This adventure is hosted by WhyWeRun, built around shared challenge, connection and an environment where people can show up as themselves, without judgement.

We’ll be joined throughout by experienced local mountain guides, bringing the route knowledge, technical expertise and mountain safety needed to lead us through the Pyrenees.

WhyWeRun shapes the experience. Our local guides know the mountains. And with both a male and female WhyWeRun host alongside you throughout, we’ll take on La Ruta dels 3 Valls together as one team.

We share one route, one destination and one experience.

Depending on the terrain and how the group naturally moves, we may spread into smaller guide-supported groups during parts of the day. But this isn't about being first to the refuge.

We'll regroup, share the big moments and look after one another throughout the journey

The numbers matter because they help you prepare: expect 13–19km and around 5–6 hours moving each day.

But once we're out there, pace isn't the point. We'll run what feels runnable, power-hike the climbs and move carefully through the higher mountain terrain.

There isn't a pace target to chase. The goal is simply to have a good mountain day, together.

The miles are only half the story.

The shared climbs, refuge dinners, tired legs, bad jokes and the quiet moments in between are what turn a route into a WhyWeRun experience.

Come solo or come with friends – you're part of the group from day one.

There are no vehicle-accessible luggage transfers between our remote mountain refuges.

You'll carry your own kit between each mountain stay in a lightweight running pack, with an expected pack weight of approximately 6–8kg.

If the conditions, timings and your legs all say yes, there may be opportunities to add a short optional summit or extension along the way, including Pic de la Fossa del Gegant (2,808m) above Coll de Noucreus.

Completely optional. The main journey is already a big one.

Distance: 15.9km
Elevation: +1,360m / -280m
Estimated Moving Time: Approximately 5–6 hours

Your adventure begins at Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), where we’ll meet as a group before transferring into the eastern Pyrenees.

Our private group transfer will depart from Barcelona Airport at approximately 14:00, arriving into Ribes de Freser at around 16:30. The exact airport meeting point will be shared in your final joining instructions closer to departure.

Sitting at the gateway to the Núria Valley, Ribes de Freser is surrounded by mountains at the confluence of the Freser, Rigard and Segadell rivers. There’ll be some time to settle in and explore the village before coming together for our welcome dinner and route briefing.

At approximately 20:00, we’ll run through the route, check our kit and prepare our packs, ready to leave the comforts of the valley behind and head into the mountains the following morning.

Accommodation: Refugi Coma de Vaca – 1,995m
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Expected Departure: 08:00
Expected Arrival: Approximately 14:00

Refugi Coma de Vaca is a staffed mountain refuge in a spectacular setting at the confluence of two mountain rivers.

Accommodation is in shared dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds, with blankets and duvets provided. Hot showers are available subject to availability, alongside a communal dining room and bar serving home-style mountain food.

It's a simple and sociable mountain stay, with the remote location and shared refuge experience all part of the journey.

Distance: 19.3km
Elevation: +1,160m / -1,320m
Estimated Moving Time: Approximately 5 hours

Today takes us into the highest and most demanding mountain terrain of the journey as we cross from Spain into France.

Leaving Coma de Vaca, we'll follow the Vall del Freser before climbing towards Coll de la Marrana and on to the summit of Bastiments (2,881m).

From here, we'll follow the border ridge towards Pica de la Dona (2,702m). This is one of the defining moments of the route – moving along the natural line separating Spain and France, with incredible views stretching across the headwaters of the Ter and Freser and out towards the wider eastern Pyrenees.

We'll then descend into France through the Bacivers cirque, passing Estany de Bacivers before continuing down towards the Carançà Valley and our refuge beside the river.

The terrain is predominantly high-mountain trail, with rocky and exposed sections and the possibility of residual snow. This is the most demanding stage of the journey, requiring confidence moving through sustained high-mountain terrain.

Accommodation: Refuge Ras de la Carançà – 1,831m, France
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Expected Departure: 08:00
Expected Arrival: Approximately 13:00

Tonight is the most rustic and off-the-beaten-track stay of the adventure. Ras de la Carançà is a remote former shepherds' refuge beside the Carançà River, with just 13 beds in a shared mountain dormitory and a camping area alongside the refuge.

Depending on group size and availability, some of us may spend the night camping beside the refuge, with blankets provided for both the dormitory and tents. Showers and washrooms are available during the staffed season.

Far from the comforts of the valley, this is a night to fully embrace the wild, stripped-back nature of the journey – sharing dinner together at the refuge and spending the night surrounded by the mountains before heading back onto the trail the following morning.

Distance: 13.2km
Elevation: +980m / -690m
Estimated Moving Time: Approximately 5 hours

Today we’ll continue through the Carançà Valley, following the GR11 deeper into the high mountains and past a spectacular chain of alpine lakes.

