GR11 Guided Walking Holiday

Price
£1395
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July – September
The Pyrenees at their most dramatic
Country
Spain
Grade
Challenging
Duration
7 nights
Style
Guided
Type
Centre Based
Price
£1395
Five awe-inspiring sections
of this celebrated high mountain trail

This superb Pyrenees hiking holiday on the GR11 offers a dramatic hiking experience, showcasing some of the best high-level hiking in the Pyrenees, on this world-renowned long distance footpath. You’ll venture into rugged, high mountain wilderness on the sometimes steep and precipitous GR11 hike route – and be rewarded with a stunning landscape dotted with mountain lakes and spectacular views. 

This trip also offers an exciting variety of accommodation throughout the week, all in handpicked locations. You’ll spend one night in the remote Refugio Respomuso, which occupies an incredible location at the foot of Balaitous, the westernmost 3000m peak in the Pyrenees. You’ll wake up surrounded by the steep needles, ridges and summits of the Piedrafita cirque – including the Gran Facha, Pico Arriel and the mighty Infernos. You’ll also spend two nights in a luxurious 4-star hotel in the village of Torla, gateway to the Ordesa canyon – the perfect place to rest and indulge after a full week of walking. 

This trip’s base is at Hotel Sabocos in delightful Panticosa, nestled high in the Valle de Tena in the Alto Aragón region of Spain. In this charming village, traditional stone houses line the narrow streets around a 13th-century Romanesque church. Surrounded by Spain’s westernmost concentration of 3000m peaks, Panticosa offers an ideal blend of location, old world charm, and modern amenities.

At a glance

Dates

21-28 July 2024 – Sold Out
15 – 22 September 2024 (14 people max)

 

Price

£1395
Single Supplement – £150

Grade

Challenging
Expect to walk for 5-7 hours each day, with between 700-1000m ascent and 100-1200m descent.

What’s Included

6 nights half board (4 nights at 3* Hotel Sabocos, Panticosa, and 2 nights at the 4* Hotel Ordesa, Torla) including bed & breakfast (7 nights) and 3-course dinner with wine (6 nights, not Thursday your rest day).
1 night half board in Refugio Respomuso, located at 2200m (basic breakfast and dinner)
5 guided walks led by a qualified mountain leader. If there are more than 7 guests booked, then an additional guide will be provided.
Packed lunches each walk day (5 days)
Transport to/from trailheads each walk day
Transfers to/from Zaragoza airport or ‘Delicias’ rail station
Excess baggage storage (luggage will be transferred to Hotel Ordesa for your final two nights)

Lunch, dinner, transport and activities on your rest day (Thursday) are not included.

Travel

This holiday is based in Panticosa. We recommend that you fly into Zaragoza Airport and join our transfer (2hrs, included), which meets the inbound Ryanair flight from Stansted Airport which lands at 1705.

If however you plan to be in Zaragoza already, or to arrive by fast train from either Madrid (1 hr 20 mins, approx €80 return) or Barcelona, you can also join a transfer at the ‘Delicias’ rail station at 1200.

Private transfers are also available to/from Zaragoza or Lourdes Airport (2 hrs, approx. £240 each way for up to 8 people).

Outbound Transfers – these drop off at Zaragoza Delicias rail station at 11:45, and at Zaragoza airport at 15:45 in good time for the Ryanair flight which departs at 17:40. Please bear this in mind when booking onward travel.

Itinerary

panticosa-village

Sun - Arrive & Settle in

From Zaragoza, we’ll transfer you to the delightful Hotel Sabocos, our base in Panticosa. Nestled high in the Valle de Tena, this will be your ‘home from home’ during your stay. After a quick check-in, you can settle into your room before the evening welcome briefing and dinner in the restaurant. 

