In 2019, Brecon Mountain Rescue Team planned to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII by retracing the steps of the brave men and women that used the Escape Lines over the Pyrenees from France into Spain to escape the German occupiers.

During the Second World War, over 33,000 escapees successfully navigated their way to safety along the entire length of the Pyrenean Mountains. Of these, 782 escaped over the mountain peaks of the Ariège, the high point being in June 1943, when there were 113 successful evasions along or close to the route named as Le Chemin de la Liberté. They were helped along these ‘Escape Lines’ by brave members of the French resistance, otherwise known as ‘Helpers’. True unsung heroes  risking their own lives to help smuggle out the escapees into Spain. Those mountains were a dangerous place to be, not only because the enemy patrolled them but also because the terrain and the conditions were extreme. Despite this, the helpers would not leave them until they were safe, guiding them step by step to safety. Volunteers ready to help at a moments notice, it is to these ‘helpers’ that the successful escapees owed their lives.  

The voluntary work of Mountain Rescue Teams across the UK embody the spirit of these helpers. From inured walkers, to fallen climbers and vulnerable missing people, we pride ourselves on being there to help when and wherever it is needed. Brecon Mountain Rescue has a close relationship with the British Armed Forces. Based in a historical Garrison Town, responsible for areas where the British Military train and with many of the Team’s past and present members having served in the military, we felt it was only right to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the conflict by retracing those steps and paying homage to those ‘Helpers’.

Unfortunately,  Covid 19 got in our way and it is only now that we are able to set out on this expedition.  

Huw Rogers, from Brecon Mountain Rescue Team will attempt to retrace Le Chemin de la Liberté route, which is considered to be one of the most dangerous. Professional adventure companies take groups over this route regularly.  Allowing 5 days of trekking, 6-8 hours a day, covering between 13 and 26 km each day. The toughest of which sees the ascent of two Cols of over 1400m each with 650m of descent.