Hike pyrenees 2018 walking holiday brochure by Phillip James

Summer 2018

Guided walking holidays Our small team of knowledgeable guides will show you the best the Pyrenees have to offer. We organise routes, accommodation, meals and transport leaving you free to relax and enjoy your walking.

Welcome to Hike Pyrenees Welcome to our 2018 brochure which is packed full of more holidays than ever. There are lots of new things that we’re excited about this year including an excellent new self guided holiday ‘The Route of the Three Kingdoms’.

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Self guided walking holidays Perfect if you like to explore the hills on your own. Take advantage of our local knowledge to get straight to the best walks. We’ve route descriptions for over 200km of the best trails in the area.

As well as hiking we’ve new road biking holidays, multi activity holidays and our ‘Culture & Cuisine’ holiday exploring the culture, history, food and wine of this fascinating region - that’s one week Phil is really looking forward to guiding! We highly recommend the ‘Route of the Three Kingdoms’ - our new hotel to hotel holiday which passes through Aragon, Valencia and Catalonia. It’s a really unspoilt and undiscovered corner of Spain - we even have to explain to our Spanish friends where it is! The weather in this area is excellent outside of the normal hiking season so it’s a perfect option if you’re looking for

We organise your accommodation and provide detailed route descriptions, maps and picnic lunches. During the week we offer advice on which routes would suit you best. Page 8

some early or late season sunshine and walking. As always, we are here to help choose and plan your holiday so if you have any questions at all just drop us an email or give us a call and we’ll be glad to help. We hope to see you in the Pyrenees this summer, Phil, Anna & the Hike Pyrenees team

We have different grades of walking holidays to suit all levels of walkers including our popular dual level holidays which offer two walks of different grades each day.

Hotel to hotel walking These are very popular self guided walking holidays. We transport your bags each day so you just walk with a day pack. They all have superb scenery and hotels. Choose from three holidays - the Villages of the Guara (ideal for early and late season hiking), the Village to Village holiday through the Valle de Tena and the Camino de Santiago northern route following the Basque coastline. Page 9

Why choose Hike Pyrenees Hike Pyrenees are the specialists in walking holidays in the Spanish Pyrenees.

Contents New for 2018

Guided walking holidays

Self Guided walking holidays

Valle de Tena

Cycling holidays

Ordesa National Park

Spring, autumn and coastal hikes 32 The Picos de Europa

Location

Accommodation

Private group holidays

Booking conditions

Booking your Hike Pyrenees holiday is straightforward.

The Pyrenees are one of Europe’s best kept secrets and combine stunning scenery with great weather. We also offer holidays along the Basque coastline and amongst the limestone peaks of the Picos de Europa. If you’ve been on one of our holidays before you’ll know the care and attention we take and the local knowledge we have that makes a Hike Pyrenees holiday so special.

HOW TO BOOK To check the availability of any of our holidays drop us an email at info@hikepyrenees.co.uk, call us on +44 (0)208 123 5049 or go to our website.

If you’d like any advice on which holiday would suit you best then please give us a call and we’d be glad to help.

2 Friendly personal holidays

Qualified guides

Hike Pyrenees is run by Phil and Anna and our small team of guides. We’re a small independent walking company that offers friendly and personal holidays. We’re all passionate about the area and love showing the best the Pyrenees have to offer.

All of our guides are fully qualified and hold either the International Mountain Leader or Spanish high mountain guide qualification.

Local knowledge

Unlike many large tour operators we never cancel holidays due to low numbers so you can reserve your flights with confidence as soon as you book.

Phil and Anna live in the Pyrenees year round, know the area intimately and have sought out the best hotels and villages ensuring you have a superb holiday. We know the region’s history, its legends, wildlife and of course all the best walks.

Small groups We specialise in small group holidays - you won’t be trudging along in a long line of people on any of our walks.

Location We’re in the heart of the Pyrenees, surrounded by the highest mountains and most spectacular scenery in the range.

Holidays guaranteed to run

Guests return every year We’re delighted to say many of our guests come back to the Pyrenees. We love to see guests again and it must mean we’re doing something right!

Book with confidence We are a registered, bonded travel agency in Spain which means your money is safe when booking with us. We are also a registered ‘turismo activo’ which means that our insurance, equipment and guides qualifications are checked each year by the government to ensure that everything is up to date and in order.

