The Sierra de Guara Natural Park is the most beautiful and mysterious part of the Pyrenean Foothills. This wild region of limestone outcrops, canyons and ancient villages is steeped in the atmosphere of the middle ages when these foothills were the frontier with moorish Spain. The six wonderful walks take you to tremendous canyons with azure blue rivers and from village to village through olive and almond groves. The wildlife here is fabulous with many birds of prey and many rare species which take refuge here from the harsh winter/spring weather in the High Pyrenees.
There is something special about walking, alone, as a family, as a couple or with a few friends without having to worry about the logistics - getting luggage moved on, getting picked up at the end of walks etc. It is also good to know that in the unlikely event of a problem in the hills that someone will alert mountain rescue. As the walking is unguided you should have some experience in the hills and know how to use a map and compass in conjunction with the route notes we provide. |
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
DAY 1 Hotel in Alquézar D
Arrive in Alquézar, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain set above the Vero Canyon (see below for transport details). Reception and explanation of the route at 19.00.
DAY 2 Hotel in Alquézar B D
Explore Alquézar and a beautiful walk in the Vero Canyon where there are stone age paintings and evidence of human presence going back 40,000 years. If you don't mind getting wet legs you can extend the walk wading along the canyon base before walking back to Alquézar.
DAY 3 Casa Rural Bierge B D
A walk along the old tracks of the sierra passing some pretty hermitages and old farm settlements to arrive in the farming village of Bierge which has some magnificent medieval paintings in the village chapel.
DAY 4 Hostal in Yaso B D
From Bierge to the village of Yaso through gorgeous rural country. The path takes you through olive and almond groves which are dotted with flowers in the spring and some wild canyon country.
DAY 5 Hostal in Las Almunias B D
To Las Almunias de Rodellar along the magnificent valley and canyon of the Rio Alcanadre and the Sierra de Arangol. A wonderful day through stunning scenery that wouldn't be out of place in a western movie. Pick up your vehicle in the evening.
DAY 6 Hostal in Las Almunias B D
A stunning walk in the Mascún canyon – for many the highlight of the Sierra de Guara with its incredible rock formations, a 4000 year old dolmen, scores of soaring vultures and perhaps a lammergeier and, with luck, a golden eagle. You pass a fascinating abandoned village and enjoy some stunning views into the canyon and up to the snowy peaks of the High Pyrenees.
DAY 7 Holiday Ends B
A walk above the Balces Canyon, another of the superlative gorges in the area. Awe-inspiring views, more vultures and wonderful atmosphere. The walk and the holiday finish at lunchtime. |
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THE HOTEL IN ALQUÉZAR is an excellent 2 star establishment with en suite rooms.
CASA RURAL/HOSTAL - simple and comfortable village houses - with double, en suite rooms. |
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DATE
All year except August.
PRICES - ADULTS
£525 Land Based only
£90
Single
Supplement
SEE INSURANCE
THE PRICE INCLUDES: map and route notes, luggage transport, 6 nights half board in hotels and hostals. Rescue insurance (you still need travel insurance).
We
provide route notes and the paths are well marked but
competence using a map and compass is essential.
GETTING THERE
We recommend flying to Zaragoza with RYANAIR from Stansted and renting a car (contact us for prices which start at £124.00 for the week). Taxi transfer from Zaragoza to the Pyrenees can also be arranged. Please e-mail us or telephone for details.
RYANAIR: FR2634
dep. Stansted 1130
arr. Zaragoza 1335
RYANAIR: FR2635
dep. Zaragoza 1500
arr. Stansted 1705
Flight times may vary so please check before travelling.
SEE RYANAIR.COM |
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