11 November 2013
Our base in Panticosa was very busy in September, due to some dedicated guests flying over to take part in our GR11 week. Our 12 keen walkers were easy to spot at Lourdes and Pau airport by their hiking boots, walking poles and rucksacks. The week began with an impressive tapas lunch at Hotel Sabocos, our base for the week. Over an extremely Spanish themed and very large selection of nibbles, we discovered that amongst us we had 6 Brits and 6 Australians!
We were delighted with our weeks weather. The sun shined every day, allowing us to complete all five sections of the GR11 without having to reach into our packs for any waterproofs! Day one allowed the group to stretch their legs and marvel over the panoramic views from the Vertice Anayet. One of our Australian guests, Wit, braved the towering Pico Anayet whilst we watched in amazement. After steadily ascending up to the Ariel lakes, we spent our second night in the beautifully situated Refugio Respomuso. Tom and Jo were thrilled to be introduced to geo-cashing by our guest Peter, who had discovered various cashes that are buried around the refugio. Who said treasure hunts were only for children?
We made our way to Col Tebbarai after a surprisingly peaceful and comfortable night at the Refugio. After a steep climb to the col, we were rewarded with fantastic views over the Pyrenees. We all dived into our bags for our woolly hats at the col, as a strong breeze met us as we summited. A well deserved coffee was had at the next refuge which Andy claimed was the “best he had ever had!”.
We finished our week with two fantastic days walking from Banos de Panticosa to the Ordesa canyon. Our long descent down to Bujarelo gave us plenty time to notice the numerous marmots that popped up from rock to rock. We marvelled at the vultures cruising on the thermals above and listened to the peaceful sound of cow bells in the distance. Our walk along the Faja de Pelay which lies high in the Ordesa canyon made a great end to week. We finished our successful week with a celebratory ice cold beer and chocolate magnums all around…bliss!
Join us and hike the GR11 yourself!
Our Hikes on the GR11 in the Pyrenees next year will be on the 6 – 13 September or 13 – 20 September 2014 and cost £735 per person (excluding flights) – for more information please click here.
Your base for 5 nights will be the delightful 3* Hotel Sabocos in Panticosa, but you will also spend one night at the dramatic Refugio Respomuso and one night in the picturesque village of Torla, gateway to the Ordesa & Monte Perdido National Park.
The itinerary is specifically designed so that you can enjoy the high mountain wilderness of a world-renowned route, whilst being able to return each evening (bar two) to the comforts of the Hotel Sabocos, where a hot shower, a cold beer and a delicious three course evening meal (with wine included) await you.
