Chemin de la liberté, The Freedom Trail, Pyrenees trek

Just spent an incredible few days in China hosted by the Chinese Mountaineering Association seeing an amazing project develop that combines promoting climbing tourism, sport and poverty alleviation. It involves many schools, a town dedicated to rock climbing and 500+ routes developed with more to come. Looking forward to going back! If you are interested to find out more contact me on anne@freedomtrailtreks.com  I have many better images and am looking to place a travel magazine article.

A beautiful area heavily affected by the earthquake in Nepal in 2015. I spent 6 days trekking there following the UIAA Management Committee meeting in Kathmandu with Steve and Anita Long. We plan to offer this trek and Annapurna sanctuary in 2019.  Highlights Rhododendrons Seeking the rare red panda - we saw it's foot prints in the snow  Being able to contribute to some of the Lodge businesses that were affected by the earth quake where aid had not always reached on time or at all Seeing a black mountain fox and several eagles Crossing the stunning Laurebina pass 4600m in windy but sunny conditions Itinerary Day 1 Arrived mid afternoon at Chispani after a 4x4 ride to the lodge and entering the national park Day 2 Chisipani – Kutumsang 2470m) 18km Day 3 Kutumsang – Tharepati (3640m) Day 4 Tharepati - Gopte (short day) Day 5 Gopte - Phedi (short day)  Day 6 Phedi - Laurebina Lodge via Gosaikunda lakes (4600m pass) Day 7  Laurebina Lodge - Dunche www.freedom

Snowshoeing trips  are a magical way to experience the winter wonderland! Whether you are a couple or more we can provide a fantastic day out around Ax les Thermes or in Andorra providing snowshoes and poles for up to six people. We move to find the best conditions depending on the snow level and weather. Explore with a qualified International Mountain Leader. The whole family can enjoy a fun day out on snowshoes! We run half day adventures (3 hrs) or full days trips. Snowshoes, poles and sledges are provided! Here's what our latest guests Alex and Chelsea had to say: "Thanks so much for a wonderful weekend. We had a great time!"  Not always sunny but it didn't stop us having fun. Dates available in March and April 2018. Join us for 75€/day for 2 people including snowshoes and poles. We can also provide apartment accommodation at www.chezarran.com  It's easy to book so just call us on 07951058053 or email at anne@chezarran.com or anne@freedomtrail

We are making some short videos about our treks for this year. Please do contact us if you are interested in this spectacular coastal trail crossing the pyrenees on the east coast to follow in the footsteps of Walter Benjamin and other escapees. If you are a group and would like different dates, please do ask! Coastal Freedom Trail dates for 2018 are: 15/04/2018 - 20/04/2018 Spaces Available £ 775.00 N/A RESERVE 10/06/2018 - 15/06/2018 Spaces Available £ 775.00 N/A RESERVE 13/10/2018 - 18/10/2018 Spaces Available £ 775.00 N/A

The Coastal Freedom Trail July 2017 - Walter Benjamin route  16.7 Day 1 Perpignan & Museum de Riversautes concentration camp Perpignan was in touching distance of freedom and was one of the final stepping stones leading to Spain and ultimately the free world beyond. Canet la Plage 12km east of Perpignan was particularly important for the evasion network where some escapees were taken away by British ships and submarines that would wait off the beach at Canet. After airport pick up post flight delay we made a poignant visit to Riversautes an internment camp that was home to over 2,000 Jews until 1942 when they were deported to Auschwitz. We then travelled to the beautiful, coulousful coastal town Collioure.  17.7 Day 2 Walk Collioure to Banyuls sur la Mer via Cap de Bear via Port – Vendres  (17.5km + 231m or +700m) 5+hrs We begin walking to Port-Vendres where Jewish philosopher Walter Benjamin began his escape journey after arriving by train from Marseille. L

The Freedom Trail - July 2017 We were joined by an enthusiastic bunch of trekkers, may with their own strong personal reason for following in the footsteps of heroic passeurs and escapees who fled from France to Spain in WW2. We ground operated the route for Discover Adventure and had the pleasure of walking with Steve Gray. Here are a few pictures from the route, all copy right Anne Arran or Joao Simoes