Working With Monty Halls Filming the Channel 4 Series 'Freedom Trails'

The 4th programme in the Channel 4 series Freedom Trails was broadcast on 7th October 2017. It was produced by Seadog Productions and followed Monty Halls trekking across the Pyrenees from France to Spain.

Monty Halls ready to go to work.

Monty was walking in the footsteps of the brave men and women who crossed the mountains to escape Nazi occupied Europe and oppression during World War 2. We learnt about what it was like for them on the run and about the brave man and women who sheltered them, fed them, clothed them and guided them to safety.

Initial Seadog Productions team in June 2016 filming for the teaser trailer to send to television companies to get the commission to film the series. 

A small team from Seadog Productions, including Monty Halls, first came to the Pyrenees for several days in June 2016. I was a 'fixer' helping with finding locations and sorting out logistics. The footage shot led to a teaser film that was sent to the major TV channels. Channel 4 were the first to reply and later commissioned the series.

A larger team returned to film in the Saint Girons area in February 2017 (completing many interviews that were never used in the finished documentary) and again in June 2017 for the filming of the trek across the Pyrenees.

Behind every great presenter there is a great production company and behind every great production company there is a great support team. Day 1, June 2017

As well as the crew filming Monty, Pyrenees Mountain Adventure looked after logistics and guiding.

Before the arrival of Monty and the film crew, George Manley and myself spent 2 days checking on snow conditions on the approach to the border. We were checking that conditions were not dangerous. Mid June is early in the season in this part of the Pyrenees.

'Big' George Manley checking snow conditions on the approach to the border.

There was enough snow to make the shots look exciting but not enough to make it dangerous for Monty and the team.

Big smiles from me on day 2 of the route recce. Enough snow for some great footage but not enough to cause problems for Monty and the crew.

Me and George also checked on the food drop I had made with the help of Paul Debons at the Refuge d'Espugues a week earlier. He worked as a friend accepting no payment as did Gerard Cassagne who did 2 days of portering.

Actual filming began with fine weather and progressed well although George Manley was not on top form because he had a stomach bug. Two porters Lee Sharp and George Cassagne helped carry kit so as to not overload the crew who were already carrying large loads.

Gerard Cassagne one of the porters with the biggest rucksack you have ever seen!

It's off to work we go....

'Little' George the second cameraman.

In the evening of Day 1, (Big) George Manley retired early at the Refuge d'Espugues still not feeling well and (Little) George the second cameraman, had also begun to feel unwell.

'Little' George was ill during the night and the following morning the decision was made that he should descend with 'Big' George to the nearest road where he could get taxi transport to Saint Girons. 'Big' George would meet us all again the following day at the Refuge des Estagnous but the trek was over for the second cameraman.

Rich the Directer of Photography

Tom the Directer

Filming progressed well on Day 2 with some awesome drone footage filmed by Rich the DOP (Directer of Photography) - that's main cameraman to you and me! Rich, Sonic the Sound Man and Tom the Directer worked well together with Monty but it did take a long time with lots of retakes to get the perfect footage. Katy the fixer kept smiling and kept everyone calm.

Sonic the Sound Man

Katy the Fixer

Happily the way the trek had been planned, there was the time available to get all the footage the crew and Monty wanted. A great evening was spent at the Refuge des Estagnous where we were well looked after by Laurent and Stéphan who had planned to be shut between the 2 opening weekends of the season but opened especially for us. All the crew enjoyed proper mattresses and proper food after sleeping mats and dehydrated food packets the evening before.

Top lake with George Manley on the recce.

Day 3 began early as this was the longest of the 3. Big George met up with us as we arrived at the Round Lake. An even earlier start for him meant he was able to meet up with the team before the ascent on the snow to the border. The top lake was partly frozen and looked great and most of the ascent to the border was on snow which made it look spectacular.

The final approach to the border.

From the border, a long descent into Spain, a beer in a café that Monty bought me (like he promised he would) to celebrate the end of the trek (which was filmed but like so much of the footage, never used) and then on to the Refugi de Fornet where we arrived at 10pm! I had rung ahead with the sattelite 'phone because there is no mobile coverage and the food was waiting for us as we arrived. Like at the Refuge des Estagnous we ate well and were well looked after by René and Tatiana.Their pet Patou was the centre of attention - nearly upstaging Monty (but not quite.)

