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Highlights:
The finest scenery in the Western Pyrenees. Limestone predominates with alpine pastures, blue glacial lakes, jagged ridges and layer on layer of hills stretching into the distance.
Birds, flowers & wildlife. Camille, the Pyrenean Brown
Bear usually keeps well out sight but there's no better area
to see a huge range of alpine flowers, birds of prey and many
wild animals. There are striking contrasts between the flora
on the north and south sides of the border. See our nature
pages.
The Refuges are great places to stay. They all provide good
meals with generous portions to keep you refuelled along the
route. You sleep in bunks in a dormitory or in small 4 person
rooms. There is a friendly atmosphere in the huts and you'll
likely find yourself making friends with fellow trekkers.
All huts except Arlet have hot showers. Blankets are provided
so you only need to carry a sheet sleeping bag.
THE ROUTE
DAY 1 Hotel/Refuge in Hecho (if you require)
Meet at 7.00 am to meet the guide and get the trek pack (sheet sleeping bag, stage booklet to be stamped, map).
We can help you book accommodation for tonight.
DAY 2 Refugio Gabardito D
We meet at 8.00 am and start walking from the Selva de Oza at first through forest and then up and over two passes before descending down to Gabardito. A rarely trodden path with rugged limestone crags and birds of prey galore.
Distance: 15.13 km
Total ascent: 1295 metres
Total descent: 1036 metres
DAY 3 Refugio Lizara B D
The shortest stage of the trek over the Col de Foraton to Lizara. We can extend the day with an optional hike up Bisaurin (2669m) or with a superb ridge walk. Beautiful alpine pastures and endless views south.
Distance: 9.60 km
Total ascent: 693 metres
Total descent: 536 metres
With ascent of Bisaurín: +700 /-700 metres
DAY 4 Albergue Aysa, Somport B D
One of the best walks in the Pyrenees first up to the Valle de Los Sarrios (my favourite valley!) and then down to the Estanés lake. Then we skirt the border with France in a magical beech forest before crossing the Aspe river and walking up to the Col de Somport and our hostal which is right on the border with France.
Distance: 17.42 km
Total ascent: 1076 metres
Total descent: 984 metres
DAY 5 Refuge d´Arlet B D
Into France walking through forest before reaching the idyllic alpine meadows of Espelunguere with their flocks and shepherds' huts. Then we climb up to the border ridge and an easy walk through high meadows brings us to the Arlet hut set in a mountain bowl next to a jewel of a lake. One of the best days out in the Pyrenees.
Distance: 18.89 km
Total ascent: 1148 metres
Total descent: 781 metres
DAY 6 Auberge Lauzart, Lescun B D
Still in France we follow the border ridge west to the Col de Pau from where we follow a mountain stream downhill towards Lescun. The Lescun valley is a jewel with hay meadows, traditional farms and framed by jagged peaks all around.
Distance: 19.51 km
Total ascent: 518 metres
Total descent: 1641 metres
DAY 7 Refugio de Linza, Ansó Valley B D
A magnificent day, first through fields and beech forest in the valley and then, once past the last shepherds' hut steeply up through rock fields under the jagged Ansabere needles to the Puerto de Ansó where we re-enter Spain and head down a beautiful path to the Linza refuge.
Distance: 16.61 km
Total ascent: 1286 metres
Total descent: 789 metres
DAY 8 Refuge/hotel if required B
We head back towards the trek starting point over the Puerto de Anzotiello which brings us to the Acherito Valley – one of the most beautiful in the area. This stage gives an intense sensation of wilderness and utter peace in the mountains. We descend to Oza where we started the trek and then drive down to the village of Hecho. End of the trek! You'll feel fit and satisfied!
Distance: 11.91 km
Total ascent: 779 metres
Total descent: 926 metres
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