Complete the booking form online at : www.hikepyrenees.co.uk/booking

We require a 99 € deposit per person which can be paid by credit/debit card.

We’ll send you a booking confirmation straight away. The balance of your holiday is due six weeks before departure - we’ll send you a reminder and your holiday information pack at this time.

All payments for your holiday can be made by credit/debit card and there is no charge for paying by card.

New for 2018 Route of the 3 Kingdoms

Culture & Cuisine

A wonderful hotel to hotel self guided holiday in a tranquil unspoilt corner of Spain. During the six days hiking you pass through Aragon, Valencia and Catalonia making a complete circuit of the massif of the Dels Port Natural Park.

Leave the hiking boots at home on our Culture & Cuisine holiday! This is a holiday concentrating on the fascinating history, culture and gastronomy of the Pyrenees.

It’s fantastic hiking in a surprisingly wild and mountainous area and the climate here makes it perfect for autumn, winter and spring hiking. See page 36

See page 21

Tour de France 2018

Family Activity Holidays

On Friday 27 July the Tour de France passes close by. As the final mountain stage of this years race it will be a really exciting stage and the day when the yellow jersey will be won or lost. We have a special Biescas Cycle Camp that week and all of our hiking holidays in the Valle de Tena that week (including self guided holidays) will have an optional excursion to see the race. There will also be the option to hire bikes and cycle over which is a great way to see the race. See page 22

If riding a kilometre long zipline, abseiling down waterfalls, mountain biking along high trails or kayaking around a lake nestled amongst the high peaks appeals to you then take a look at our multi activity holidays.

Extra nights & pintxos tours

Biescas Cycle Camp

Over the last ten years we’ve discovered some beautiful parts of Spain that we’d like to share with you all. Our guests often ask us to recommend places to visit before or after their walking holiday so we’ve put together a selection of our favourite spots to spend an extra night or two.

The Pyrenees have some of the best cycling in Europe with beautiful mountain roads, and tough steep climbs. The famous cols of Aubisque and Tourmalet are just the other side of the border but don’t miss out on a whole host of lesser known but fantastic climbs on the Spanish side. Our Biescas Cycle Camp is designed for small groups of friends or cycling clubs. Rides can be as relaxed or as testing as you like and we’ll put together the perfect itinerary tailored for your group.

In San Sebastian you can take a pintxos tour with our Basque guide Javier. Not to be missed for food lovers - you’ll find the best pintxos bars in town. See page 45 and many more online

We’ll visit medieval churches and monasteries and learn about the legends of the area and the origins of the kingdom of Aragon. Food will be a highlight of this week and we’ll visit the highest vineyard in Spain, spend an evening wine tasting and sample lots of local delicacies.

Each itinerary is tailor-made for your family or group of friends and we can adjust the activities depending on the age of your family. Guaranteed fun for all! See page 20

See page 22

Meet the team

We’ve lots more photos and information about our holidays, the hotels, travel options and the Pyrenees online - much more than we can fit in the brochure! Visit our website for up to date details and availability for all of our holidays:

Qualified guides We work with a small team of experienced qualified guides. You can be assured that you’ll be safe on the mountain with them and that their experience will enhance your time in the Pyrenees.

www.hikepyrenees.co.uk

They all know the Pyrenees like the back of their hand and will tell you all about the area’s history, wildlife and customs during your stay with us.

We’re always out and about in the Pyrenees and posting photos of our trips, the latest conditions in the mountains, tips for visiting the area and lots of info about the history and nature of the area. Our blog contains a tourist guide to the area and loads of other great information if you’d like to find out more about the Pyrenees:

Phil & Anna Phil and Anna founded Hike Pyrenees in 2007 and have lived in the Pyrenees since then. They’ve two children - Isabel and Christopher - who were both born in Spain. A qualified international mountain leader Phil leads many of the walks himself.

Hannah Hannah has been a guide with us since 2010 and knows the Pyrenees inside out. Her passion for mountainous environments is deep rooted and she has a particular interest in Alpine flora. Hannah holds the International Mountain Leader award along with the Winter and Summer Mountain Leader and Single Pitch climbing awards.

Javier Our Basque specialist Javier is based in San Sebastian and organises our Camino de Santiago holidays. Having lived in the Basque Country all his life he has a wealth of knowledge about this fascinating region of Spain. If you are in San Sebastian take a pintxos tour with javier - a guaranteed great night night!

