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.
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.
- Sue getting to grips with rocky sections on our ascent.
- 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.
- Looking at the improbable Faja de las Flores
- 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.
- At one point you need to go behind a huge boulder, it was a much better idea than squeezing round the outside of it!
- Peaking over the edge at the valley floor far below us.
- Sean and Sue enjoying the path
- The Faja de las Flores stretching out infront of us.
- The glaciers erosion is really obvious along most of the path
- 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’
- Sue with the Breche de Roland behind her
- 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!