Explore the high trails and remote valleys of the Spanish Pyrenees, with our great range of guided and self-guided walking holidays
Explore the high trails and remote valleys of the Spanish Pyrenees, with our great range of guided and self-guided walking holidays
Welcome to the Pyrenees
Wonderful hiking in Western Europe’s last great mountain wilderness
The spectacular mountains of the Pyrenees stretch for 480km from the Atlantic coast across to the Mediterranean, forming an impressive natural frontier between France and Spain. These mountains have a rugged grandeur that will bewitch you. It is little wonder that walking holidays in the Pyrenees have an extra special quality. As well as accommodating some of Europe’s most exhilarating high and moderate walking trails, they host some staggering flora and fauna – and numerous quaint and traditional mountain villages, which overflow with character and charm.
The backbone of the range, the frontier ridge, lies just to the north of our base in Panticosa. It is a chaotic jigsaw of wild rock formations and crags, which reach for the sky with many soaring effortlessly above 3000m. These peaks dominate much of the Valle de Tena, our home in the Pyrenees. This glacial valley boasts the vast limestone walls of the impressive Sierra de la Partacua and the Sierra de Tendeñera, which rise abruptly in the south, forming much of the overwhelming panorama that is enjoyed from Hotel Sabocos in Panticosa. This hotel is our base for each of our guided centre-based walking holidays in the Pyrenees, and is also used on our self-guided village-to-village holiday, too. A little lower down a majestic mountain landscape unfolds with a heady mix of lush green meadows, abyss-like canyons, awe-inspiring cirques, azure blue lakes, u-shaped valleys, pristine woodlands, sparkling tarns and cascading streams.
Not surprisingly, walkers have been coming to the Pyrenees for years, venturing into this magnificent terrain from picturesque mountain villages. From Panticosa our guided trips visit both the Spanish and the French sides of the frontier ridge. In spite of their proximity to each other, the differences between the two sides are quite dramatic. Our walks will help you see just how different the Spanish and the French sides are in an area where the common denominator is breathtaking mountain scenery.
Walking holidays in the Pyrenees with Collett's
Whatever it is that brings you to the Pyrenees, you are sure to thrive here, whether you join one of our guided trips or choose to self-guide from village-to-village; whether you seek high level adventure or more moderate days out in the lower hills and valleys. Either way, the extensive knowledge of our local mountain guides, or our comprehensive walk notes for self-guiders will ensure that you enjoy a succession of memorable walks in these beautiful mountains.
An ‘off the beaten track’ destination
We believe the wilder character of the Pyrenees gives you the opportunity to experience one of Europe’s last largely unexploited mountain ranges. These are mountains that abound with endless and sublime walking opportunities, and we know you will share our appreciation of breathtaking mountain landscapes, massively touched by nature, but still largely untouched by human intervention.
Routes vary from walks across grassy pastures and plateaus, to high trails, which wind their way through the peaks of the frontier ridge. Old trading, pilgrim and smuggling routes thread the mountain cols, whilst the wonderfully exposed ‘fajas’ of the Ordesa canyon are the ultimate in high level exhilaration.
Village-to-Village Walking
People in search of self-guided, village-to-village walking with daily luggage transfers to your next overnight accommodation, can venture out on a superb selection of delightful walks, which unravel in the enchanting foothills beneath towering peaks. You will discover woodland, rich with fauna; idyllic upland pastures, profuse and vibrant with flowers; and picturesque hamlets, where time seemingly stands still.
It is one of life’s great pleasures to wander into an enchanting, sleepy hamlet and sit at the table of a rustic café, gazing at the seemingly unbroken rim of peaks that surround the valleys and provide the high level walker with an extensive variety of mouthwatering adventures. That said, there are a handful of walks at high level that are not too challenging and these routes allow the less ambitious walkers to enjoy days out at higher level.
Guided Walking
If you prefer a guided walking holiday in the Pyrenees, look no further than Collett’s. We look forward to helping you explore the exhilarating trails that will make for some unforgettable days out. Our trips access many local classics, such as the awe-inspiring Ordesa & Monte Perdido UNESCO National Park on the Spanish side, and the iconic Pic du Midi d’Ossau Circuit just over the border in France, not to mention the stunning peaks and trails of the Valle de Tena, one of our favourite mountain stomping grounds over many years.
The Ordesa & Monte Perdido National Park should be on everyone’s bucket list, as this is the celebrated home of the uniquely dramatic rock cornices known as ‘fajas’, high altitude balconies of stone formed over millions of years. Along them cling sensational walking routes of varying exposures, providing walkers at every turn with adrenalin-fuelled views of the canyon and its many magnificent fairy-tale waterfalls.
Panticosa
Nestled high in the Valle de Tena, is the charming village of Panticosa – a labyrinth of traditional stone built houses lining narrow streets around a 13th century Romanesque church. It is a tranquil mountain village, which has retained much of its old world charm, whilst providing for the modern day visitor with a handful of shops, bars and other amenities including an outdoor swimming pool. An easy-going pace of life prevails and there is a certain charm to sitting with a drink at the café in the village square watching the world go by.
Panticosa is the main base for all our guided trips, and is an overnight stop on our self-guided village-to village-holidays. It is a superb springboard from which to venture out into this beautiful region with its numerous trails, magnificent scenery and mountain huts.
Why Book With Collett's?
Unforgettable Walks
We've walked the walks and only bring you the best. Self-guide at your own pace, supported by clear and detailed route notes.
With You Every Step
Outstanding personal service throughout - from our friendly UK enquiries team to our trusted local on-the-ground partners.
Hand-Picked Hotels With Warm Hospitality
Relax in authentic family-run hotels with fabulous local cuisine. All perfect springboards to the best walks in the area.
Mountain Holiday Specialists Since 1997
An independent family-run business with over 25 years of creating memorable holidays. Book with Confidence - ABTA Protected
