Pyrenees Peaks & Passes Guided Walking Holiday
Price
£1375
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July
and
September
Inspirational high-level walks in Spain and France
Country
Spain
Grade
Challenging
Duration
7 nights
Style
Guided
Type
Centre Based
Price
£1375
Explore the majestic peaks and high passes of the Pyrenees on routes designed for strong walkers.
Led by a local mountain guide, you’ll experience the grandeur of the Pyrenees with impressive peaks and passes around the Valle de Tena, including the striking crimson rocks of Vértice and Pico de Anayet, and the stunning lakes of Brazatos, Azules, Bachimaña, and Respomuso. Hike high granite peaks and rocky cols near Balaïtous and Picos del Infierno, with routes in both the Pyrenees National Park in France and the Ordesa & Monte Perdido National Park in Spain, featuring sections of the famous GR10 and GR11 trails.
Each day ends in Panticosa, a charming village in the Valle de Tena with traditional stone houses and a 13th-century Romanesque church. Surrounded by Spain’s highest peaks, Panticosa offers the perfect blend of location, old-world charm, and modern amenities for a week of adventure.
Browse this page for all you need to know about this fascinating guided walking holiday in the Pyrenees for advanced walkers, and when you’re ready, click Enquire or Book Now, complete the information and let our skilled enquiry team make this holiday a reality for you.
If you’re looking for a similar holiday, but with less challenging walks, take a look at our Pyrenean Classics holiday.
Gallery
At a glance
Dates
7 – 14 July 2024 – Sold Out
22-29 September 2024
Groups are limited to a maximum of 8 people
Price
£1375
Single Supplement – £125
Grade
Challenging
Expect to walk for 5 -7 hours each day with between 600-1400m of ascent/descent each day.
What’s Included
7 nights half board at 3* Hotel Sabocos, Panticosa including bed & breakfast (7 nights) and 3-course dinner with wine (6 nights, not Thursday your rest day)
Packed lunches on walk day (5 days)
5 guided walks led by a qualified mountain leader
Transport to/from trailheads each walking day
Transfers to/from Zaragoza airport or ‘Delicias’ rail station
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
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.
Mon - Refuge Pombie & Pic de Peyreget Circuit (2487m)
Route statistics: 12.5km, 900m ascent/descent
The week’s walking begins with a fabulous first day on the French side of the dramatic frontier ridge. From the idyllic Pombie lake and refugio, this walk 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. The scenery changes frequently on today’s route, culminating with panoramic views of the Pyrenees National Park from the summit of Pic de Peyreget.
Tue - Faja de Pelay (1900m) and Ordesa Canyon
Route statistics: 20km, 800m ascent/descent
This walk does not officially include a peak, but it’s nevertheless a true Pyrenean high-level classic. Starting with an intense ascent to a breathtaking mirador (lookout) high above the canyon floor, the route continues along a natural balcony (faja) which has been formed by millions of years of erosion.
Wed - Ibones de Anayet & Vertice d’Anayet (2559m)
Route statistics: 17.5km, 900m ascent/descent
Today’s route is an excellent circular walk to the picturesque Ibones de Anayet, nestled below the deep crimson slopes of the Vértice de Anayet. Walkers at these idyllic lakes are treated to 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).
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.
Fri - Ayous Lakes Circuit & Pic d’Ayous (2288m)
Route statistics: 15km, 800m ascent/descent
This walk is described by the French as “The Way of the Bear”, since it is said to have been the main passage of bears between the Aspe and Ossau regions. A demanding walk, this route rewards with superb far-reaching views. The Ayous Lakes circuit is a classic ‘must do’ Pyrenean walk, that takes in numerous lakes and offers up first-rate views across to the iconic Pic Du Midi d’Óssau and Pic Casterau.
Sat - Garmo Negro (3066m) or Cuello Alto del Brazato (2578m)
On your final day of walking, choose from two enticing options:
Garmo Negro: 16km, 1400m ascent/descent – This is probably the most accessible of all the 3000m peaks close to Panticosa. From the summit, the full expanse of the Pyrenees range opens up to you – with incredible views of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau over in France, and the Infiernos and Vignemale further east.
Cuello Alto del Brazato: 11km, 900m ascent/descent – This alternative allows for a less strenuous day than Garmo Negro, without compromising on the views. Walkers on this route will gain height relatively quickly on a well graded path, then have a short but steep ascent which is loose underfoot, and a tricky traverse across a small boulder field. From here a fantastic panorama of views includes the impressive Vignemale – the highest peak in the French 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
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.
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.
