In December 1942 an audacious raid took place on the Bay of Biscay port of Bordeaux by 12 Commandos led by Major ‘Blondie’ Hasler. They travelled to mouth of the Gironde Estuary in the submarine, HMS Tuna before disembarking in 6 folding kayaks codenamed ‘Cockles’ before stealthily passing the German patrol vessels and moving by night to the target 100 km into enemy held territory. They would then escape on foot to liaise with the French resistance who would spirit them across the Pyrenees into safety in neutral Spain. However, disaster struck almost immediately and through a combination of terrible conditions, double crosses and the dreaded ‘Commando Order’, only two would survive to tell the tale.

Starting upon arrival at Bordeaux airport, you will travel through the spectacular wine region as you head to Pointe de Grave on the Atlantic Coast. Walking to the end of the mole, you will see first-hand the overfalls and vast size of the estuary which would have been alive with German patrol vessels attempting to stop any allied shipping from passing towards Bordeaux. After a nights rest near to the site HMS Tuna said their farewells to the Commandos, you will return to Pointe de Grave to commence the challenging paddle, following the tides and laying up in camp sites during the night. You will see the reed marshes the raiders hid in and primed their limpet mines before arriving at the site of the destruction of 4 blockade runners.

The following day you will commence a 160km cycle over 3 days from Blaye to Ruffec, following the route that Hasler and Sparks took to their rendezvous with the French resistance, realising just how isolated and at risk of capture they would have been. You will have chance to see the infamous Firey Woodsman’s Cottage before arriving in Ruffec.

Tired and weary, you will spend the night in a lovely gite before travelling to the start of the walk phase on the French side of the Pyrenees. This replicates the way that the French resistance moved Hasler and Sparks by various means of transport to their meeting point with the guides who would lead them to safety. On foot you will travel their route over the Pyrenees before heading down to Barcelona to catch a flight home.