Peaks & Passes
- Spectacular scenery in the high Pyrenees
- Exciting cliff top paths
- Visit the Ordesa National Park
A superb week of more challenging hiking on some of the best trails in the Pyrenees. We'll venture into the rugged, higher mountains of the Valle de Tena, into a wilderness where mountain lakes hide in the rocky landscape.
On several days we'll tackle some of the spectacular looking summits in the valley - Pico Anayet (2545m) and Pico Bacias (2760m) are two of our favourites. Requiring some easy scrambling these will be bigger days but we'll be rewarded with views that make all of the effort worthwhile.
One day will be spent in the Ordesa National Park. Those with a good head for heights can walk the fabulous 'Faja de las Flores' - a ledge cut into the high vertical cliffs of the canyon. If the thought of that makes you dizzy there are several lower, but still excellent, paths to explore the valley.
Read previous guests comments or visit our Peaks & Passes gallery for photo's from recent holidays
Moderate Grade
This is a week of moderate to demanding hiking. The scale of the Pyrenees make for steep climbs and some days will have ascents of up to a thousand metres on some days. However we remember you are on holiday and one or two days will feature beautiful but slightly less strenuous hikes. Paths will generally be good but there will be some exposed sections and sure-footedness is necessary. You should expect days of between six to nine hours with approximately 600-1100 metres of ascent.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in the family run Hotel Casa Morlans in Panticosa. Three course evening meals are taken at the hotel restaurant each night, apart from the rest day when we will visit Jaca and eat at one (or several!) of the excellent tapas bars or restaurants.
Sample Itinerary
Walks will start either from our base in the Tena Valley or from a neighbouring valley. 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 over ham, baguettes and wine at Hotel Casa Morlans.
Monday
Set on a high plateau of peaty grasslands we find Ibon de Anayet. From here we have several choices - either relax with a picnic and take in the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains including Pic du Midi d'Ossau. Alternatively we can tackle the steep and exciting Pico Anayet or the slightly tamer, but with equally impressive views, Vertice de Anayet.
Tuesday
Walking from nearby Banos de Panticosa we walk up to the Ibon del Brazato encircled in a rocky cirque of peaks. From here we can continue up past several pretty mountain lakes to the Cuello del Brazato and continue to Pico de Bacias (2760m) for magnificent panoramic views.
Wednesday
One of the most spectacular paths in Europe is the Faja de las Flores, where a narrow balcony is cut into the sheer cliffs of the Ordesa Valley, offering breathtaking views of Monte Perdido, the Breche de Roland and the valley floor a dizzying thousand metres below.
Thursday
Rest day. Spend a relaxing day in Panticosa, visit one of the nearby places of interest such as the Parque Faunistica or we can recommend hiking routes and provide maps for you to do your own day hike. Evening spent in Jaca.
Friday
Just over the border in France lies the iconic summit of Pic du Midi d'Ossau. This complete circuit of the peak gives close up views from every angle and passes through two high mountain valleys. We can also take an optional side trip to Pic Peyreget (2487m) for fabulous views of the Valle de Tena and beyond.
Saturday
Some of the most beautiful lake landscapes in the Pyrenees can be found at Ibones de Arriel. The four lakes, lying on different plains, are surrounded by steep granite peaks where Pico Palas indisputably takes pride of place. At Ibon de Arriel Alto this majestic mountain lies directly in front of you.
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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Sun 11 - 18 July |
£749 |
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Single supplement £89 |
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2010 Dates & Prices |
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What's Included |
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7 nights accommodation at 6 days full board 3 course evening meal with wine Picnic lunches on walking days 5 days guided walking Scheduled transfers to/from Zaragoza |
"Just a quick note to thank you for a fabulous walking holiday last week. I have to say it was some of the best walking I have ever done and your company made it one of the most memorable holidays I have taken." Dominic, July 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