This is a short, circular walk from the top end of the Pineta valley which offers captivating views of Monte Perdido (3,355 metres) and its glacier.
The vantage point can be found after climbing to La Larri, a flat area of pastureland where horses and cows graze in fraternal tranquility.
Two beautiful waterfalls can be seen on the way back, which tumble down from the giant peaks that ring the top of the valley.
The route follows the GR-11 long-distance footpath at the start of the walk, with white/red waymarks and signs to show the way.
To get to the start point, drive along the Pineta valley from Bielsa, following the Cinca river. The A-2611 road arrives at the car park just short of the old hotel, the Parador de Bielsa.
The walk
From the car park pick up the signs for the GR-11 and the hermitage, the Ermita de Pineta.
It’s a short step to the hermitage. The GR-11 sign at the place of worship points for the Llanos de La Larri (La Larri flats) which are 1.2km away.
The clearly-marked footpath passes to the right of the hermitage and starts the climb through the deciduous forest.
It’s a very pleasant ascent, which is fairly steep but not overly so.
Out of the trees, the GR-11 path crosses a wide track on the last part of the ascent to La Larri (take this track on the way back).
Next stop is the natural vantage point which looks across to the Monte Perdido massif from the ‘entrance’ to La Larri.
The view of these awesome summits takes the breath away and provokes an urge to explore this high-mountain area.
The glacier on the upper reaches of Monte Perdido is visible; look long and hard because tragically it is disappearing fast as the planet heats up.
At La Larri the world is your oyster. The GR-11 continues to climb to offer improving views across to the Monte Perdido massif.
Or cross the flats of La Larri to ascend on the far side to see waterfalls.
This route returns from the natural vantage point, heading down to the wide track and bearing right to descend, abandoning the GR-11.
The track heads into shady trees before arriving at the first waterfall, the Cascada de La Larri.
It’s a dramatic sight; stand close to the waterfall to receive a shower of spray on a hot day.
The track continues to descend. Pass the signs which point for the Pineta waterfall.
The wide track comes to a footbridge which crosses a ravine carrying the second magnificent waterfall on the route.
The route then descends along the wide track to reach the national park visitors’ centre.
A bridge crosses the River Cinca, taking the walker back to the car park.
The route measures around 4km, with just over 300 metres of ascent.
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