Happy as Larri; the waterfall walk
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...
On high in the Chistau valley
The Chistau valley (also known as Gistau) is dominated by the 3,000-metre summits of the imposing Posets massif. The area is replete with footpaths which lead to glacial lakes, mountain passes and peaks. Many of them follow wonderful streams which offer the...
On the GR-11 to the Chistau valley
Anyone using public transport to get to Bielsa, and those who prefer to park up in the village, will need to walk a stage of the GR-11 trans-Pyrenean footpath to get to the Chistau valley. It is always a joy to get onto the GR-11 and this is a good opportunity to see...
The Val d’Aran
The Aran valley is a fascinating place for many reasons – not least because it is in Spain/Cataluña, but on the French side of the Pyrenees. Normally when you pass through a long road tunnel to the northern side of the mountain chain you head into France, but not in...
Up to the lakes in the Chistau valley
Following a stream up a wooded ravine, this route makes use of the GR-11.2 footpath as it ventures into the Posets massif. In mid-July, areas of deep snow remained in the upper reaches of the north-facing Val de la Ribereta, with the waymarked path ascending towards...
Up and around the Chistau pass
The Chistau pass (Puerto de Chistau) at 2,577 metres is a point of some significance in the Pyrenees. It is the bridge between two important valleys; the Valle de Benasque to the east and Valle de Chistau to the west. In times gone by, local people would have used the...
Cantavieja to Fortanete
The GR-8 leaves Cantavieja on the western side of the Old Town. To get on the footpath, walk up the Calle Mayor, passing the tourist office. Go as far as Calle Calvo Sotelo, just before the porticoed square, and turn left to head down to the town walls. Spot the...
From Benasque to Viadós on the GR-11
This route goes up the long Estós valley, following the river of the same name. It crosses over the Puerto de Chistau at 2,577 metres before descending to the Viadós mountain refuge. The Estós valley is flanked by two magnificent massifs; to the right (north) is...
In the land of the giants
The giants of the Maladeta massif stand close to Benasque, making it a favourite destination for mountain walkers and climbers. The peaks of Aneto (3,404 metres), Pico Maldito (3,350m) and Pico de la Maladeta (3,308m) form part of a striding ridgeline flanked by...
Val d’Aran route to Ratera pass
This route takes in another landscape dominated by glacial lakes and ascends to the wonderful mountain area around the Port de Ratera pass, which is the high-point of the walk at 2,594 metres. It almost a round walk, with the path circling the Tuc de Sendrosa mountain...
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