Accommodation: 3* Hotel Sabocos, Panticosa

Reflection of the Anayet peak in the Ibones de Anayet

Mon - The Canal Roya and Ibones de Anayet

Route statistics: 14.5km, 900m ascent and 600m descent

On this superb ‘first day’ walk, you’ll ascend the Canal Roya up to its near vertical headwall, before continuing on to the idyllic Ibones (lakes) de Anayet. Weather and legs permitting, you then have the option either to enjoy an extended lunch stop at the lakes – taking in the magnificent views north to the iconic Pic du Midi d’Ossau – or climb towards the distinctive panoramic views of the Vértice d’Anayet (2559m, an additional 300m ascent). The GR11 then weaves its way down into the Valle de Tena, affording stunning views of Balaitous (3144m), Vignemale (3298m) and the Picos del Infierno (3083m) – the very mountains you’ll experience over the coming days.

Accommodation:  3* Hotel Sabocos, Panticosa

en-route-to-refugio-respomuso

Tue - Aguas Limpias, the Ibones de Arriel and Refugio Respomuso

Route statistics: 11km, 800m ascent and 100m descent

After a short transfer to the GR11 trailhead at La Sarra, just north of Sallent de Gállego, you’ll continue on a well graded path as you ascend the wilderness of the Aguas Limpias valley. Today you have the option to leave the GR11 to visit the spectacular Ibones de Arriel – four stunning lakes situated in the shadow of the mighty Balaitous. From the Ibones, follow a superb high level traverse into the Circo de Piedrafita, surrounded by many of Spain’s 3000m peaks. The ascent to the Ibones is a tough climb across steep, loose scree and small boulders – so you may choose instead to stay true to the GR11 and follow it directly to Refugio Respomuso. 

Refugio Respomuso is remote, and you will need to carry your own personal belongings for the overnight stay here.

Accommodation: Refugio Respomuso

en-route-to-collado-tebberai

Wed - Col Tebberai, the Ibones Azules to Baños de Panticosa

After an early breakfast in the refugio, you’ll continue along the GR11 as it winds up and over the Collado de Tebarray – the second highest point along the entire GR11 route, at 2782m. It is a truly stunning ascent – first over grassy pastures, then over loose scree and finally up a short, steep and narrow gully to the collado. An equally short and steep descent leads to a narrow traverse above the enchanting Ibón (lake) de Tebarray. This rocky path twists and turns as it makes a steady descent past the Ibones Azules and Embalse de Bachimaña, down into the historic spa village of Baños de Panticosa. On reaching Baños de Panticosa, you’ll be driven the short distance down the mountain to Panticosa, where Hotel Sabocos awaits your return.

Accommodation: 3* Hotel Sabocos, Panticosa

waiter serving beer at a Spanish restaurant with a table full of tapas

Thu - Rest day

On your rest day, indulge in a well-deserved lie-in (breakfast is served until 10am!) before spending the day relaxing in Panticosa. There are no guided walks. Dinner is not provided and guests have an opportunity to eat out locally. Your guide will be happy to propose a local restaurant and make a booking on your behalf, if invited to do so. 

Accommodation: 3* Hotel Sabocos, Panticosa

ibones-azules-from-cuello-de-infierno

Fri - Brazato Bridleway, the Ara Valley & San Nicolas de Bujaruelo

Route statistics: 18.5km, 1000m ascent and 1200m descent

Shortly after breakfast, you’ll be taken to re-join the GR11 where you left it on Wednesday evening. A well graded path will take you up quickly to the Cuello Alto del Brazato (2578m), via another short and steep ascent which is loose under-foot, and requires a tricky traverse across a small boulder field. From here you’ll soak up impressive views of the Vignemale, the highest peak in the French Pyrenees. The descent down to the Ara Valley is long but stunning, on a well-trodden path with a short section of boulder hopping and a river crossing. We suggest a relaxing drink at the refugio at San Nicolas de Bujaruelo, before the short taxi transfer to your final stop – the picturesque village of Torla.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel Ordesa, Torla

ordesa-from-refugio-goriz

Sat - Faja de Pelay and Ordesa Canyon

Route statistics: 20km, 800m ascent and 800m descent

The final walk of the week is a true classic, beginning deep into the Ordesa canyon. An intense initial ascent will bring you to a breathtaking mirador (lookout) high above the canyon floor. It then continues along a natural balcony (faja) which has been formed by millions of years of erosion. Once on the faja, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the Ordesa canyon, Monte Perdido and the Brèche de Roland. After the exhilaration of the faja, meander back along the valley floor through delightful beech, pine and fir forests, before taking the national park shuttle bus back to Torla for your final night and farewell evening meal in Hotel Ordesa.

