Hi Folks. I've managed to persuade the other half to share a short trip in early May. I intend to go from Bilbao across to Perpignan via Pamplona and Jaca then on the N260 and N116, does anyone know if snow is going to be an issue that early in May on some of the Cols. Cheers. :-)

I don't think so...

Early May is a bit risky, the cols aren`t really clear until June, esp above 1500metres. They will all likely be open but it really depends on what winter we get.

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In May there is a 90% chance of no snow. Now rain is a different matter.
John933

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That's kind of what I was thinking a few of the cols on route are just over 1500m . Shame if I was solo I'd go and have a look, but with her indoors on the back I'll go for the less earache option. ;-)

Cheers folks that should save a mid trip argument.

You won't really have any trouble with snow in early May, especially on the N-260, which isn't particularly high, unless there is a freak storm, which in any event is more likely to occur on the French side and at the western end.

You can check the status of the roads here on the Spanish Transport department's site - note that the black dot means road closed, yellow means warnings of delays, restrictions like snow chain, etc. and white signs are for other hazards. The details are in the boxes and give the exact location. You'll have to practise some Spanish to know what the problem is, however

Heading to the N-260 via pamplona and Jaca does cover some distance at the expense of a very boring ride. If the weather is OK you're far better riding along the French side from St Jean Pied-de-Port, but that is time consuming.

Don't forget that the N-260 is far from being the best route along the Pyrenees, it's actually very boring in parts and every year another section is 'improved', often with significant detours away form the higher mountains, so if you just follow your satnav you're quite likely to miss the best bits.

If you do find that there is bad weather in the middle, i.e. highest part of the range, in Aragón, then follow the roads that run parallel some way to the south, i the so-called Pre-Pyrenees. These roads are much more fun and in many respects the scenery is better as you are riding 'in' the mountains as opposed to looking at them from a distance - often above your head!

Regs

Simon

PS whatever you do don't let SWMBO convince you to go into Andorra as àrt of your 'bargain' - it's a dump!

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