The end of the trek. A happy Monty, film crew and Pyrenees Mountain Adventure support team.

If you would like to walk the Freedom Trail/Chemin de la Liberté or want more information about it, please see the Pyrenees Mountain Adventure website
www.pyreneesmountainadventure.com
You will find a contact page or you can contact me at
pyreneesmountainadventure@hotmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you.

All the best,

Paul

Paul Williams
Pyrenees Mountain Adventure

Escape! This Summer With Pyrenees Mountain Adventure

During August this year Escape! with Pyrenees Mountain Adventure. 
Pyrenees Mountain Adventure offers you the chance to follow in the footsteps of allied airmen escaping from Nazi occupied territory during World War 2 by trekking the Freedom Trail (le Chemin de la Liberté in French.) 
This is a tough trek in the beautiful, wild mountains of the Pyrenees.

There are 3 itineraries on offer to match the time you have available.

Price includes:

All guiding with qualified, British trek leader (International Mountain Leader - IML) with very good experience of leading groups on the trek.

Private transfer back to Hotel Eychenne, St Girons from the end of the trek in Spain.

Full board (hot evening meal, breakfast and packed lunch) in mountain refuge and/or gite (depending on the length of trek chosen.)

Hot showers and dormitory style accommodation. For 4 and 5 day trek - one night in shelter without warden. Minimal facilities. No food.

Price does not include accommodation before and after the trek.

2 Day Freedom Trail 250 euros per person.

18th and 19th July

8th and 9th August

22nd and 23rd August

12th and 13th September

4 Day Freedom Trail 390 euros per person

2nd August – 5th August

28 th – 31st August

5 Day Freedom Trail 500 euros per person.

15th – 19th August

The trek is strenuous (6 to 8 hours of trekking per day) over sometimes rough terrain. You will enjoy it more if you have had some previous experience of mountain walking.

Meeting point: 8.30 am Hotel Eychenne, St Girons. 
Dispersal point: 8 pm Hotel Eychenne, St Girons.

For more information or to suggest other dates that work for you, contact Paul 06 52 06 12 50 pyreneesmountainadventure@hotmail.com

Commemorative Chemin de la Liberté/Freedom Trail July 2014

This years Commemorative Freedom Trail (10 - 13 July 2014) saw over a 100 people walking along one of the World War 2 escape routes from France into Spain. Mainly from England and France but over 10 countries represented.

Snow conditions meant that walking into Spain across the border was not possible on Day 4. Instead walkers were bused to Esterri for the end of walk celebrations.

We walked in the footsteps of the escapees and evaders (among them shot down Allied airmen, Jews, and young French men called up for forced labour) attempting to escape Nazi oppression during World War 2 and the helpers that guided them across the Pyrenees.  We walked and we remembered.......

Photos copyright R. Eychenne

 Photos copyright E. Aromin

Facebook page for 2014 Commemorative Chemin/Freedom Trail
https://www.facebook.com/groups/640488406064517/

Edward Stourton Walking the Chemin de la Liberté/Freedom Trail

Click on the photo to open the article.

Edward Stourton made a BBC4 radio programme about the Chemin de la Liberté which included his experience of walking from France into Spain along the escape route. The material was later incorporated into his book Cruel Crossing (2013). At the end of the BBC article you will find a link to the Radio 4 programme. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15690262

Want to follow in Edward Stourton's footsteps and make the crossing from France into Spain on one of the hardest World War 2 escape routes? Contact me at pyreneesmountainadventure@hotmail.com

Chemin de la Liberté/Freedom Trail -Top 10 Magic Mountain Moments (Summer 2013)

Yesterday it was grey and overcast and the rain did not stop. I found myself thinking back to the Pyrenees Mountain Adventure treks this summer along the Chemin de la Liberté/Freedom Trail. Four groups attempted to cross the Pyrenees mountains and everyone who started made it into Spain.