We’ll pass Estany de Carançà, Estany Blau and Estany Negre before climbing towards Coll de Noucreus, sitting at around 2,800m. The pass is marked by nine iron crosses and opens up views across the Carançà cirque and towards the Vall de Núria.

From here, there’s the option of a short climb to Pic de la Fossa del Gegant (2,808m) before we begin our descent towards Alberg Pic de l’Àliga, with the final 5km providing one of the longer runnable sections of the journey.

The terrain remains high-mountain trail, with a scree climb towards the pass, some steeper sections and the possibility of residual snow around Coll de Noucreus.

We’ll finish our final day on the trail at Alberg Pic de l’Àliga, where we’ll stop for a well-earned lunch after three days in the mountains.

After lunch, we’ll take the gondola down to Núria, where we’ll have some free time to explore the village and surrounding area before boarding the Cremallera de Núria rack railway for the scenic journey back down the valley to Ribes de Freser.

Back in Ribes, we’ll check into Hotel Sant Antoni and have time to shower, change and relax before coming together for a final celebration and farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Sant Antoni, Ribes de Freser
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Expected Departure: Approximately 08:00
Expected Arrival at Alberg Pic de l’Àliga: Approximately 13:00
Gondola to Núria: After lunch
Rack Railway to Ribes de Freser: Afternoon

After three big days in the mountains, we’ll enjoy one final breakfast together at Hotel Sant Antoni before beginning our journey back to Barcelona.

Our private transfer will depart Ribes de Freser at approximately 09:00 and travel directly to Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), arriving at approximately 11:00.

From here, it’s time to say goodbye and begin the journey home, hopefully with tired legs, plenty of stories and a few new friendships. If you’re extending your stay in Barcelona, you can make your own onward arrangements into the city from the airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Expected Breakfast: Approximately 08:00
Expected Departure: Approximately 09:00
Estimated Arrival in Barcelona: Approximately 11:00

• Hosted by the WhyWeRun team

• 3 days of guided fastpacking through the Pyrenees

• 2 experienced BiFree mountain guides throughout the mountain stages

• 4 nights' accommodation – 2 hotel nights, 2 staffed mountain refuge nights

• Breakfasts and dinners as specified in the itinerary (Half-board)

• Private group transfers between Barcelona and Ribes de Freser on the designated arrival and departure days

• Núria rack railway following the final mountain stage

• All transport required as part of the itinerary

• Pre-departure information, joining instructions and packing guidance

• Support from the WhyWeRun and Inspired Ventures teams before and during your adventure

• Add-on: Set of light crampons for use on residual snow sections

• International flights to and from Barcelona

• Accommodation in Barcelona before or after the adventure

• Travel insurance – required for participation

• Lunches and food on the trail unless specified

• Alcoholic drinks and additional snacks

• Personal expenses

• Trail running shoes, clothing and personal mountain equipment

• Personal porter services

• Tips for local guides and drivers

This isn't a beginner mountain trip – but it isn't about being fast either.

You'll need a good level of fitness, previous trail-running or mountain experience, and confidence spending around 5–6 hours on your feet across steep and rocky mountain terrain while carrying your own pack.

You should be comfortable with long climbs, sustained descents and doing it again the following day.

If you're looking for a challenge you can prepare for, rather than a race you need to qualify for, you'll be in the right place.

Come ready to be challenged. Never judged.

For two nights we'll stay in traditional staffed mountain refuges, before returning to Hotel Sant Antoni in Ribes de Freser for our final night.

Life in the refuges is part of the adventure. Accommodation is shared dormitory-style, often alongside other hikers and groups, with simple facilities and a sociable mountain atmosphere. Blankets or duvets are provided, although a lightweight sleeping bag liner is recommended for additional comfort.

Facilities vary between each stay.

Refugi Coma de Vaca has shared dormitories with bunk-style sleeping, hot showers subject to availability, a dining room and bar, and limited device charging in the common areas until 22:00.

Refuge Ras de la Carançà is our most rustic and remote stay. The refuge has just 13 beds in a shared dormitory, with a camping area beside the refuge that may also be used depending on group size and availability. Blankets are provided for both the dormitory and tents, with showers and washrooms available during the staffed season and a communal room inside the refuge. There is no device charging.

With only 13 beds inside Ras de la Carançà, some of us may spend the night camping beside the refuge depending on our final group size and availability.

This is the most stripped-back night of the journey and all part of experiencing a more remote side of the Pyrenees – swapping some of the usual comforts for a night surrounded by mountains, away from the roads and deep in the Carançà Valley.

Whether you're sleeping inside the refuge or camping alongside it, we'll come together for dinner before settling in for the night and continuing our journey through the mountains the following morning.

As this is a fastpacking adventure, you'll carry everything you need between the mountain refuges in your own running pack.

We recommend a 20–30L trail running pack, with an expected total pack weight of approximately 6–8kg.

