If you’re interested in staying in Cauterets or Luz-Saint-Sauveur to do some hiking (or just to visit) check out some of the accommodation opportunities here:
-Cauterets: places to stay
-Luz-Saint-Sauveur: places to stay
2. How I’m Preparing To Hike The French Pyrenees
If you read an earlier post, you know I am not an experienced hiker (the post is called “Hiking In The French Alps: What You Need To Know”) and I did two hikes-one was great and one was really tough/terrifying. I’ve learned from this experience and feel better prepared for my hiking journey this time.
3. Getting (More) Fit To Hike
I’ve been running for the past 34 years but it was only 9 months ago that I hired a running coach. I wanted to get stronger and faster. I have realized that the strength training exercises that I now do twice a week have greatly improved my mobility, core, and lower body strength. Without a doubt this will pay off when I’m hiking.
(a) Endurance
While you don’t need to run long distances like I do, building endurance is crucial. It’s best to avoid tackling a long hike on your first day if it’s your first hike ever. Don’t forget, you’ll be going up and down. Do it gradually. They say for runners, don’t add more than 10% to your distance each week.
(b) Core And Lower Body Strength Training
Building strength in your core and lower body increases power and endurance, enabling you to tackle longer and harder hikes while reducing the risk of injury.
I do 35-minute sessions twice a week focusing on strengthening my core, hamstrings, quadriceps, adductors, glutes, hip flexors, ankles, calves, and feet. These exercises have improved my balance, hip mobility, flexibility, and knee stability.
For specific exercises, search YouTube for:
- Squats (front, single-leg, jump)
- Lunges (forward, backward, and side)
- Standing hurdles
- Hip hinges and thrusts
- Plants (front and side)
- Walking bridge
- Sidestep with band
- Lateral side step-ups
- Calf Raises
- Hip hikes
4. Joined A Hiking Group
Back in April, I joined the Bruce Trail Conservatory. This is a volunteer-based, charitable organization that has over 1,300 km of trails in the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario, Canada.
I joined not just so that I could take part in organized hikes, but because one of the club sections organized a Hiking 101 program: 3 sessions where we learned more about hiking and together did a 2 hours hike in the Niagara region of Ontario. I loved trekking with like-minded people and learning about hiking terminology, etiquette, safety, and packing essentials.
5. Choose the Right Apparel and Accessories
[If you’d like me to show my complete packing list, let me know. For now, I just want to give you an overview the most important items that I’m bringing].
(a) Clothing Essentials
I’m packing clothes made with moisture-wicking properties and will be dressing in layers to reduce the amount of clothes I need to bring.
- My shorts and hiking pants are all light, stretchy, water-resistant and breathable.
- Besides bringing short-sleeved shirts, I’ll also have a UV-protective long-sleeved shirt.
- Covering one’s legs and arms can help with sun protection and being scratched if you walk through woodlands with a lot of brush. The most important reason, however, it protecting oneself from ticks and poison ivy.
(b) Footwear
In the past I have worn running shoes or trail running shoes. They were fine for most of my hikes; however, neither provided ankle support, so I purchased the very popular Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots by Merrell. Whatever you decide to wear, be sure they are comfortable and provide traction and support.
(c) Trekking Poles And Packing Dilemma
Trekking Poles
When I hiked in the French Alps a few years ago, I did one trek without poles and one trek borrowed poles. The difference was noticeable. Hiking poles help protect your knees and provide additional balance going up and down and they can be a godsend when the terrain is rocky or slippery
So I have finally purchased my own pair: Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles. They are adjustable to one’s height, lightweight (shaft is aluminum), and are easy to set up and collapse with a flick lock system. Aluminum is plenty light and they’re cheaper than carbon fibre. These were more expensive than some others but solved my problem with packing.
Packing Dilemma
You are not allowed to bring trekking poles in a carry-on so I have to check this suitcase. I needed poles that would fold up and fit in my suitcase. I only have a carry-on size. It was either buy cheaper, longer poles AND purchase a new (bigger) suitcase, or stay with my own smaller suitcase and just get the more expensive, folding trekking poles. This is what I did.