Here are my top 10 favourite magic mountain moments from the four treks. They are in no particular order:

1. The Border Crossing. Starting from St Girons, the border is crossed on day 4. After much effort, hardship and determination we are at the border and can pass from France into Spain. A great moment for everyone who made the crossing.

2. Polly Bagging. Sliding down a safe snow slope using a large plastic bag as a tobogan. This was great fun and an ideal way to release the tension that had built up descending the steep snow slope directly below the border.

3. Louis Barrau Memorial. Killed by the Nazis aged 18, a memorial has been erected by the barn where he was shot. Someone picked wild flowers from the meadow next to the barn and placed them on the memorial. They had a son of similar age. A beautiful gesture in a beautiful setting.

4. The Scenery. It is not just the spectacular scenery of which there is plenty.......

.........it is the group finding the time to stop, look up and enjoy the views. To soak up the scenery they were immersed in.

5. The Silence. Ten minutes silence at the border. No wind, no words. Time too reflect. 'Find beauty; be still.' We had. We were.

6. The Shadows. Griffon vultures flying above us, close enough to cast shadows that raced across the ground where we were.


7. The Summit. Only one group chose the optional extra day at Refuge Estagnous to ascend Mont Valier which dominates day 3 and 4 of the trek. The weather was grey and overcast. Visibility was poor and it was cold. Having reached the summit, the clouds parted and for a short time we were rewarded with tremendous views.

A similar thing happened with the same group the day before. Starting out in poor weather, we eventually find ourselves above the cloud and out of trouble.

8. The Support. The Chemin de la Liberté/Freedom Trail  is tough. It was great to see the shared hardship brings people together. I saw new friendships form and old friendships strengthened. I saw kindness and care. People helping each other through difficult times - whether a difficult section of path, a drop in morale or fatigue.

9. The Storm. At Refruge Estagnous, which is spectacularly located in the high mountains, the sunsets can be unforgettable. What was more memorable for me happened after most people had returned inside after the sun had set. In the fading light, far in the distance, dark storm clouds were being illuminated from inside by lightning but because of the distance the thunder could not be heard.

10. The Omelette. At the Gite de Rouze I had an omelette with wild, girolle mushrooms picked from the local forest. I know that at the end of a hard days walking any food tastes good but the best omelette ever!

Thanks to everyone who trekked with Pyrenees Mountain Adventure along the Chemin de la Liberté/Freedom Trail in 2013. It was a pleasure to share the journey with you.

Freedom Trail 2013 Diary

In July 2013 a group of Dutch hikers completed the Freedom Trail with me. There were two sisters Lizzie and Hanneke and their partners Marcel and Roel. They called themselves Dos which in Dutch means old strugglers or old suckers. At the end of each day the group would remember what had happened and Lizzie would write it down. Here is an honest account of what it is like to complete the Freedom Trail/Chemin de la Liberté.

Dos in the Pyrenees

Preview: Monday 15th July 2013. Preview: Monday 15th July 2013

Saint-Girons-La ferme de Jeanne

17.00 hrs

Weather: It is very hot today, hardly any wind, thunder in the evening, but far away

Today we will meet Paul Williams, our guide. We have packed our rucksac, and are ready to go after months of preparation.

We are a bit nervous and anxious.We shake hands.

Months we have prepared ourselves for this trip, talked and read about it. Trained our body’s and sharpened our minds.

It was really going to happen: no, we didn’t have any questions.

Paul showed us the 6 day weatherforecast: it was going to rain! Just a matter of mindset, he told us.

Outside it is getting a bit darker: the clouds are coming in. Just a matter of mindset….

Paul gives us the plan for the Freedom Trail July 2013: day 3 and 4 are changed: it is simply not possible to walk the original trail, there is too much snow. But he will take us to Spain and with that promise we say goodbye.

Tomorrow at 8 we’ll meet at the Pont du Fer.

