A Short Break in the Hecho Valley.
Just 2/3 hours from Biarritz and Zaragoza airports, the Hecho Valley has some of the best walking in the Pyrenees with a choice of routes from gentle valley walks to high alpine routes in stunning limestone scenery. Hecho is a wonderful Pyrenean village, still very traditional and full of life with plenty of bars and shops. The villagers speak Cheso the valley dialect and are mostly farmers and foresters.
The walks described below are just a few examples of many different routes on offer. There are many easier (but no less beautiful) options and in spring and autumn when the high hills are covered in snow there are great walks in the nearby Pyrenean Foothills.
DAY 1
A hike to an azure glacial lake set above one of the most beautiful valleys of the Pyrenees. You are likely to see the majestic and rare lammergeier soaring above you and the high meadows come alive with flowers in early summer. Height gain: 250m Distance: 17km
DAY 2
To the Ibón (lake) de Acherito set in its cirque of jagged rocks. From the lake you head up to the border ridge with France for some amazing views before walking down the Acherito Valley through alpine meadows. Height gain: 700m Distance: 18km
DAY 3
A Circuit of the Ordesa Canyon. This is the classic route around the Ordesa Canyon and the views, flowers and wildlife are absolutely wonderful. Walk up a steep path (2 hrs) to a beautiful path which contours along the side of the canyon 600m above the canyon floor to the end of the canyon where you descend to walk back to the starting point along the river with its spectacular waterfalls, alpine meadows and beech forest. Height gain: 800m Distance: 24km |
