Peaks & Passes

Tackle some of the best summits in the Pyrenees

Spectacular summits

Tough days with views that make it worthwhile

A superb week of challenging hiking

On some of the best trails and peaks in the Pyrenees

Peaks & Passes

A superb week of challenging hiking

Spectacular summits

Guided hiking

7 nights

Grade 3: Strenous

Single centre

Peaks & Passes Guided Walking Holiday

7-night Strenuous Guided Walking Holiday Tackling the Valle de Tena Summits

Set deep in the high mountains of the Valle de Tena, this is a week for those who want to experience the Pyrenees at their most rugged and rewarding. Each day, the trails lead higher—across rocky passes, beside quiet mountain lakes and up onto airy summits—where the effort is matched by wide, uninterrupted views across the range. Based in the characterful village of Sallent de Gállego, you return each evening to good food and a warm welcome, ready to set out again the next day into a landscape that feels both wild and quietly timeless.

Overview

7 night guided walking holiday
Grade 3: Strenuous walking
2* Hotel Almud - charming old stone building

A superb week of challenging hiking on some of the best trails in the Pyrenees. We’ll venture into the rugged, higher mountains of the Pyrenees, finding a rocky wilderness dotted with mountain lakes and spectacular views.

We’ll tackle some of the most spectacular summits in the valley and will be rewarded with views that make all of the effort worthwhile.

The holiday is based in the beautiful village of Sallent de Gallego, whose narrow streets and stone houses are nestled under the high peaks of the Valle de Tena. Evening meals are taken at a different village restaurant each night - all are excellent and the meals are certainly a highlight of the trip!

Guided walking - grade 3
This is a week of reasonably strenuous hiking with some fairly long days and a good level of fitness is required. The Pyrenees are renowned for steep climbs and you should be capable of ascents of over one thousand metres.

However we remember you are on holiday and one or two days will feature slightly less strenuous hikes. Paths are generally good but there will be some exposed sections and some easy scrambling and sure-footedness is required. You should expect days of between seven to ten hours walking.

Itinerary

Walks will explore the Valle de Tena, with one day hiking on the French side of the range in the Parc National Pyrenees and another spent in the Ordesa National Park.

This is a sample itinerary - there are many excellent routes in the area and the exact routes will depend on the weather and what the group would like to achieve.

Sunday - Sallent de Gállego

Arrive in Sallent de Gállego from Zaragoza - we pick up at the train station (regular trains from Barcelona and Madrid) and the airport (flights from London Stansted). Short briefing to talk about through the week and answer any questions you have.

Monday - Punta del Pacino (1965 m)

Overlooking the village of Sallent is the peak of Punta del Pacino and this is our objective for our first hike. A lovely path makes almost a complete summit circuit with the views changing the whole way round. From there we get wonderful panoramic views over the whole valley and it's a great spot to show where we'll be hiking for the rest of the week.
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles). Ascent: +/- 750 m (2460 feet)

Tuesday - Pic d'Ayous (2288 metres)

Today we head to the French side of the range to hike in the Lacs Ayous region in the French Pyrenees National Park. Starting in lovely beech woods following the famous GR10 trans-Pyrenean path. The route gradually climbs until we leave the woods, entering the alpine meadows above. Here we find the Lacs Ayous – a lovely set of lakes with fantastic views towards the famous peak of Pic du Midi d’Ossau. From the lakes, we keep heading up, passing the refuge of Ayous and continuing up to the peak of Ayous above. From here we get fantastic views down on the the lakes of Ayous, across to Pic du Midi d’Ossau and dozens of other peaks.
Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles). Ascent: +/- 900 m (2950 feet)

Wednesday - Musales (2653 metres)

Pico Musales is one of the high mountains situated above Circo de Piedrafita. Also visible from Sallent de Gallego, it makes for an impressive hike starting in woodland, passing through high meadows before summiting at 2654m surrounded by glacial landscape .There are excellent views from the top.
Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles). Ascent: +/- 1450 m (4760 feet)

Thursday - Rest day

Today we rest our legs and spend some time learning about the fascinating history of the area. After a relaxed start, we’ll first visit the 10th-century Romanesque church of San Juan de la Busa. Then we’ll head to Jaca, which was the first capital of Aragon when it was formed in 1035. We’ll have a guided walking tour of the old town, visiting the 11th-century cathedral and the 16th-century pentagonal citadel – the first castle constructed in Spain to defend against cannon fire. Our visit to Jaca will finish with a tapas lunch before returning to Sallent where you can have a swim in the village pool or explore the lovely village.