David Another Spanish member of the team, David has lived and hiked in the Valle de Tena for over five years. He joined the Hike Pyrenees team last season and instantly became a hit with our guests. David is a qualified ‘guia de media montaña’ - the name of the IML qualification in Spain. He speaks excellent English and has heaps of knowledge about the area that he loves to share with our guests.

Arkaitz A hugely experienced Basque mountain guide. Arkaitz speaks excellent English and joins us on several trips during the season including the Refugio Week. He is a qualified Spanish high mountain guide and in the winter works with Curro on the Spanish scientific base in Antarctica safely guiding the scientists to where they need to carry out their research each day.

Curro Our friend and Spanish high mountain guide Curro lives in Biescas. He’s climbed all over the world but his real love is the Pyrenees. It’s hard to find a peak in the range that he hasn’t climbed!

www.hikepyrenees.co.uk/blog We’ve an active Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter account. We post lots of photos of the area and the Facebook page is a great place to find out more about our holidays, the area and read reviews and comments from other guests. Visit the Facebook page, give us a like and find out a whole lot more about the Pyrenees.

facebook.com/hikepyrenees

Rosa & Teresa The ladies who do all the work behind the scenes in the office. You’ll speak to Rosa or Teresa while booking your holiday and they are the team who makes sure everything runs smoothly while we are in the hills enjoying ourselves!

@hikepyrenees instagram.com/hike_pyrenees

Guided holidays Our guided walking holidays make sure you get the most out of your stay in the Pyrenees. Our team of qualified guides have a superb knowledge of the local area. We can take you straight to the most beautiful spots, many of which are off the beaten track and often we'll have the mountains to ourselves.

Small group holidays Our policy of only taking small groups means you’ll never be in a long line of walkers. It also gives us the flexibility to alter the itinerary according to the groups needs and is key to us giving you a fantastic week of walking.

Walking grades We offer four grades of walking holidays with itineraries to suit all levels of walkers.

Dual level walking Our dual level holidays are very popular. On these we offer two guided walks each day - a shorter option and a longer harder day in the mountains. We talk through the walks for the following day in the evening and each morning you can decide which walk you’d like to join. Dual level holidays are perfect if you’re not sure which level would suit you best, if you’d like to do a couple of longer days but don’t want to commit to a whole week of hard hikes or for couples or friends that walk at differing levels. Our Valle de Tena Explorer (page 14), Discover Ordesa (page 26) and Picos de Europa (page 40) holidays offer dual level walking.

Grade 1: Relaxed

Grade 2: Moderate

Grade 3: Strenuous

Grade 4: Challenging

Walks: 5-7 hours Ascent: 300-600 metres Paths: Good paths, not steep

Walks: 6-8 hours Ascent: 450-750 metres Paths: Good paths with some steeper sections

Walks: 7-10 hours Ascent: 700-1000 metres Paths: Rocky, steeper paths

Walks: 7-10 hours Ascent: 700-1500 metres Paths: Steep!

Walks are at a relaxed pace (we’re big fans of two lunch breaks!) and there’s plenty of time to take in the scenery around you. Paths are good and not too steep.

Walks are still at a relaxed pace and on good paths however we tackle some steeper sections. The ascents are a bit longer and we’ll take in some summits.

For those that like long days in the high mountains. These routes are steep in places and we venture into much rockier and rougher terrain. Some routes have sections of easy scrambling.

We’ll pass through areas with superb flora. If you’re a fairly fit and active person who does a bit of hiking these walks should be fine for you.

Again this grade of walking should be fine for any reasonably fit and active person.

A good level of fitness and some previous hiking experience is required for these hikes.

Tough overnight hikes staying in mountain huts (refugios). These routes take you into high mountain terrain on steep rocky paths. Although the days are not much longer than grade 3 we are in more remote terrain for several days at a time.

A good level of fitness and previous hiking experience is essential for these hikes.

We take care of everything With our guided walking holidays we look after everything, meaning that you can just relax and enjoy the walking, scenery and your holiday. The day starts with a choice of cooked or continental breakfast. A generous picnic lunch (with homemade cake!) is provided. After each walk we have a briefing (usually over a cold beer) where we discuss the following day. Transfers are provided to and from Zaragoza airport or train station on Sundays either to meet the Ryan Air flight from Stansted or the train from Barcelona or Madrid.

