JEREMY TAYLOR: WRITER - TEACHER - JUGGLER

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Breche de Roland (Part 1 of 2)
 
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The Breche de Roland is an amazing piece of geology - and it stands right behind another amazing piece of geology - the Cirque de Gavarnie. It is possible to hike from Gavarnie up to the Breche de Roland, though most people choose the easier option of hiking across to the Breche de Roland from the Porte de Boucharo. The first picture shows the stunning view that you get just after passing the Glacier de Taillon. On the left you can see the top of the waterfall of the Cirque de Gavarnie. On the right, the Breche de Roland, an incredible gap in a tall ridge of rock. This should not be confused with the Breche de Ronaldo, an incredible gap between the incisors of a talented Brazilian football player.
above gavarnie
col de tentes
The easier trail is now a little bit harder as poor drivers have to leave their cars at Le Col de Tentes, about a kilometre from the Porte de Boucharo. Here you can see the reason why.

 
Especieres
A slightly hazy view of the Vallée des Especières with a view back down towards Gavarnie.

 
Porte de Boucharo
Once the Porte de Boucharo has been reached, the trail starts. Amazing views to the North (of Le Taillon and other mountains that form the natural border between France and Spain) and to the South (with the Pic de Tentes and zillions of other peaks).

 
Easy trail
No worries about losing this trail. It is common to hear marmots whistling to warn other marmots of your arrival. I was about to shoot one - with his camera - when a group of Spanish tourists arrived with their dog. After a brief conversation, the marmots had disappeared.

 
Hike up a river
The only slightly difficult part of the route, following the path of the river up between the boulders. This section is more exciting in Spring when there's a lot more water coming from the melting glaciers above.

 
chains on rocks
There are chains fixed to the rocks to help you up - or at least to stop you slipping on the wet rocks.

 

 

Want to see more? Click on Breche de Roland Part 2