5 Spectacular Day Walks in the Pyrenees
24th June 2025
At Collett’s we often describe the Pyrenees as Western Europe’s last great mountain wilderness. This glorious mountain range offers some of Europe’s most absorbing walking opportunities, with its abundance of dramatic peaks, sparkling high tarns, enchanting woodland trails, and heavenly valleys. Typically the French side gets more rain, so for most of the walking season you can expect lush verdant landscapes, rich in flora. On the Spanish side, it’s more arid, but every bit as spectacular, especially in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. Whatever your preferred walks – easy, moderate or challenging – prepare to be bewitched!
We have been planning walking holidays in the Pyrenees’ hidden corners since 2008 – including itineraries on the iconic, long-distance GR11 – so we know a thing or two about where to go hiking in France and Spain’s shared mountain paradise.
In this article, we shed a little light on walking holidays in the Pyrenees, and share 5 favourite day walks that you can embark on from our favoured base in the gorgeous Valle de Tena.
Where is a good place to walk in the Pyrenees?
The Pyrenees stretch for over 480km, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, forming an impressive natural frontier between France and Spain. Wherever you choose to go walking in the Pyrenees, the rugged grandeur and wilderness will make a lasting impression.
We believe the Valle de Tena is one of the best bases for hiking in the Pyrenees. This glacial valley is a chaotic jigsaw of wild rock formations and crags, which reach for the sky with many soaring effortlessly above 3000m, making it a fantastic base for some of Europe’s most exhilarating high-level walks. It also provides you access to the breathtaking UNESCO Ordesa & Monte Perdido National Park where you can traverse the 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 fairy-tale waterfalls.
Where to stay when walking in the Pyrenees?
Our guided walking holidays are based in the small mountain village of Panticosa at the heart of the Valle de Tena. Its traditional stone houses and a 13th-century Romanesque church will surely enchant you. It’s strategically-superb for access to a variety of day hikes, some of which include sections of the celebrated, long-distance trails, known as the GR10 and GR11.
For an unforgettable self-guided experience, you can embark on our village-to-village walking holiday, which takes you on a majestic journey across the Valle de Tena, incorporating some of the best medium and high-level walks in the area. By the way, whilst you do the walking, we take care of transporting your luggage from one charming accommodation to the next.
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What’s the best time to hike in the Pyrenees?
The Pyrenees traverse a variety of altitudes and climates, so this is not an easy question to answer. Off the cuff, the answer would be the period from April to October, although late lying snow dictates that access to many sought-after, high level itineraries is not guaranteed until later June. One of our most fascinating guided walking holidays takes place in the Mallos de Riglos and the canyons of the Sierra de Guara located in the Pyrenees (albeit the foothills). We offer this holiday from April through to October, but as most of our Pyrenean walking holidays are characterised by routes, which largely ascend and descend between 1500m and 2500m, the optimal time for our Pyrenees walking holidays is June, July, August and September.
5 Day Walks in the Pyrenees
The Pyrenees offer walking experiences that will remain etched in your memory long after you return home. From the dramatic canyons of Ordesa National Park, to the glistening lakes of Ibones de Anayet and the iconic peaks of Pic Du Midi d’Óssau and Pic Castera, every step reveals new wonders.
Here are 5 of our favourite day hikes in the Pyrenees:
Punta del Pacino
10.5km | 500m ascent/descent
This route in the heart of the Valle de Tena is a brilliant first walk to help you find your walking legs and orientate yourself in the Pyrenees. This circular walk boasts extensive views from Punta del Pacino, summit of the Valle de Tena, the imposing Sierra de la Partacua, and the many 3000m peaks which make up the Franco‐Spanish border ridge north of the vibrant village of Sallent de Gallego.
Ibones de Anayet & Vertice d’Anayet (2559m) (Pyreneean Peaks)
17.5km | 900m ascent/descent
This is an excellent circular walk to the picturesque lake, Ibones de Anayet, nestled below the deep crimson slopes of the Vértice de Anayet. You can expect awe-inspiring views across the abyss-like ‘Canal Roya’ and the frontier ridge towards Pic du Midi d’Ossau in France. From here the straightforward but steep ascent of the Vertice de Anayet (2559m) provides rewarding panoramic views across the range – including sublime views of Balaitous (3144m), Vignemale (3298m) and the Picos del Infierno (3083m).
Ordesa Canyon: Camino de las Cascadas (Pyrenean Classics)
Up to 19km | 500m ascent/descent
This is a classic day walk through delightful beech, pine and fir forests that takes in the many magnificent waterfalls dotted along the floor of the Ordesa canyon. Idyllic riverside picnic spots await you in the open pastures near the impressive ‘Circo de Soaso’, where stunning views of the canyon’s 1000m cliffs can be enjoyed. This is an ‘out and back’ walk, so its length and ascent/descent can be adjusted to suit your energy levels.
Ayous Lakes Circuit & Pic d’Ayous (2288m) (Pyrenean Peaks)
15km | 800m ascent/descent
This walk is described by the French as ‘The Way of the Bear.’ Legend has it that it was the main passage taken by bears between the Aspe and Ossau regions. A demanding walk, this route rewards you with multiple teal-blue tarns and superb far-reaching views, notably to Pic Du Midi d’Óssau and Pic Casterau. In short, the Ayous Lakes circuit is a classic ‘must-do’ Pyrenean walk.
Refuge Pombie & Pic de Peyreget Circuit (2487m)
12.5km | 900m ascent/descent
This fabulous walk on the French side of the dramatic frontier ridge offers stunning views of the south-east face of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau. Known as the Pombie Wall, this is a favourite spot for climbers. This is a hike of ever-changing scenery, culminating with sensational panoramic views of the Pyrenees National Park from the summit of Pic de Peyreget.
