Day 1 - Cerbere to Ax-les-Thermes - 208 km; climbing 3,045 metres

We head out of Cerbere and along the Mediterranean coast to St. Cyprien, then turn inland to the Medieval town of Villefranche, taking in the Col Ternere and the Col St Pierre (really only a couple of bumps in the road), before we start the 30km climb up Mont Louis to the Col de la Perche. There's a long descent to Bourg Madame, next to the Spanish border, before we start the long climb to the Puymorens.  Once you finally reach the top, you know it's downhill all the way to the bustling ski-town of Ax-les-Thermes, where a good dinner and a hot shower will be waiting for you at the Terminus. 

Out of Ax-les-Thermes and along the main road to Tarascon, where we turn West and go over the Col de Port and the Col de Caougnous. We continue down into Massat, along the valley to St. Girons and on up the Col de Portet d'Aspet. Then down past the monument to Fabio Casartelli. Three more modest cols (Col de Buret, Col de Bech and Col des Ares), and then it's downhill all the way into the pretty spa town of Bagneres-de-Luchon. If you want to go shopping, this is a great place to buy souvenirs and prezzies for the family. We stay at the Bellevue, where Dominique makes us very welcome.

We leave Luchon and head straight up the Peyresourde.  This is a short day in terms of mileage, but you have three haut category climbs. After the Peyresourde we head down the mountain and then straight up the Col d'Aspin - the nicest direction to climb it. Down again to St. Marie le Campan and here's the biggie - the 17 km climb to the top of the Tourmalet, which seems to go on forever. Time to stop at the top for a very welcome coffee, and perhaps some chips and then we have the long descent to Luz St Saveur and on to Argeles-Gazost. Here's the descent on video. We stay at the Au Primerose Hotel, where Philippe and his team have a great deal of experience looking after cyclists.

First stop the Soulor and then on up to the Aubisque. This is a fairly long day. Whatever you do, make sure you get your carnet stamped at the café at the top! We include the optional Marie Blanque, as it's a much nicer route than going through Arudy, and not really much harder. Down the mountain and along the valley, getting your carnet stamped again at Tardetts, and then on to the quaint Basque town of St. Jean Pied de Port.  

Last day of this leg now, only 78km to go before you get a day off.  A few fairly minor cols (Col d'Osquich, Col Pinodeita and Col St Ignace) and the mountains are behind us. The route is a little confusing, so you need to keep your wits about you, but before long you'll see the sea. What a welcome sight!

Ride along the coast for a few miles and then you're in Hendaye, where we'll be waiting to buy you a beer on the seafront before we head to our hotel and chill before dinner. You now have a day to rest, recuperate, check your bike and wash your kit, before we cross the border and head back to the Med.

We start promptly at 9.00 am and head out of Irun inland, via the scenic route. We are in Basque country, where the houses are very distinctive with their red timbered gables. Today we climb around 3,800 metres over six cols, starting with the modest Meaka (636 metres) and the Artesiaga (984 metres) and finishing with the Alto Laza (1129 metres). The views are spectacular, the scenery stunning, but don't hang around, you've got a long way to go. You'll notice the buildings change as we ride and by the time we reach Isaba, they've lost the Basque character and they're built from stone. It's a long day, but we'll support you all the way, and when we reach the pretty town of Isaba, you'll certainly be ready to chill and enjoy a good dinner.

We leave the quaint, narrow, cobbled streets of Isaba and head off towards Jaca, travelling through fields of wild flowers on narrow, empty roads. We climb up to a nameless col, marked only by a stone refuge before heading down to the town and then up the main road to Biescas, where we turn East and ride narrow roads up to the Puerto de Cotefablo (1423 metres) and a tunnel, which is thankfully illuminated and very quiet.

We stop tonight in the town of Ainsa, where the staff at the Hotel Dos Rios is waiting to give us all a warm welcome. We can walk up to the old town and enjoy a beer in the historic square before returning to the hotel for dinner. The rooms are airconditioned and the paella is to die for.

Out of Ainsa, straight up the main road to the Collado de Foradada (1,020 metres), a long and undulating climb, much harder than it looks. At last, after 19 km you reach the col, where there's a sculpture by Irishman, Frank Norton.

You will hardly see another vehicle on the wide, well-paved N-260; then it gradually narrows through a stunning gorge, before we head up the mountain again to the Coll de Fadas (1470 metres), followed by the Coll de Espina (1407 metres) and then on to Viu (1325 metres). Over the Puerto de Perves (1350 metres) and down to the town of Pobla de Segur, where we cross the river and head along the valley to Sort.

Today's the big one from the point of altitude. We head out of Sort and climb steadily up to the Port de Canto (1725 metres). The road is very open and you can see endles mountain ranges. A couple of small villages, and then we have the long, fast descent to Adrall. Along the valley and then East across the river and up to the Coll de Jou (1480 metres).

From the top of the mountain you look down on an amazing lake shaped roughly like a trefoil - it's very inviting! Descend down to Saint Llorenc de Morunys, where you cross that same lake and then on to Berga and Ripoll, where we spend the night.  

An easier day today, just a couple of modest cols and then we're in Olot, where you have to keep your wits about you to avoid getting lost. This is wine country and you'll cycle past endless vineyards, not to mention fields of sunflowers. We head East across country to Ventallo, then turn North and run parallel to the coast. Now back on the main road for a while and we're at Llança and you can see the ocean! You'll soon be dipping your toes in the Med and drinking a cold beer.

The road along the coast is a little undulating but soon you're in Cerbere. Phew, you've done it! You've completed an entire circumnavigation of the Pyrenees. How many people do you know who can say that? You probably never want to sit on your bike again, but you'll get over that. Congratulations!