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Walking areas in the Pyrenees
wilderness mountain terrain
We believe the wilder character of the Pyrenees gives you the opportunity to experience one of Europe's last great wilderness areas. The walking options are superb and hill walkers with a passion for high mountain terrain are sure to feel at home here.
Routes vary from rambles across grassy pastures and plateaus, to high trails, which wend their way through the peaks of the frontier ridge. Old trading, pilgrim and smuggling routes thread the mountain cols, whilst the wonderfully exposed 'fajas' of the Ordesa canyon are the ultimate in high level exhilaration.
We chose Panticosa as our base in the Pyrenees for its proximity to three diverse areas of spectacular walking. These are as follows :
Walking in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Ordesa canyon is renowned as Spain's most beautiful National Park and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a stunning, wildlife-rich glacial valley, which is most famous for its awesome limestone cliffs, towering over 1000m above the lush beech and pine forests which carpet the narrow valley floor.
in the Ordesa Canyon
These cliffs are home to the uniquely dramatic rock cornices known as 'fajas', high altitude balconies of stone formed over millions of years. Along them cling sensational walking routes of varying exposures, providing walkers at every turn with adrenalin fuelled views of the canyon and its many magnificent fairytale waterfalls.
towards Monte Perdido
Walking in the Valle de Tena
Panticosa lies in the glacial Valle de Tena, which is surrounded by a ring of high mountains. To the south-west and south-east, the vast limestone walls of the impressive Sierra de la Partacua and the Sierra de Tendeñera rise abruptly, whilst looming large to the north-west and north-east are the mighty granite peaks of the frontier ridge.
Consequently, the Valle de Tena boasts an entertaining mix of landscapes: from the relatively flat pasture lands of the Col du Pourtalet with its gentle meandering streams; past the striking crimson rocks of the Vértice and Pico de Anayet, both the remains of old volcanic chimneys, standing guard over the idyllic Ibones de Anayet lakes below; on to the great mountain lakes of Brazatos, Azules, Bachimaña and Respomuso and the high granite peaks and rocky cols in and around Balaïtous and the Picos del Infierno.
Whilst predominantly the domain of the mountaineer, the Sierra de Tendeñera and Sierra de la Partacua, provide spectacular backdrops to our easier walks, which traverse their lower slopes and feature gentle cols, secondary peaks and beautiful lakes, such as the enchanting green blue lakes of Sabocos and Asnos high above Panticosa and the exquisite Lake Escarra, best viewed from the Collado del Pacino.
Just ten minutes away by car is Sallent de Gállego, which nestles quietly below the looming Peña Foratata, and Baños de Panticosa. Both these villages represent the start and end of a range of scenically splendid walks along scarcely trodden paths, which enticingly disappear deep into the rugged upper valleys of the range.
At least twice a week our Organised Walks focus on the many routes on Panticosa's doorstep so that during your time here you can explore the natural wonder and hidden corners of the Valle de Tena.
Walking near the Pic du Midi
The Pic du Midi d'Ossau stands just on the French side of the range and is probably the most recognisable peak in the entire Pyrenean range. From miles around you can see the distinctive twin peaks of volcanic rock, which rise dramatically above a small collection of lakes and high meadows.
We believe the best view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau is from the Lacs d'Ayous and the Refuge d'Ayous. These feature on one of our favourite Organised Walks and we are convinced that gazing up at the towering pic from this idyllic high level location will be one of the pleasures of your holiday.
The Pic du Midi is one of the classic landmarks of the Pyrenees and, with its numerous walking itineraries, it is a magnificent area to explore on foot. We do this from Panticosa on a short drive that takes you across the border at the Col du Pourtalet, where the Valle de Tena meets the Vallée d'Ossau.