That night we dream about mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

Now walking back down this mountain
with the strength of a turning tide
The wind so soft at my skin
the sun so hot upon my side
Looking out at this happiness
I searched for between the sheets
Feeling blind, to realise
All I was searching for was me
Oh all I was searching for was me

Keep your head up, keep your heart strong
Keep your mind set, keep your hair long
Keep your head up, keep your heart strong
Keep your mind set in your ways
Keep your heart strong

Song: Ben Howard

Day 1: Tuesday 16^th July 2013

Saint- Girons to Aunac; 23 km + 1100 m of ascent

How: pick up from hotel for transfer to St Girons

Walk

Time: 8.00 – 18.00

Notes: Low level walk. What you need on Freedom Trail will have to be carried, You will need a packed lunch. Will now not be able to leave a change of clothes in transfer vehicle.

Weather: The sun shines till 3 o’clock, then heavy rain, with hail and thunder.

Le Pont du Fer in the morning: Paul is waiting for us. He takes some pictures and the Trail is on.

Through beechwoods, grassy tracks, bramble-strewn paths we try to find a rhythm to walk in.

Paul stops every hour to have a drink and a rest: and we need it.

Hanneke is the first of us who falls over: she hurts her forehead and for us all it is a moment to realize that we have to concentrate: every step we make has to be controlled.

In the small village of La Riviere d’Alos we stop for lunch near the stream and a lovely old church where we can fill our waterbottles. Its warm and we feel tired.

But up again: a steep climb brings us into a silent, impressive forest.

This day would be a low level walk! If this is a low level walk, how would the other days look ?

We are worried: these are just hills, what about the mountains?

We stop at the barn where the nineteen year old mountain guide Louis Barreau was trapped and killed by the Nazis in 1943.

It’s a quiet lovely place with grassy slopes full of flowers.

For us it is a moment to remember that once there was a time when things were different.

Lizzie picks flowers from the nearby meadow and puts them on the memorial. 

On we go, the descent is an easy walk and we feel confident and strong.

At 3pm it starts raining heavily, followed by thunder.

There is no place to hide and Paul walks on and so do we, but some of us are very scared.

At 18.00 we arrive at Aunac: a lovely gite, just for the five of us. With a shower and dry clothes we feel like kings and queens.

The food is lovely and the ambiance warm and welcome: after 2 bottles of red wine it’s still raining but we couldn’t care less.

The newspaper of yesterday in our soaked shoes and off to bed.

Well, there's a bridge and there's a river
That I still must cross
As I'm going on my journey
Oh, I might be lost

And there's a road I have to follow
A place I have to go
But no one told me just how to get there
But when I get there I'll know
'Cause I'm taking it...

Step by step
Bit by bit
Stone by stone
Brick by brick

Song: Whitney Houston

Day 2: Wednesday 17^th July 2013

Aunac to Cabane de Subera; 16 km + 960 m of ascent

How: Walk

Time: 8.00 – 16.00

Notes: Food will not be a BBQ. You are happy to carry your own sleeping bags. Tents will be available as backup accommodation.

Weather: Cloudy, wet, sun is shining untill 3 PM. Heavy rain and thunder(again)

We woke up in the middle of the night: the donkeys were calling each other.

It’s a strange unknown sound in the dark.

We get up at 6.30, trying to have our breakfast at 7.00.

But we had too much wine yesterday and some of us have a headache.

We start with a long descent towards the river: we feel tired and need time to find the rhythm of walking. The path is slippery and full of stones and Roel misses a stone or two and falls over.

He will fall again and again this day.

The track is steap and leads us through the beech woods. We already have used up our 30 minutes complaining, so let’s hope the day will not be too hard?!

At lunch time we reach the Col de la Core at 1395 meter and have lunch between the cows.

It is by far the funniest lunch we had: the cows are curious and try to see what’s on our bread.

The woman who is looking after the cows is very friendly and asks us where we are going.

Her face looks worried when Paul tells her what our plans are. O my God! What is lying ahead of us?

But Paul seems very confident, so why worry?

It’s a two hour hike to La Cabane de Subera, passing first of all the unoccupied Cabane de Luzurs (where a murder was committed some years ago when a drug-crazed hippy stabbed his equally drug-crazed girlfriend to death).

On we go, seeing the Black Merens horses and various excellent views: we have our Sound of Music moment: the hills are alive ( and indeed they are)

We climb and we descend, climb and descend….our feet keep on walking and we move on. And it’s hard…

At 15.00 the sky darkens and soon we have to look for our raingear: the rain falls heavily and there is thunder and lightning. Well, you may say I was really scared.

