The journey began with excitement and anticipation of what lay ahead. As the train sped from Toulouse to Pau, the peaks of the Pyrenees came into view. The mountains seemed to be calling and we were ready to answer.
Pau, a charming town in the foothills of the Pyrenees, was our meeting place for this adventure. The night before the hike, we gathered for our Welcome Dinner, excitedly chatting about the week ahead. We discussed logistics, checked our gear, finalized our packs and felt that mix of nerves and anticipation that always comes before a big adventure.
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we set off. Backpacks sorted, hiking gear on and nervous smiles all round. Our local French guide greeted us warmly and drove us to the trailhead. On the way, we stopped at the local bakery, to collect our freshly made picnic lunches. With everything ready as we locked the van, snapped a group photo, and began our journey into the mountains.
Our CREW of seven women had trained for this moment, although nothing we had trained for this moment, nothing could completely prepare us for the week ahead. We covered more than 120 kilometres, with a cumulative elevation gain of 9,000 metres and an equal descent. The terrain was rugged and beautiful. We navigated scree slopes, waterfalls, dense and misty forests, open fields dotted with sheep, goats, cows, and small mountain farms.
It was tough going at times, and that’s where the teamwork shone through. We encouraged one another, shared snacks and stories and found laughter even on the hardest climbs. Each day brought new scenery and a new rhythm. We stopped for lunch in spots that took our breath away and captured photos that can never really do the views justice.
At the end of the day, we would reach a new mountain hut – tired, proud and happy. We were greeted with drinks, a cool refreshment on warm days, or a steaming bowl of hot chocolate or coffee to warm us up.
Taking off our packs brought instant relief and was always accompanied by laughter and the comment “that was a hard day”. Beds were set up, showers taken and dinner shared around long tables. Those on the top bunks mastered the climb, even during the inevitable middle of the night bathroom trip. After a day on the trail, the simple pleasures of food, warmth and friendship felt like luxury.
The Pyrenees offered a mix of beauty, challenge and history. Along the way, we met hikers from around the world and shared stories that crossed languages and cultures. One of the most meaningful sections of our journey followed a World War II escape route once used by downed pilots to make their way over the Alps from France into Spain. Walking that same ground was humbling.
Our chosen trail, the Sentille de Camille, named after a bear, was both demanding and rewarding. Each day tested our strength and spirit and each step brought us closer as a team. We faced the challenges with humour and determination and by the end, we had not only climbed the mountains, but discovered more about ourselves too.
After a week in the mountains, we finally reached the end of the trail. Our van was waiting and the feeling was pure relief and joy. We climbed in, smiling and cheering and headed straight to the French bakery to celebrate with delicious pastries – a reward that was even sweeter after ALL those climbs. Back in Pau, our luxurious hotel felt like heaven. We raised a glass to our guide, thanking him for his unwavering support, and to one another and perhaps even a small victory dance in our hiking boots too!
The next day was a well deserved recovery day. We spent the morning relaxing at a health spa, soaking in saunas, enjoying massages and indulging in a gourmet buffet breakfast. Later, we wandered through the town, reflecting on how far we’d come. Our adventure culminated with our traditional Celebration and Awards Dinner at the hotel restaurant, where we toasted to our incredible journey and reflected on the experience and the friendships we had forged.
The Pyrenees called and we answered with courage and determination. The mountains tested us, taught us and rewarded us in equal measure. It was more than kilometres covered or metres climbed. It was about teamwork, shared strength and the quiet satisfaction that comes from doing something you once wondered if you could.
We came home stronger, wiser and ready for whatever comes next. That’s what Women’s Fitness Adventures is all about – to teach, to train, to take the adventure that changes you.
Au revoir, France. Adios, Spain. And congratulations to our incredible crew for answering the call!
