Hi! I'm Gareth, a fully qualified International Mountain Leader with a background in translation and language teaching (Spanish and English). I have spent my life exploring the mountains of Europe, Africa, Asia and South America on foot and by bike and now I take people on mountain treks in both summer and winter.
Originally from the UK, I am now settled at the foot of the Central Pyrenees in Geu, a small Pyrenean village near to Argelès-Gazost. I have also had the good fortune to have lived for long periods in Northern Spain, the Highlands of Scotland and central France.
Today I specialise in the valleys and mountains near to where I currently live : Near to Argelès-Gazost, Hautacam, Gavarnie, Cauterets, Pont d'Espagne, Val d'Azun, Néouvielle, Barèges, Mont Perdu, Ordesa, etc...
I love to share my experiences with others and can help you learn more about geology, wildlife, language, local customs and history.
I take clients who contact me directly, as well as working in collaboration with local trekking companies. When not guiding you can often find me roaming the mountains in search of new ideas and challenges, or cycling up the many cols surrounding Argelès-Gazost.
The Gavarnie Valley is famous for its vertical wall (the cirque of Gavarnie) that is more than 1500m high, and one of the highest waterfalls in Europe. Belonging to the Pyrenees - Mont Perdu UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cirque of Gavarnie and its neighbours (the cirques of Troumouse and Estaubé) provide an exceptional playground for marmots, isards and hikers in search of exploration and wonder - in summer as well as winter.
Wearing snowshoes or hiking shoes, I will guide you around the different parts of the valley to discover this amazing Pyrenean location away from the classic and well-trodden trails.
The valleys of Luz and Barèges give access to spectacular massifs dotted with lakes and steep paths, and lead us up to spectacular views of the Pyrenees and the northern plains. Lake lovers in particular will be amazed by the valleys of Aygues Cluses and Glère, leading us to into the incredible National Nature Reserve of Neouvielle.
In the valley of Luz, the Ardiden massif and its many summits offers superb hiking and snowshoeing in a unique wild, rocky environment. The views of the different Pyrenean valleys are breathtaking.
The hiking choices are unlimited and good for all levels. Allow me to lead you to the one that suits you best!
Lakes with emerald blue, tumultuous waterfalls, green or snowy plateaus (depending on the season), criss-crossed with streams sparkling in the sun... the Valley of Cauterets is full of wonders that could easily make us feel like we are in Canada.
Above the Pont d'Espagne (one of the most emblematic locations in Occitanie) we can find an exceptional variety of hikes in all seasons. The north face of Vignemale (the highest peak in the French Pyrenees), and the Gaube Lake and its turquoise reflections are the stars of the valley.
The varied and off-the-beaten-track itineraries that I will show you will allow you to contemplate these landscapes from every angle!
The Val d'Azun, located on the border between the Hautes Pyrénées and the Pyrénées Atlantiques is still wild and preserved from the strong tourist influx that is present in some of the neighbouring valleys during the peak season.
Dominated by the imposing Balaïtous, the first peak above 3000m when arriving from the West, the Val d'Azun guarantees peace and a reconnection with nature during your stay in the Pyrenees.
The walking and snowshoeing routes are numerous and varied, and I will be happy to help you discover them!
As you pass the first massifs of the Pyrenean range, you enter the Valley of Argelès Gazost. Located at the confluence of the several important valleys, Argelès-Gazost is the perfect base camp for further exploration.
You can easily get to the some of the most visited places in Occitanie (Pont d'Espagne, Pic du Midi de Bigorre, Cirque de Gavarnie, Lourdes), but Argelès-Gazost has much more to offer as well as that. The Hautacam massif and the Pibeste-Aoulhet Nature Reserve overlooking this valley provide spectacular hikes that I will help you discover with great pleasure!
