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.

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

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).

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.

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

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

The Glacier de Taillon – looking a lot smaller than it does on my nine-year-old map. When will an American President sign up to Kyoto?

The amazing view towards Gavarnie. Shame about the haze.

This is the Refuge des Sarradets with a view of the Breche behind. It seemed half of France and Spain had decided to go there that day.

This is the glacier in front of the Breche. Despite appearances there is a safe path across the glacier. 

What are those sheep eating? Snow perhaps?

A final view of the Breche de Roland as the weather improved. Look closely and you can see people hiking across the glacier. Not a difficult hike but dangerous when the (frequent) fogs arrive within minutes.