You'll need capacity to carry at least 1.5 litres of water, along with enough food and energy for each day on the trail.

Your essential mountain kit will include:

• Base layer
• Fleece or similar mid-layer
• Waterproof jacket – minimum 10k waterproof rating
• Down jacket
• Buff
• Gloves
• Running shorts
• Long tights
• Lightweight waterproof trousers
• Trail running shoes with good grip
• Running pack of at least 20L
• 2–3 soft flasks providing at least 1.5L water capacity
• Food and energy for each day
• Charged Mobile Phone
• Headtorch
• Whistle
• Emergency bivvy bag
• Microspikes / lightweight traction spikes (mandatory) – suitable for fitting securely over trail running shoes. Can be purchased as an add-on when booking.

Poles, waterproof gloves, spare socks, a spare running top, cap and sunscreen are also recommended.

The local team recommends allowing approximately 2,000 kcal of carried food/energy per mountain day.

Bedding is provided at the refuges, so you won't need to carry a full sleeping bag. You may wish to bring an ultralight sleeping bag or silk liner for additional comfort.

A full mandatory kit list and packing guidance will be provided before departure.

Breakfast and dinner are provided at the accommodation as specified in the itinerary.

Lunches, snacks and energy for the trail are not included.

Packed lunches can be purchased at some of the mountain refuges, and you'll need to carry enough food and energy to stay fuelled throughout each day's approximately five hours of moving time.

The local team recommends planning for around 2,000 kcal of food and energy per mountain day.

Further guidance on what to bring and opportunities to purchase packed lunches will be provided in your pre-departure information.

You'll need capacity to carry at least 1.5 litres of water each day.

Drinking water is available at each refuge and hostel, with additional water sources available along the route:

Day 2: Freser River / Gorges del Freser
Day 3: Vall del Freser / Freser River
Day 4: Carançà River

Our guides will advise on water availability and appropriate refill points each day.

The route travels through serious high-mountain terrain, including rocky trails, scree, steep climbs and descents, and sections of mountain ridgeline, reaching elevations close to 2,900m.

Residual winter snow may remain on some of the higher passes and summits. For this reason, appropriate mountain clothing and equipment are essential.

Microspikes, lightweight traction devices designed to fit over trail running shoes, may be required depending on conditions. Guests can bring their own suitable pair or purchase them as an optional add-on when booking, ready for collection on arrival.

The exact route, timings and any optional summit extensions will always remain subject to weather, mountain conditions and the judgement of our local guides.

The nearest major airport is Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN).

On Day 1, the group will meet at Barcelona Airport, where our private group transfer will depart at approximately 14:00, arriving in Ribes de Freser at approximately 16:30.

Full joining instructions, including the exact meeting point within Barcelona Airport, transfer details, packing list and final itinerary information, will be shared closer to departure.

Please ensure your flight arrives with enough time to collect your luggage and reach the designated meeting point within the airport before the group transfer departs.

Please do not book your flights until you have received confirmation that the trip has reached the minimum group size and is confirmed to go ahead.

Following our final night together in Ribes de Freser, we’ll have breakfast at approximately 08:00 on Day 5.

Our private group transfer will depart Ribes at approximately 09:00 and travel directly to Barcelona–El Prat Airport, arriving at approximately 11:00.

For your onward journey, we recommend booking flights departing from Barcelona Airport from 14:00 onwards to allow sufficient time for the transfer and airport check-in.

If you are extending your stay in Barcelona, you can make your own onward arrangements into the city following the airport drop-off.

Please do not book your flights until you have received confirmation that the trip has reached the minimum group size and is confirmed to go ahead.

Please note that travel insurance is compulsory for this trip.

All participants are required to obtain adequate travel insurance covering appropriate activity cover, medical expenses, personal belongings, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation or repatriation from the date of departure until the day of return.

Your insurance must provide appropriate cover for the trail running, mountain terrain and elevations included within this itinerary.

Proof of valid travel insurance may be requested prior to departure.

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, to ensure you're covered in the event of any unforeseen cancellations or changes before departure.

£1,395 per person

£300 deposit to secure your place

The remaining balance is split into monthly payments between booking and the adventure. The earlier you book, the lower those monthly payments will be.

Maximum 18 places.

Booking closes when places are filled or on 25th March 2027, whichever comes first.

Please click the link below to view the Terms & Conditions for booking this trip. These will also be presented to you for review and acceptance during the booking process.

Inspired Ventures are the behind-the-scenes travel specialists who help bring community-led adventures like this to life.

Working alongside WhyWeRun, Inspired Ventures provide trip planning, logistics, booking support, and guest communications, helping ensure a smooth and seamless experience from the moment you book until you return home.

If you have any questions before booking, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Inspired Ventures team at:

info@inspiredventures.co.uk

We'd be delighted to help.