Escape and Evasion Routes in the Pyrenees (Volume 1) by Allan Hunn (Mountain Leader)

Watch out for this publication which will be released next year.

Allan Hunn tells us more about his forthcoming publication, the research he has completed and the guided walks he will lead along these historical routes which will commence next year.
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The discovery of the Chemin d'Liberte (The Freedom Trail) was a real eye opener of  escape & evasions stories of Allied airmen and soldiers during World War II, completing the Trail and was completely humbling experience. The bravery of these men and indeed their helpers in the most rudimentary of equipment, malnourished in a tough mountain environment and with a determined enemy on their tails sets us an incredible example of determination to return to the UK and continue the fight for freedom. At the same time I also came to recognise the plight of refugees including Jewish refugees who crossed the mountains often with Allied airmen and soldiers, In this respect I had the honour to speak to a Jewish lady who was carried over the Pyrenees to safety by her mother, another tremendously humbling experience. This drove me to begin researching escape & evasion stories and routes and then led to the idea that perhaps these should go in a walkers guide book so that we can walk in the footsteps of these giants and remember their bravery. A key element of the book is to recognise as many people as possible that helped to fight fascism, no matter nationality, race, religion or persuasion. After many years of research I can at last see the light at the end of the tunnel in the form of a book that tells of individual escape & evasion stories and details their mountainous walking routes. The first book will be called World War II Escape & Evasion Walking Routes: The Pyrenees Volume 1. then the intention is to work on escape & evasion routes from Italy, though Norway and the Balkans. As we approach Remembrance Day I will remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and I will also check the setting of my moral compass to try and align it with those brave and determined Escapers & Evaders and refugees.

Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to express an interest in joining our inaugural Freedom Trails walk next year. Details of the walk can be seen below the gallery section.

Allan Hunn - Mountain Leader ([email protected])

Sample images of The Freedom Trail follow:

Highlights of The Freedom Trail:

• The crossing of the Pyrenees starting from Col de la Core France into Spain
• The crossing starting from Maison du Valier
• ​The crossing starting from Maison du Valier taking in Cascades Eschelles
• Etang Rond from the Refuge des Estagnous
• Etang Long from Col de la Clauere (2522m)
• Memorial to Halifax Bomber crew on the approach from Cabane Subera