Snows melting in the Pyrenees and I was out hiking today in the Valle de Tena with a friend Gustavo. We chose the peak of Cochata which sits in the middle of the valley with great views in all directions.

Although not high it’s quite a rocky peak and looks as if it’s hard to climb but there’s a fairly easy route to the summit – you just need to use your hands in a couple of places.

The peak of Punta Cochata in the Valle de Tena

First marmots of the season where spotted and there were plenty of burrows. Winter wasn’t cold and I think the marmots will do well this summer with plenty to see.

First marmot of the season!

Also saw a couple of Sarrios (chamois) and got a great shot.

Sarrios or Chamois in the Pyrenees

We climbed from the village of Escarrilla and it’s around 800 metres of ascent to the summit – great views from the top today.

Gustavo on the summit of Cochata

Great weather and plenty of spring flowers where out – we saw spring gentians, early purple orchids, elder flowered orchids and a couple of early white asphodels.

It was a great hike and fabulous to have the ski’s away and be back out hiking in the mountains again. There’s still quite a bit of snow about higher up and if you’re planning any routes over around 2000 metres you’ll probably find snow at the moment.

Good weather forecasted for the next week or two though and the snow level should be rising quite quickly.

Thanks for a great day Gustavo!

Gustavo on the snow

On the summit