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Wild camping in the Pyrenees?

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TouringHornet
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Joined: 16 Jun 2016
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PostPosted: 10:29 - 22 Feb 2018    Post subject: Wild camping in the Pyrenees? Reply with quote

Hi all,

This years main trip for me is a ferry to Bilbao and i have to make my way home to sunny Wiltshire. I aim to ride the Pyrenees, towards the French alps and then across middle France to a ferry port.

My question is, in late June, what are my chances to a few days wild camping in the Pyrenees? Is it safe, accepted, not illegal, weather generally ok? I'll of course settle late, and likely not even be seen depending on where i am, but its worth asking other experiences. I know up high the temps may drop quite low, but how low?

Possibly bivvi bag type setup. Im used to wild camping though not with my motorbike, and figured this may be a way to 'get out there' a bit and also save a few Euro. Possibly a few nights out as i cross through the Pyrenees and towards France where i'll probably pick up the usual cheap b&b option, depending on weather.

Experiences?
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J4mes
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Joined: 18 Mar 2011
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PostPosted: 11:00 - 22 Feb 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

I camped in the Pyrenees in 2012 while doing a 4x4 trip, it was so fucking cold one night that I slept in the bogs until someone came in and did a massive bbq/beer shit and then I moved back in to my car.

My mate, who could sleep through being gang raped, had to smash the sheets of ice off his tent before he got out in the morning.

This was in August.

Camp as low as possible IMO.
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c_dug
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Joined: 04 Sep 2007
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PostPosted: 11:39 - 22 Feb 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

I did white water rafting in the Pyrenees when I was a teenager.

Our guide pushed me out of the boat when we were in a relatively slow bit of water, then slapped his oar hard onto the water right beside me.

A huge fish popped up and scared the shit out if me.

I have nothing useful to add about motorbikes or camping Thumbs Up
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doggone
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Joined: 20 May 2004
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PostPosted: 12:36 - 22 Feb 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've wild camped there a couple of times.
It won't normally be excessively cold in June.
But without a tent is risky as the area is prone to torrential thunderstorms which spring up in minutes.
It felt a lot like parts of Scotland to me with sheep grazing open grassy areas and there is even some heather. In both cases I got nicely off the road along tracks used to access ski lifts.
One place about 6am a minibus came past full of North African looking lads who jumped out and immediately started painting the chairlifts. Cool
Like here if you arrive late and leave early - and leave no trace you aren't likely to be disturbed or even see anyone.
There are a few places more heavily protected due to vultures and bears, I kid you not. Interdit means best not do it.

If not sure, official campsites are everywhere and not too pricey.
Can be full in August though as the French all go on holiday then.
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raesewell
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Joined: 22 Oct 2012
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PostPosted: 13:03 - 22 Feb 2018    Post subject: Reply with quote

Beware of the Bears and Wolves too.
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