Accommodation: 4* Hotel Ordesa, Torla

Torla town in Ordesa National pakr in the spanish pyrenees.

Sun - Depart

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and time to pack. Our transfers are designed to get you to the airport in good time for the return Ryanair flight to London Stansted which departs at 1740. We also offer an earlier transfer which drops off at the rail station at 1145. 

Accommodation

Hotel Sabocos

Your base in the Pyrenees is the excellent 3-star Hotel Sabocos, situated a short distance from the village centre. Our good friends Abelardo and Pia have been hosting Collett’s guests for over 14 years in this warm and welcoming hotel.  The hotel provides modern, comfortable and immaculately clean accommodation in en-suite bedrooms – many with balconies enjoying mountain views. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.The hotel boasts a spacious first floor lounge – bursting with comfy armchairs, sofas and cosy alcoves, with french windows leading out to a large terrace with majestic views. It’s the perfect place to relax with a book or to sit with friends over a post-walk drink.  It’s café-bar opens onto a sun-drenched terrace with views to the stunning cliffs of the Sierra de la Partacua.

Breakfasts are generous and buffet-style, and you’re sure to leave each morning feeling refuelled. Dinner is ordered from a set menu, usually with at least 2 choices for each course. Expect typically local cuisine, ideal for days out on the mountain. For vegetarians and other dietary needs, there will be less choice and variation, but every year it gets better. 

Refugio de Respomuso

Built in 1993, Refugio de Respomuso occupies an unbeatable location at the foot of Balaitous, the westernmost 3000m peak in the Pyrenees.  The facilities at Respomuso are basic but modern and comfortable – with showers, hot water and even a bar which serves draught beer! Sleeping is in mixed dormitories (between 6 and 14 people) with shared bathroom facilities. A simple but filling three course evening meal is served, and snacks and drinks are also available.

Hotel Ordesa, Torla

You’ll spend your final two nights in the impressive Hotel Ordesa, nestled on the outskirts of Torla at the entrance to the Ordesa & Monte Perdido National Park. This four-star hotel has impeccable facilities including a restaurant, café bar, reading room and a comfortable lounge with card tables and a log fire. It also has a spa with a steam room, jacuzzi and an on-site masseuse with a full range of treatments available (there is a charge for use of the spa facilities). Three course dinners are served in the restaurant each evening and you’ll have a choice of starters, main course and dessert.  

Need to Knows

Itinerary – Please note that while this is the intended itinerary, the exact programme may differ slightly if trail or weather conditions necessitate.

Terrain Walks on this trip use way-marked paths which can be steep, rocky and loose underfoot. Some short sections are very steep and may be considered by some to be exposed. Previous hiking experience, surefootedness, a good head for heights and a good level of fitness are essential.

Maximum altitude – the maximum altitude on this holiday is 2300m above sea level.

Booking Conditions – be sure to read our full terms and conditions here before booking.

At Your Own Risk – please read the important notes here.

Travel Advice – check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice here.

Passport & Visa –  any questions should be directed to the relevant embassy of your destination country; find out more here. It is your responsibility to be in possession of a full passport, valid for your chosen destination.

Travel Insurance – having adequate and valid travel insurance is a condition of booking with us. Details of our insurance partner, Campbell Irvine, are here.

Health Information – You should carry either an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)  Neither is an alternative to adequate travel insurance. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/

ABTA – Independent travel advice and help is always available from ABTA by calling 020 3117 0599 or visiting www.abta.com.

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