(c) Backpack
Due to some shoulder and neck pain, my physiotherapist recommended that I get a backpack that has hip belt as it transfers weight to your hips rather than to your shoulders.
Mine is an Osprey Tempest 20 Daypack and I got the women’s-specific design (we have shorter torsos) with a ventilated back panel. There are plenty of pockets and will also hold my water bladder, LifeStraw bottle, trekking poles, and more.
(d) Sun And Bug Protection
When heading out on a hike, I’ll be slathering on the sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and a hat with a brim (the iconic Tilley hat) to protect my eyes and skin from UV damage and the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, I’ll be applying insect repellent and carrying it with me to reapply as needed. This is crucial to avoid mosquito and tick bites, especially when entering heavily bug-infested areas.
6. Ensuring Safety
In addition to bringing along a first aid kit and cellphone, I do recommend you bring along a whistle. Sometimes they are included or part of your knapsack. My Nathan running vest has one built into one of the pockets.
(a) First Aid Kit
While not typical first aid items, facial tissues or toilet paper can be very handy. Here’s what to include in your first aid kit:
- Bandaids
- Sterile gauze pads
- Tensor bandage
- Moleskin
- SteriStrips (for lacerations)
- Antiseptic ointment
- Pain relievers (ASA, ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Antihistamine or allergy meds
- Imodium
- Personal medications
- Hand sanitizer
(b) Staying Connected
In addition to bringing a fully-charge cellphone (with an ge SIM card), I’ll be bringing an external battery. I don’t know what the reception will be like, however, we’ll likely bring a paper copy and use and download an off-line map from an app like AllTrails.
Regardless whether I’m hiking or just heading out for the day, I always leave a note in my accommodation indicating what my itinerary is for the day. I also leave a note listing (in English and French) who to contact in case of an emergency.
7. Food And Water
(a) Nourishment
For every outing, I’ll be bringing along trail mix, granola bars, and other snacks to keep my energy up, as hiking can burn a lot of calories in just a few hours. Remember, carrying a pack and navigating varying distances and elevations can significantly increase your calorie burn. You’ll need that fuel to keep going.
However, staying hydrated is even more crucial. It’s recommended to drink 0.5 to 1 litre of water for every hour of hiking. Given the heat, sun, and humidity, you may need even more. Exercise and sweating cause us to lose electrolytes, so it’s important to replenish them with a powdered drink (like Gatorade) or tablets (I use Nuun).
(b) Water Bladder
I have a water bladder that came with my running vest and it will be perfect for my hikes. It holds 1.6 litres of water and I’ll put it in my Osprey knapsack.
(c) LifeStraw Go Series Purifier Water Bottle
As a former Girl Guide, I follow the motto, “Be Prepared”, so I’m also going to bring a water purifier and BPA-free bottle……just in case. It’s the LifeStraw Go Series Purifier Water Bottle and it has a 2-stage filter that “filters out contaminants: the membrane microfilter protects against bacteria (including E.coli + Salmonella), parasites (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), microplastics, sand, dirt, and cloudiness.”
There are other places in France where I’ve also hiked (or done countryside walks). Check out these locations:
- Near Cassis: Les Calanques
- Near Cassis: Walking Routes With Great Photo Ops
- Near Bonnieux: La Forêt des Cèdres
- French Alps: Refuge du Nant du Beurre and at Plan de l’Aiguille to Chamonix
- Near Roussillon in the Luberon: Colorado Provencal
- Pont du Gard: Hiking Around The Aqueduct
- Fontroide Abbey Near Narbonne: Hiking Routes
Are you a beginner hiker? I hope this post has provided some inspiration and will help you in preparing to hike the French Pyrenees for the first time. If I can do it, you can too! If you’ve you already been, please share your experiences and preparation tips
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