Friday - Pico Anayet (2574 m)

Ibon de Anayet is beautifully set on a high peat meadow, surrounded by red rocked mountains and views to the north of Pic du Midi d’Ossau. The Ibon itself is a worthy objective but for those up for a further challenge can tackle either Vertice de Anayet or the airy scramble up Pico Anayet. Without a doubt, the route to Anayet is one of our favorites in the Pyrenees. The beauty of the route is immense; we'll walk through a narrow high mountain valley, reach a magnificent lake, and the oportunity of making two ascents, one easy and the other a bit more challenging but still manageable.
Distance: 15 km (10.9 miles). Ascent: +/- 1330 m (4360 feet)

Saturday - Pico de la Muga (2676 m)

This high peak makes a fitting end to a great week of hiking. The route today takes us to the high, wildland above the spa resort and road head of Baños de Panticosa. We head up past a series of pretty mountain lakes and the Bachimaña refugio to a pass on the French border. From here, we follow the ridge that defines the border, to the summit of Pico de la Muga for fantastic views into France and back to Spain.
Distance: 17.5 km (10.9 miles). Ascent: +/- 1330 m (4360 feet)

Sunday - Sallent de Gállego

Either take the morning transfer to Zaragoza train station or to London Stansted flight.

Peaks & Passes Dates & Prices

2026

Sunday 14 - 21 June 2026

Price

SALE PRICE 1749 € per person

1799 € per person (based on two sharing a double or twin room).
210 € single supplement

Included

7 nights accommodation:
7 x Hotel Almud
Breakfast buffet each morning
Picnic lunches each walking day
3 course evening meals each night apart from the rest day when we visit Jaca for tapas
Meals taken at various excellent village restaurants
5 days fully guided walking with small groups of 8 maximum.
Transfers to and from either Zaragoza airport or train station.
Transport to the walks each day.

Not included

Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meals and lunch on the rest day

Getting to the Pyrenees

Transfers are included from Zaragoza train station or airport. Ryan Air flies from London Stansted to Zaragoza. You can also travel via Barcelona or Madrid and catch the AVE high-speed fast train to Zaragoza Delicias where we will pick you up. The AVE is very comfortable and smooth. Travelling at nearly 300 km/h, the journey from either Barcelona or Madrid takes approximately 1 hr 40 mins and there are trains roughly every hour.

We pick up from Zaragoza Delicias train station at 12:00 midday and drop off the Sunday at 11:45 am.

12 Midday Arrival Transfer
Trains that fit well with our 12:00 transfer are:
RENFE trains – the traditional rail company
Depart Barcelona 9:55, arrive Zaragoza 11:38
Depart Madrid 10:27, arrive Zaragoza 11:47

Iryo trains – a new train service, very similar service to RENFE, website more user-friendly
Depart Barcelona 9:50, arrive Zaragoza 11:13
Depart Madrid 9:57, arrive Zaragoza 11:17

11:45 am Departure Transfer
RENFE train – Depart Zaragoza 12:52, arrive Barcelona 14:46
Iryo trains – Depart Zaragoza 12:41, arrive Barcelona 14:14
RENFE train – Depart Zaragoza 12:26, arrive Madrid 13:52

Please note train times can vary depending on the dates but these train times usually run every Sunday.

For more details of our transfers please see our getting here page. If you need help buying train tickets, please drop us an email and we can help.

There are direct flights from London Stansted to Zaragoza with Ryan Air, on Sundays and our transfers are timed top meet this flight.

Sunday flight times are as follows:
Depart Stansted 6:20, arrive Zaragoza 9:35
Depart Zaragoza 10:10, arrive Stansted 11:15

Hotel Almud

You will stay in the family-run Hotel Almud in Sallent de Gállego - an ideal base from which to reach the higher reaches of the Valle de Tena. A small hotel with just 11 rooms all beautifully converted with en-suite bathrooms.

Three course evening meals are taken at various restaurants in the village which gives you a chance to try lots of the local dishes. On the rest day we will visit Jaca for a walking tour and eat at one of the excellent restaurants or tapas bars. Read more about Hotel Almud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hike Pyrenees Trip Guarantee

Are your trips guaranteed to run?

Yes — all Hike Pyrenees holidays are guaranteed to run. Once you book, your trip is confirmed.

Travel & Transfers

Where do you pick up from, and what time are your transfers?

Transfers for all of our guided trips are included in the cost of your trip. We pick up from Zaragoza Delicias train station at 12:00 (midday) and from Zaragoza airport to meet the Ryanair flight from Stansted. Return drop‑off is at 11:45am at the train station or at airport timed for the London Stansted flight. See our getting here page for more details.

