Solo Hiking And Camping In The Pyrenees - Brecha De Rolando

00:00 Bujaruelo to Puerto de Bujaruelo
02:31 Puerto de Bujaruelo to Pic Entre les Ports
04:20 Pic Entre les Ports to Brecha de Rolando

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This two-day hike from Bujaruelo (at 1338m) to the Brecha de Rolando (at 2805m) took me through Ordesa National Park on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees and Le Parc National des Pyrénées on the French side. The Brecha de Rolando, or Brèche de Roland in French, is an enormous gap - a glacial breach - in the ridge that marks the Spain-France border. It is 40m wide with 100m cliffs on each side and views across the Pyrenees on both sides. It is a jaw dropping place with griffon vultures circling around the sheer rock walls.

You could reach it in a day from Bujaruelo but I chose to "take it easy" by wild camping on the summit of Pic Entre les Ports at 2475m. The route passes magnificent scenery starting in the valley where there are native woodlands and meadows full of butterflies. Just below the Brecha de Rolando I passed the Refuge des Sarradets where I had a cold beer on the descent. It's a great spot to view the Cirque de Gavarnie and its namesake waterfall - the tallest in France - that drops 422m.

All in all, this was a great short hike. I had hoped to reach the summit of El Taillon, a 3144m peak but I didn't have my crampons and ice axe with me and beyond the Brecha de Rolando it was pretty iced up, so I thought better of it. Next time!

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Remember that hiking and mountain climbing can be dangerous. The videos on my channel are for entertainment only (other than where specified). Always prepare well and be willing to abandon a trip if it becomes dangerous due to weather or unexpected trail conditions. If you are new to hiking and the great outdoors it's always a good idea to go with a guide or a more experienced companion.

And remember - give the wildlife some space, leave no trace, go quietly and enjoy it out there!

A word on drones - I know how annoying it is to hear a drone whizzing about when you are trying to enjoy the peace and solitude of wild places. I'm also aware of the potential to disturb wildlife with them. I always avoid flying the drone when there are other hikers around. It's one of the reasons I tend to hike at less popular times of day and in mid-week and I avoid using the drone if I do see others nearby. I never fly a drone towards wildlife or where birds are likely to be nesting.

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