GR11 Guided Walking Holiday

From Zaragoza, we’ll transfer you to the delightful 4* Hotel Villa de Anayet. After a quick check-in, you can settle into your room before the evening welcome briefing and dinner in the restaurant.
Accommodation: 4* Hotel Villa de Anayet, Canfranc-Estación

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. At the end of the trail, a short transfer will take you to Hotel Sabocos, your base for the next 3 nights in Panticosa. Nestled high in the Valle de Tena, this is very much ‘home from home’.
Accommodation:  3* Hotel Sabocos, Panticosa

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

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

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

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

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

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 1540. We also offer an earlier transfer which drops off at the rail station at 1145.