Never hide under a tree, we were told, but nevertheless, we did.

The mountain refuge of Subera is a small cabane, one half for the shepherd, the other for the hikers.

At that moment at least four of us were blisfully happy seeing the Cabane in the valley.

In the Cabane are bunkbeds, a table, benches and a fireplace. We have to share it with a French family but it all goes in great harmony. The rain has stopped and we enjoy our simple but nutritious meal, outside the Cabane.

Two of us are going to sleep in the tent, the others in the Cabane.

When the rain starts falling again it’s warm and cosy in ‘the Little House on the Prairie’.

And this old road is rough and ruined
So many dangers along the way
So many burdens might fall upon me
So many troubles that I have to face
But I won't let my spirit fail me
But I won't let my spirit go
Until I get to my destination
I'm gonna take it slow

Because I'm taking it...

Song: Whitney Houston

Day 3: Thursday 18^th July 2013

Cabane de Subera – Etang d’Areau; 18 km + 1244m of ascent

How: Walk

Time: 7.50-18.30

Notes: Tents provided. Camping at Etang d’Areau would lengthen the day but shorten the next.

Weather: Sunny and warm, rain and thunder at 15.00 pm.

Some of us get up at 6.00 and see a beautiful sunrise. After a very quick breakfast we have to become a berger for an hour and place the salt for the cows on the big rocks surrounding us.

We leave at 7.50 and down it goes, through the grass, passing some cows with their calves and a not-very- interested bull.

The temperature is nice and we enjoy the nature and the mountains.

This day has 4 phases, Paul tells us.

At phase 1 we enter a forest , very green and very humid. The path is rocky and we have to concentrate: the stones are slippery and everywhere we see and hear water.

The river beneath us is wild: wonder what will happen when you fall into it?!

No time to consider that: we have to cross a waterfall: heavy stuff!

In the poem Ithaka, written by Kafavis there is written that you don’t have to fear the creapy monsters on your journey. You won’t meet the Cyclops and Laistrygones, unless you take them with you in your own head.

Our heads are full of them!

With a lot of help we manage. After a descent of 3 hours we are down. End of phase 1.

Phase 2 goes on at the other side of the river, up and down and up to a beautiful cascade.

But after lunch the legs become heavy and the minds are giving up: it’s enough!

Paul gives us a break and while the ladies look at the black Merens horses, the beautiful waterfalls everywhere, Paul is showing the men where we are and where to go.

Drink a lot of water, drink, drink, drink: that is what we should do. We drink.

It helps: the legs are going again and up it goes: up and up and up.

No time to think, just look carefully where to put the feet and the stick. We must go on, phase 3 just started.

Paul is making a track, promising us that it will get better. And again: we have to trust him: the road leaves you no choice: you can’t go back and you can’t go sideways. You don’t have to think or hope that the hills will help you or the grass or the flowers. We simply had to move on.

What is the philosophy of a mountain? There is one, and there is another one: nothing to do about it.

At 3 pm it starts raining, with far away thunder….and when we reach Col de la Pause the sun is out again and we have our Hills are alive moment.

No Pause at the Col, phase 4 is still to be done.

Lord, if there is still another mountain

Another mountain yet to climb

Lord, if there’s still another mountain

Don’t make it quite as high this time

And there we go again,another hill ( or must I speak of a mountain) to be done.

Up to 1895 meters.

At the lake we can rest at the patio of a cabane. The meal is sober, the view is magnificent!

The tents are close to the lake and at 21.15 we say goodnight to the mountains.

Pourtant, que la montagne est belle, comment peut-on s'imaginer
En voyant un vol d'hirondelles, que l'automne vient d'arriver ?
Avec leurs mains dessus leurs têtes
Ils avaient monté des murettes jusqu'au sommet de la colline
Qu'importent les jours, les années

Song: Jean Trenet

Day 4: Friday 19^th July 2013

Etang d’Areau- Sorpe; 22 km + 720m of ascent

How: Walk and taxi

Time: 7.30 – 17.00

Notes: Freedom! Will have to cross some snow patches to get an across the border.

