Village-to-Village Pyrenees Walking Holiday

Arrive in Biescas and settle in. Briefing in the evening about the week ahead, going over the route and giving you a chance to ask any questions.
Meals – Dinner
Overnight – 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas

Shorter Option: Santa Elena – Panticosa: 13km, ascent: 700m
Longer Option: Biescas – Panticosa: 18km, ascent 860m

In the morning, you can either head out straight from the hotel, or we can give you a short lift to the area known as Santa Elena to cut the distance down for the first day. The route passes under the high cliffs of the Sierra de Tendeñera where you see the valley open up before you. Roughly halfway along the route you reach the pretty village of Hoz de Jaca where there is a kilometre long zip-line which you can ride across the lake. It’s great fun and makes for a nice break in the days hiking.

The hike’s full of history as you pass a neolithic dolmen, the scenic church of Santa Elena and bunkers built by Franco to defend against invasion through the Pyrenees.

Meals – Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Overnight – 3* Hotel Sabocos, Panticosa

Shorter Option: 12km, ascent: 530m
Medium Option: 14km, ascent: 500m, descent 1050m 
Longer Option: 19.5km, ascent: 1100m

Today, you have a choice of two circular routes. The shorter option passes through lovely woodland into the meadows of the Valle la Ripera. At the head of the valley, you get to the area known as Rincon del Verde, where 700-metre vertical cliffs rise up from the meadows.

The longer option heads up the Valle La Ripera, continuing over a 2000 metre (6560ft) col where you have the option of a side trip to the peak of Montaña del Verde (2288m, 7500 ft) which has wonderful views over the area. As you descend you pass the glacial tarn of Ibón de Sabacos before descending down to Panticosa.

There is an excellent mid-length option from mid-July to late August when the ski gondola is running. This takes you up 700 metres into the high mountains from where you can take a fantastic hike back down to Panticosa – highly recommended.

Meals – Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight – 3* Hotel Sabocos, Panticosa

Shorter Option: 10.5km, ascent: 200m
Longer Option: 15km, ascent: 800m

Continuing your journey you head into the northern half of the Valle de Tena. Either have an easy half day’s walk around the lake of Embalse de Lanuza, spending an afternoon in picturesque Sallent.

Alternatively, climb steeply to the viewpoint of La Cucuraza for bird’s eye views back down to Panticosa and the Valle La Ripera where you hiked the day before. As you continue you get great views into the northern part of the valley and the border peaks before you descend steeply down to the very pretty village of Sallent.

Meals – Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight – Hotel Almud, Sallent de Gallego

Shorter Option: 13km, ascent: 300m 
Longer Option: 21km, ascent: 900m

Hike along the beautiful Rio Aguas Limpias – the river of clean water. You can have a leisurely day walking to a lovely picnic spot. Alternatively, head higher to a series of lakes set amongst spectacular mountain scenery or the peak of Musales (2654m) (8707ft). Second night at Hotel Almud.

Meals – Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight – Hotel Almud, Sallent de Gallego

Route – 16km, ascent: 700m 
Including optional side trips: 18km, ascent: 1000m

Today you cross over to the western side of the valley and head south. The route passes through lovely alpine meadows which are covered in orchids during early summer. The views are great throughout the day. There are two optional side trips to two summits. One to Punta del Pacino (1965m) for panoramic views across the valley – you can see nearly the whole weeks hiking route from the summit.

The other side trip is to Punta de la Cochata (1911m) which is a short and sharp ascent involving a bit of scrambling. You descend past the tiny village of Sandinies to Tramacastilla.

Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight –Hotel Mariana, Tramacastilla

Shorter Option: 14km, ascent: 500m 
Longer Option: 20km, ascent: 650m
Bike Option: 40km; ascent: 630m

Today, one route option passes through the woods of Betato before climbing through meadows to the lake of Ibon de Piedrafita nestled under the vast cliffs of the Sierra de Partacua. The longer route takes a longer track through higher meadows to the lake. Both routes finish at the village of Piedrafita where you’ll be picked up for a short transfer to Biescas where you’ll spend your final night at Hotel Tierra de Biescas.

There is also the option to do today’s route by mountain bike. We’ll arrange for the bikes to be delivered to your hotel either the evening before. The route is mainly on 4*4 track and passes through lovely meadows. You can cycle right back to the hotel in Biescas. There is a choice of either standard or electric bikes – if you don’t cycle regularly choose the electric bike – there’s a lot of up!

Meals – Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner
Overnight –4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas

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.