On the summit of Marbore (3248m)

Fantastic Refugio Week last week with the highlight being summiting a snow covered Marbore (3248m) and looking the Cirque de Gavarnie far below.

Clear blue skies and lots of snow made for fantastic hiking. Our first two day trek in the Valle de Tena took us to the Ibones de Arriel before hiking to our home for the night – Refugio Respomuso. The second day soon had us with our crampons on and ice axes out as we headed into the superb Cirque de Piedrafita and our summit of the day – Tebbarai standing at 2916m with fantastic views in all directions.

Refugio Respomuso and the Cirque de Piedrafita - click on the photo for a larger image - thanks for the great photo David !

Crampons on for Jo-Anne

Our second trek was 3 days hiking in the Ordesa National Park amongst some of the most spectacular scenery of the Spanish Pyrenees. A steep two hour climb brought us to the Faja de Pelay – a high level path through the Ordesa Valley. The effort was well worth it as we were rewarded with birds-eye views of Ordesa and all the 3000m peaks on the French border. Staying the night at Refugio Goriz we had an early start the following morning as we climbed (and climbed…) towards the summit of Marbore. With clear blue skies the views were superb and the summit views down into the Cirque de Gavarnie were breathtaking.

Arkaitz on the way to the summit of Marbore

 The descent gave us a great chance to practice our glissading technique and it has to be said some needed more practice than others….

John showing off his glissading technique

Jo-Anne perfecting hers....

 Our final days hiking followed the length of the Anisclo Canyon, the longest in the Park. The snow melt (and sudden thunderstorm) led to more waterfalls in the canyon than I’d ever seen as follwed the length of the canyon back to Anna, the van and a very welcome cold beer!

Leaving Refugio Goriz with the Ordesa Valley below

Thanks to everyone for a great week.

We’ve one space left for the Refugio Week this September – read more details and join us for a fantastic week in the Pyrenees.