Accommodation used last year is no longer available. Longer walk now required as Sorpe is further down the valley. Taxi?

Weather:Fresh in the morning, sunny and warm later. No rain, no thunder!!!

We get up at 6.00. The night was long, cold and windy in the tent and some of us are pleased to get up and moving.

It’s a cold and crisp morning and the warm tea and chocolate croissants taste lovely.

We leave at 7.30 up the mountain to reach the border.

I remember and old song:

'The bear went over the mountain

To see what he could see

The other side of the mountain

Was all that he could see.'

The sun comes up over the mountains and the view is magnificent. We feel small and humble but eager to reach the Spanish border.

At 9.20 we are there!!! 2260 meters: Port d’Aula: the border.

It is a very special and emotional moment and we take our time to enjoy it.

How must it have been for those who tried to escape form the war?

Now we have to descend in Spain, through the meadows, between the horses and cows and we stop at a little cabane, overlooking the valley.

Paul tells us to say goodbye to the mountains: it’s a mixed feeling: happy and sad, all together.

The landscape changes: herbs, wild flowers and trees. At the river we have lunch and fill our bottles with fresh water and

I came to the conclusion that all I need in life is a pair of good shoes,a faithfull stick and clear water.

On the road along the river we walk to Alos and Isil where we have a lovely cup of Spanish coffee, beer and icecream.How lovely it all tastes!

Actually everything went smoothly today. We were all tired but without any problems we reached Spain!

And Isil was very nice: a little square, an old bridge and a lovely terrace! I couldn’t believe we were in Spain.

A taxi takes us to the B&B in Sorpe where the bed is warm and soft and the meal is fresh and lovely.

Pourtant, que la montagne est belle, comment peut-on s'imaginer
En voyant un vol d'hirondelles, que l'automne vient d'arriver ?

Deux chèvres et puis quelques moutons
Une année bonne et l'autre non, et sans vacances, et sans sorties
Les filles veulent aller au bal
Il n'y a rien de plus normal que de vouloir vivre sa vie
Leur vie, ils seront flics ou fonctionnaires
De quoi attendre sans s'en faire que l'heure de la retraite sonne
Il faut savoir ce que l'on aime
Et rentrer dans son HLM, manger du poulet aux hormones

Pourtant, que la montagne est belle, comment peut-on s'imaginer
En voyant un vol d'hirondelles, que l'automne vient d'arriver ?

Jean Trenet

Day 5: Saturday 20^th July 2013

Sorpe-Esterri d’Aneu: 8km + 0m of ascent

How: Walk

Time: 8.45-11.45

Notes: Transfer may take longer if the main road from Spain into France is still closed. If it is, then have to take to detour through Andorra.

Weather: Sunny all day.

Up at 6.30 and after a lovely breakfast we leave in a taxi back to Isil to pick up our trail to the final destination: Esterri.

Roel has fixed his shoes with tape § the sole is coming away from the upper.

We pass through Boren, a small and lovely village and leave the concrete road and up again: a lovely, winding path full of flowers and herbs: up and down again. We don’t mind but enjoy it thoroughly: the views are super, the weather is lovely and we feel so strong.

When we reach Esterri we have to cross an old bridge: we are there!!!

This is a very special moment, we all realize.

In the church we light a candle and say thank you for keeping us safe!

The little bus brings us back to France. The road is fixed and at 17.15 we reach the Pont du Fer.

A last photo and farewell to Paul.

The Freedom Trail has come to an end.

Review/Reflection

The days after were filled with emotions and memories: looking at the photos we start to realize that our trail has been very special to us.

It was all about companionship: working together, helping and supporting each other.

What is the philosophy of the mountain:

Look around

I will overcome

Once you go up, you will also go down

Find beauty, be still.

Thanks to Paul, our guide, who showed us the beauty of the mountains, who guided us through difficulties and who supported us in sunshine and rain, who showed us not to fear, but to keep the faith.

Who showed great care for the mountains and for us.

It has been a real adventure and we shall never forget.

Thank you so much!

Roel van de Meulen and Hanneke Peters

Marcel Oonk and Lizzie Peters

July 2013