The Faja de las Flores is a spectacular high level walk which traverses the northern cliffs of the canyon along a weaker sedimentary layer which is in-cut. ‘Faja’ means girdle in english and the faja paths in Ordesa traverse different parts of the canyon at varying levels. Due to their nature, the faja paths are fairly narrow and a head for heights is often needed, particularly on the Faja de las Flores which is 1km above the valley floor!
This week I had the pleasure of guiding Sean and Sue along this famous route. The weather was perfect; cool in the morning for our monster ascent from the valley floor and beautifully clear skies for fantastic views.
Sean and Sue on their way up to the start of the Faja de las Flores
On the way up there are 2 sets of ‘clavijas’ to tackle (iron pitons placed in the rock to help on steeper sections), and about 1000m of ascent to do.
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- Sue getting to grips with rocky sections on our ascent.
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- Sean making the second set of clavijas look easy!
Once at the start of the route it looks as if there is no place for a path but as you get closer the eroded band shows itself and you can see it winding it’s way along the cliff face.
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- Looking at the improbable Faja de las Flores
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- Sean ready to take on the exposed path.
Once on the narrow traverse path we took our time, enjoyed the views and cautiously looking down at the valley floor.
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- At one point you need to go behind a huge boulder, it was a much better idea than squeezing round the outside of it!
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- Peaking over the edge at the valley floor far below us.
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- Sean and Sue enjoying the path
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- The Faja de las Flores stretching out infront of us.
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- The glaciers erosion is really obvious along most of the path
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- Sean enjoying the Faja de las Flores
At the other end of the traverse we we’re able to get great views of the ‘Breche de Roland’ and the ‘Tres Serols’
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- Sue with the Breche de Roland behind her
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- The ‘Tres Serols’ – Cilindro de Marbores 3325m, Monte Perdido 3355m, Pico de Anisclo 3257m
We had a great day up there and after 17 km and 1150m ascent and of course descent we were all pretty tired but very happy, especially once the G&T was served!
