The Spanish Pyrenees are the least visited part of the dramatic Pyrenean Mountains, guarding the border between France and Spain. The whole region is immensely beautiful - thickly forested foothills, secret plunging valleys and soaring snow capped mountains make for some of the best mountain driving in Europe. Home to Western Europe's last bears and wolves, it is a forgotten area of Spain - villages still speak their own dialects, an ancient mixture of Spanish and Catalan. We spend our days driving from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean through some of the best scenery the Pyrenees offers, with the high peaks still mantled in snow. The forest tracks make for challenging driving on steep climbs and tight hairpins bends as we use forgotten smugglers trails that cross the border between France and Spain. We climb into the High Pyrenees, twisting through steep gorges carved by torrential, snow fed steams as they rush south to the Spanish Plains, leaving us behind in the remote, peaceful valleys of Anso and Hecho. We skirt the Odessa National Park, home to lammergeiers and bears, before climbing to over 2500 metres, into the high peaks around the landlocked principality of Andorra. Finally, with the ocean in sight we drop down the rolling Pyrenees Oriental ready to dip our feet into the sea at Cap de Creus.
If you are coming to Spain for the first time, this expedition will show you a side of Spain far from any preconceptions you may have - a wild, remote and timeless Spain. The relaxed and slow pace of this popular expedition, with plenty of time to stop and explore, is ideal for those who are travelling on expedition for the first time or with young families. You'll stay in good quality organised campsites with clean modern facilities, often with restaurants, bars and play areas. All your ferry costs are included and there will be a maximum of 6 vehicles - perfect for a relaxing, stress free holiday.
I would like to say what a pleasure it was to meet you and have the opportunity to spend some time getting to know you. As I get back to my reality and settle back at work I find myself reflecting on our travels - I realise what we did was something that is so far removed from the way I have been brought up and what I do day to day travelling on the train to London to work each day - camping and our travels gave me so much freedom not only to explore mountains and enjoy the beauty around us but freedom from the chaos, stress and rush of mine and my family's daily lives. Whilst I have to admit I was a reluctant camper at first, and it was at times hard work ( sorry I forgot it was an expedition, not holiday!) it really was a special memorable trip that was different from anything I have ever done before. It was fabulous to meet people with such different backgrounds and careers - an explosives expert - really?? - and yet find things in common even when religion, and politics were banned! The kids had a ball too - great to see them all bond so well together - how many games of Uno can you have in 2 weeks? Paul, you were amazing - your calmness, humour and quick thinking made it all seem very easy - I know that's not the case and I am in awe of the passion and energy you display. Thank you for your patience and support throughout.
Just to say a big thank you for the Pyrenees trip. It was a really well structured & carefully planned route that revealed new landscapes and gave us a taste of the different cultures throughout the journey. The pace was just right and it felt like more like a holiday than a military campaign. We all thoroughly enjoyed it & are looking forward to planning for the next one.
A few words of thanks to you, Paul, for a truly excellent expedition through the Pyrenees this Summer. Your professionalism, friendliness, enthusiasm and attention to detail was matched by the experience and amazing scenery throughout the journey. The dip in the 'Med' was a fitting end to the trip and a chance to say goodbye to a great group of fellow travellers.
Many thanks, Dave and Vicki August 2011.
Just a quick note to say a big THANK YOU for a fantastic 12 day trip over the Pyrenees. Both Ellie and I enjoyed every minute (except for the time we had to leave the lovely Med behind and go home).The trip was everything I expected and the people we were with were all very nice.
As I hope we expressed during our trip both Rhian and I really did enjoy our time with you and the group. It was well matched and the experience exceeded our expectations. I was a little concerned when members of the team discussed all the spares they were carrying but fortunately I did not need to dip into my meagre stock !
Your enthusiasm and personality played a huge part and we enjoyed being along for the experience.
Thanks for a really super trip. I rate the trip as one of my top holidays. It has left me with a desire to see more of the Pyrenees.
I'm not sure that there was one particular highlight, but the Alpine meadow has to be one, the Army training area another, although in the photos the steepness is lost. Whizzing down one of the mountain tracks following Charlotte and yourself on one occasion, and Bill on another were great fun. The storm at Lles de Cerdanya, the double rainbow and the light show on the Sierra del Cadi afterwards was another special event.
Thanks, my very best wishes
Hi Paul and Anne,
Thank you for an "awesome" holiday ( Connors` choice of word!) The two weeks were excellent fun, fantastic scenery and made even better by a great crowd of people. The kids both enjoyed it more than we thought they would. The only problem is now that we cannot wait to start planning the next adventure. You organised everything so well and your enthusiasm and joy of travelling was contagious. Thank you again for a memory making holiday and we will see you soon on another trip, unless we are on the blacklist!!
Yours ( feeling really pissed off about being at work and being at home and not being able to come to Morocco in September and hating living in a house not a tent...)
Carol, Kevin , Connor ( better known as Cub) and Shannon.
Hi Paul , I would just like to say a huge thankyou for your hospitality on your Pyrenees explorer. I think I can speak for both me and John when I say we had a truly awesome experience.
Also, I have written an article about the trip and have forwarded it to Total Off Road. Emily has got back to me and said that they hope to run it in the future.
Anyway, many thanks again, I look forward to travelling with you again soon
Dear Paul - just to let you know we have just returned to Cumbria after a wonderful trip, very good itinerary and lovely people, thoroughly enjoyed ourselves - thank you for making it such a good trip.
Hi Paul,
Our tour with you was just terrific and exceeded our expectations. The choice of tracks and driving was just right with an excellent mix of terrain and difficulty. The campsites where also perfect. One of the best adventures we have had.