UKC

Hi all heading out to the Pyrenees, as the title suggests, Lourdes area. Anybody with knowledge of climbing within an hour or so drive. Thanks in advance

In reply to upontop: Almost get to Gavarnie from there in an hour.

In reply to upontop:


There's good sport-climbing right in the town, near to the Pic de Ger funicular ( limestone).

The valley up to Gavarnie has a good number of sport-climbing sites. It's a bit early for Pont d'Espagne ( near Cauterets); this site has intersting and varied climbing on granite. Bit of an under-statement, there must be between 4/5 metres of snow at present !

The first stage of the Cirque de Gavarnie has long multi-pitch routes with some equipment in place. The Castagné-Vergez probably represents the best on offer 5b/ TD. Not before late Spring though !

Higher up, near the Sarradets refuge, there is some fantastic sport-climbing on the S Face of the Pic de Sarradets, routes to nearly 200m on schistes.Here we're at 2500m so not until late Spring !

In reply to upontop: Might have been a good idea to say getting there mid may

In reply to upontop: Thanks for the informed replies so far

In reply to upontop:

It would kinda help !

There's some interesting bolted-routes right under the famous Pont Napoloeon at Luz St Sauveur. Ideal on a really hot afternoon. If you're brave you can even take a dip in the Gave !

In reply to upontop:

There's a fairly decent limestone crag called Trassouet or Trassaouet at Sainte-Marie de Campan (south of Bagneres-de-Bigorre). Some topos here: http://tba44.free.fr/PUBLIC/ESCALADE/TOPOS/PYRENEES/TOPO-Campan-Trassouet/

Some more info on grags in the area (in French) here: http://www.pyrenees-pireneus.com/Montagne/Escalade/France/Hautes-Pyrenees/E...