Walking holidays in Spain, walking holidays in the Pyrenees, guided walking holiday Spain, independent walking holiday Spain

	CONTRASTING LANDSCAPES
	CASTLES, CLIFFS AND PILGRIM ROUTES
	BIRDS, WILDLIFE AND FLOWERS
	FROM ALMOND ORCHARD TO ALPINE PASTURE

SEE THE FOOTHILLS IN THE GALLERY

This holiday combines walking in two beautiful, very different areas of the Pyrenees.

In the Foothills we follow paths through a gorgeous mediterranean landscape dominated by cliffs and lofty pinnacles from where, a thousand years ago, the reconquista of the plains of Aragon began.

The wonderful Castle of Loarre remains from this era as do many ermitas and watchtowers.

Higher up we explore wild mountain valleys, lower alpine pastures and mixed forests. As well as beautiful landscapes there is plenty of human and historical interest with small farming villages, a roman road, pilgrim routes and many medieval buildings.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the contrasts in the flora and fauna of the two areas, one mediterranean and the other alpine. Each has an outstanding range of plant and animal life, especially rare birds of prey which thrive in these undisturbed hills and mountains.

ITINERARY
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

DAY 1 Hospederia de Loarre D
Transfer from Zaragoza airport (1½ hours) to Loarre, a tiny village set in the midst of farmland and almond orchards just below the rocky sierras. Nearby is the Castle of Loarre on its promontory dominating the plains of Huesca.

DAY 2 Hospederia de Loarre B L D
A walk via two villages through a landscape of soaring rock towers and hills carpeted in thyme and rosemary. This is a gentle introduction to one of the most beautiful and atmospheric corners of Aragon.

DAY 3 Hospederia de Loarre B L D
From the foot of the sierra up to an 11th century hermitage and watchtower. Then through woods, along a magnificent gorge and down to a pretty whitewashed village set beneath towering cliffs.

DAY 4 Hostal de La Val B L D
A beautiful drive up to the Hecho Valley and then a walk through the dramatic Boca del Infierno gorge and through Beech and Silver Fir forest up to a wonderful picnic spot. Our return route is via the 2000 year old Roman road above the gorge. This fascinating road was once an important branch of the Camino de Santiago pilgrim route.

DAY 5 Hostal de La Val B D
Free day to relax or walk in the hills surrounding Hecho.

DAY 6 Hostal de La Val B L D
A hike to an azure glacial lake set above one of the most beautiful hanging valleys of the Pyrenees. We are likely to see the majestic and rare lammergeier soaring above us and in spring time the flowers are out of this world.

DAY 7 Hostal de La Val B L D
Into the higher mountains to walk a side valley at the foot of Bisaurin, the highest peak in the area. This walk has all the ingredients of a high mountain trip - wild rockscapes, alpine flowers, chamois and marmots - without demanding too much effort.

DAY 8 Departure B
Transfer to Zaragoza airport (2½ hours) for those that require it.

HOSPEDERIA DE LOARRE is a newly built hotel in the village of Loarre at the foot of the foothill sierras. Comfortable en-suite rooms with views of the village, hills and almond groves. The Hospederia has an excellent restaurant.

HOSTAL DE LA VAL is a very pleasant and traditional 2 star hotel in the village of Hecho with comfortable en suite rooms and excellent home cooked food in its restaurant. Rooms have nice views out over the village and mountains.

DATES
FH108
Wed 7 May - Wed 14 May

FH208
Wed 8 Oct - Wed 15 Oct

PRICES
£765 Land Based only
£77 Single Supplement

SEE INSURANCE

GETTING THERE
We meet and drop off at Zaragoza Airport to coincide with:

RYANAIR: FR2634
dep. Stansted 0950
arr. Zaragoza 1300

RYANAIR: FR2635
dep. Zaragoza 1325
arr. Stansted 1430

Flight times may vary so please check before travelling.

SEE RYANAIR.COM