Lakes & Valleys
- Alpine meadows and mountain lakes
- Spectacular views of the high summits
- Traditional villages
The mountain lakes and green valleys of the Pyrenees are ideal for those that prefer more relaxed days in the mountains, discovering stunning, secluded spots. Our Lakes & Valleys week will reveal the best of them. Expect spectacular views of high peaks, clear blue mountain streams and valleys to ourselves as we enjoy some of the region's hidden treasures. Don't forget your camera!
Read previous guests comments or visit Lakes & Valleys gallery for photo's from this summers holidays.
During the week we visit several of the most beautiful areas in the region, each with their own charm. In early summer the flower-filled meadows of the Valle de Tena have some beautiful walks. The Ordesa National Park is nearby and at least one day will be spent exploring its dramatic scenery.
Gentle grade
This is a week of gentler walks with the emphasis on finding quiet beautiful spots with breathtaking scenery, rather than scaling high peaks. Therefore the walks will be not be overly strenuous and follow good paths with gentle gradients. You should expect days of between four to six hours of walking with approximately 200-500 metres of ascent.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in the family run Hotel Casa Morlans in Panticosa. During the week we visit several of the most beautiful areas in the region, each with their own individual charm. The Ordesa National Park is nearby and at least one day will be spent exploring its dramatic scenery.
Sample Itinerary
Walks will start either from our base in the beautiful Tena Valley or one of the many neighbouring valleys. The exact routes will depend on the weather and what the group would like to achieve.
Sunday
Arrive in Panticosa from Zaragoza late evening. Short briefing with sandwiches and cold meats at Hotel Casa Morlans.
Monday
A walk to Ibon de Piedrafita nestled under the cliffs of the Sierra de Partacua. Fine views over the valley and to a 20m high natural stone arch among the cliffs.
Tuesday
The sheer cliffs of the Valle de Ordesa are an undisputable highlight of the Pyrenees. As you follow the Rio Arazas you'll pass waterfalls and rockpools before the woodland gives way to spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs and the 3000m peak of Mount Perdido towering over you.
Wednesday
The cliffs around San Juan de la Pena are home to colonies of griffon vultures. A short ridge walk above the cliffs gives us a great opportunity to see these huge birds up close as well as superb vistas across the Pyrenees. This walk can be combined with a visit to the fascinating monastery complex of San Juan de la Pena.
Thursday
Rest day. Spend a relaxing day in Panticosa or visit one of the nearby places of interest such as Parque Faunistico that has the once native wolves, lynx and bison. In the evening we'll visit the nearby town of Jaca to sample some of the excellent tapas available.
Friday
A walk linking the medieval villages of the Serrablo. These pretty villages are famous for their 11th century romanesque churches. We walk through gentle woodland with views up the Valle de Tena and have a picnic lunch at the semi abandoned village of Susin which has just one remaining inhabitant.
Saturday
The beautiful ascent through woodland and meadows to the peak of Punta del Pacino is a highlight of the week. It's position at the centre of the valley gives fabulous panoramic views of the Valle De Tena and surrounding peaks.
Sunday
Free day to explore Panticosa and it's surroundings. Leave Panticosa late afternoon to catch the evening flight from Zaragoza.
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2010 Dates & Prices |
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Sun 9-16 May |
£799 |
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Sun 27 Jun - 4 Jul |
£749 |
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Sun 26 Sep - 3 Oct |
£799 |
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Single supplement £89 |
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7 nights accommodation 6 days full board 3 course evening meal with wine Picnic lunches on walking days 5 days guided walking Sunday transfers to/from Zaragoza |
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What's Included |
"There were so few people around it was as if we had the valleys and mountains to ourselves." Paul & Sheila, June 2008
Hike Pyrenees
Walking in Spain Hike Pyrenees Ltd Registered No. 6452828 Tel 020 8123 5049 Email info@hikepyrenees.co.uk
Read our guides to:
Ordesa National Park
Flora of the Pyrenees
Loarre Castle
Valle de Tena
Walking gear
San Juan de la Peña