22 March 2016
Peña Sabocos in the Pyrenees, Spain
Looming over our village base of Panticosa, is Peña Sabocos, a high peak on the stunning Sierra Tendeñera mountain range. A spot height of 2757m allows for spectacular panoramic views of the Valle de Tena and the azure blue waters of the Ibon Sabocos lake below.
In the high season months of July and August the cable car operates out of Panticosa giving great access to this mountain range. It takes you nearly 700m up to the top of the lift station where this walk begins at 1865m. This linear out and back route has a ‘Hard’ grading, with 900m of ascent and descent over 11km (7 miles). During the low season outside of July and August you will need to walk from Panticosa village, which turns this walk into a 1580m climb in total!
The route starts by following a 4×4 track from the cable car station, steadily ascending uphill until you reach the Ibon de los Asnos. A small track skirts the side of the lake and turns into a steep path that brings you up and behind the lake and the real ascending begins. A lot of this route follows cairns and the route is not easy to follow and path not always clear, so keep your eyes peeled. Look out for some impressive rock formations and uplift of rock strata as you ascend. There is a boulder section that you must climb steeply beneath the ridge between Peña Sabocos and the smaller peak of Peña Roya. The final ascent is very loose so take care, and you will soon be upon the summit point, marked by a concrete post. The views from here are sublime, uninterrupted and absolutely worth the tough climb to reach. You return by the same route after a well-earned breather and lunch!
The cable car gives excellent access for more moderate walkers, who can walk up to the Sabocos and Asnos lakes – excellent picnic lunch spots – or even push up to a high Col view point. Our team in Panticosa will be happy to advise for a day out accessing this beautiful area, just on the doorstep of the village.
For more information on our Walking Holidays in the Pyrenees – click here