Can I arrive by train instead of flying?

Yes. High‑speed AVE trains from Madrid and Barcelona arrive at Zaragoza Delicias. Please ensure you arrive in Zaragoza Delicias for the midday transfer.

Can I make my own way to Sallent de Gállego?

Yes — you’re welcome to drive or arrange your own transport. We’ll confirm check‑in times and parking options, there is free, safe parking at the hotel.

Accommodation

Where will I stay during the holiday?

For the Peaks and Passes week, you will stay in the family-run Hotel Almud in Sallent de Gállego. The hotel is a charming, traditional stone building, with cosy and elegant room, wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and an intimate bar area. Shops, banks, bars and restaurants are all within a short walk of the hotel.

Can I book a single room?

Yes. Single rooms are available for a supplement.

Is there Wi‑Fi at the hotel?

Yes — free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the hotel. Due to the thick stone walls, Wi-Fi isn't the fastest in a few of the rooms, but in the lounge area the signal is excellent.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Which meals are included in the price?

All breakfasts, picnic lunches on walking days, and six evening meals are included. The only meals not included are the lunch and evening meals on the rest day.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes — vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free and other dietary needs can be catered for with advance notice.

What are the evening meals like?

We eat at different local restaurants, all carefully picked, in the village. The standard of restaurants in Sallent de Gallego is excellent and you'll eat well! On the rest day, we will visit Jaca for a tapas lunch (not included).

Walking Levels & Fitness

How difficult are the walks?

This is a week of strenuous hiking with some long days, taking in several summits over 2,500m. Expect 14–20 kilometer days, steeper terrain, rougher paths, and occasional easy scrambling.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be a regular walker with a good level of fitness. The routes require good stamina and confidence on uneven terrain.

What distances and ascents should I expect?

Typically 14-20km of distance and 700–1400 m ascent. Walking time ranges from 7–9 hours depending on the route.

Group & Guiding

How big are the groups?

Groups are small and friendly, usually around 6-8 people, which allows flexibility and a relaxed atmosphere.

Who leads the walks?

All hikes are led by one of Hike Pyrenees small guiding team. They are experienced, fully-qualified English speaking guides who know the Pyrenees, their wildlife, legends and history.

Is this holiday suitable for solo travellers?

Yes — many guests come alone, and the small‑group format makes it very sociable.

Packing & Equipment

What should I bring?

Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots, waterproof jacket, warm layers, sun protection, a daypack, and a refillable water bottle. The water in the hotel is safe to drink.

Can I borrow trekking poles?

Absolutely. We can lend you trekking poles for no extra cost.

Booking & Practicalities

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes - insurance to cover accidents in the mountains and illness is compulsory. The insurance must cover mountainous terrain and hiking. We also recommend general travel insurance to cover flight delays, lost luggage and for cover if you need to cancel your trip due to injury/illness before you travel.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your trip, the deposit of 125€ per person is non-refundable. If you have paid your balance and cancel with 7 weeks notice or more, we will refund 50%. If you cancel with less than 7 weeks notice, no refund will be made. Remember, most travel insurances will cover this cost if you need to cancel due to injury.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes — let us know when booking and we can help arrange extra nights either in Sallent de Gállego or in Zaragoza, which is a lovely city to visit with lots to see and a fascinating history.

Trip-Specific Questions

What makes the Peaks & Passes holiday special?

This holiday explores some of the most spectacular high‑mountain scenery in the Aragonese Pyrenees. Each day takes you over a different pass or peak, giving a real sense of journey and progression. The views are huge, the routes varied, and the feeling of being up in the high mountains is unforgettable.

What are the typical routes?

Routes may include Punta del Pacino, Pic d'Ayous, Pico Musales, Vertice de Anayet and Pico de la Muga. The terrain on these routes is rockier and more alpine. Some routes have short sections of easy scrambling but nothing that requires the use of ropes.

Do we cross into France?

Yes — some walks visit the French side of the Pyrenees.

How long are the transfers to each walk?

Sallent is excellently located, nestled in the high mountains and many of the transfers will be only ten minutes. There are a couple of days with slightly longer transfer, for example the day we visit France.

Will we see wildlife?

The Valle de Tena is home to griffon vultures, bearded vultures, marmots, Pyrenean chamois, and a wide variety of alpine flowers

Private Group Bookings

Can you run this itinerary for a private group?

Yes, we can run this itinerary for as a bespoke trip for private groups with dates to suit the group. Drop us an email with approx. numbers and dates if you are interested in a private group trip.