THE PICOS

Picos de Europa Grade On the northern coast of Spain the Picos de Europa is a stunning limestone massif. This two centre, dual level holiday explores both the southern and northern sides of the park showing you all of the highlights. See page 40

DUAL LEVEL HOLIDAYS Valle de Tena Explorer

Discover Ordesa

Dual Grade

Either explore the beautiful alpine meadows of the Valle de Tena or tackle some of the challenging peaks in the area. Stunning scenery and fantastic hotel with pool and sauna.

Discover the spectacular Ordesa National Park and its kilometre deep canyons. Dramatic scenery, the highlight being a walk along the rim of the canyon.

See page 14

See page 26

SINGLE LEVEL HOLIDAYS Lakes & Valleys

Riglos & AlquĂŠzar

Grade

Relaxed walking in the Valle de Tena. Walk through beautiful alpine meadows with peaks towering above. Perfect for wild flower enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Hike amongst the towering cliffs of Riglos and the canyons of AlquĂŠzar. A two centre holiday in the Pre-Pyrenees where the weather is perfect for hiking in April and May.

See page 16

See page 34

Peaks & Passes

Refugio Week

Grade

Challenging hiking tackling some of the best trails and peaks in the Pyrenees. Rugged terrain, tough days but views that make the effort worthwhile! Based in the Valle de Tena

Hike one of the best sections of the GR11 and summit Monte Perdido in the centre of the Ordesa National Park. Demanding hiking in rugged high mountain terrain.

See page 17

See page 28

Self guided holidays Our self guided walking holidays are designed to help you enjoy the Pyrenees on your own and get straight to the best hikes in the area. We’ve either single centre or hotel to hotel (see page opposite) self guided holidays. We take the hard work out of organising your holiday by arranging accommodation, providing detailed route cards, maps, weather forecasts and picnic lunches.

Choice of villages and hotel Our single centre holidays are based either in the Ordesa National Park or the Valle de Tena and there are four villages and hotels to choose between. Each are superbly placed for hiking. You can combine a holiday staying at two different hotels - a combination that works very well is Hotel Almud followed by Hotel Ordesa which allows you to hike both in the Valle de Tena and Ordesa National Park.

Self Catering Apartments In Biescas we also offer one and two bedroom self catering apartments in the lovely Rincon de Andrea. Each is well furnished and equipped with microwave, hob, washing machine, fridge, TV and DVD player.

Pyrenees information pack Before your holiday we'll send you a full planning pack. This contains the most accurate hiking map of the area, a hiking guide for the area and a 30 page Pyrenees guide full of information about the flora, fauna, geology and history of the area. The hiking guide contains summaries for over 200km of the best hikes in the area, a recommended kit list and everything you need to know about your holiday.

Easy to follow route cards On arrival you’ll receive a pack of easy to follow route cards for each trail. These give detailed directions along with the length of walk, height gain and what you’ll see on the way. We’ve a huge choice of routes ranging from easy rambles through to long days in the higher mountains so there’s something for everyone. We live locally and are walking these trails every week so our route cards are up to date and accurate and we can advise you on current conditions of the paths.

Arrive on any day Our self guided holidays are totally flexible and you can arrive and depart on any day you wish, staying as long as you like. For a single centre holiday you’ll need a car to make the most of the area. The roads are good and we provide driving directions. For information on getting to us see page 42 or give us a call.

Ordesa Self Guided Let us help you discover the best the Ordesa National Park has to offer. We’ll show you not only the famous paths but the little walked gems many people leave without getting to know. See page 30

Valle de Tena Self Guided The mix of peaks, lakes and meadows are a walkers paradise with a huge choice of routes for levels. We get you straight to the best of them with our maps and advice. Choice of 3 villages with hotel and self catering options. See page 18

Hotel to hotel hiking Hiking between small villages, discovering new places each day gives a real sense of journey and our hotel to hotel self guided holidays are amongst our most popular.

Choice of hikes

On our hotel to hotel holidays we take care of everything for you so you can concentrate on the hiking and enjoying your time in the mountains.

Mountain villages

Luggage moved each day

Routes for any time of year

We move your luggage each day so you only need to walk with a day pack. Pack lunches are provided every hiking day.

Easy to follow routecards Detailed route cards and hiking maps are provided - we even have our own map printed for the Village to Village route in the Valle de Tena. We live and hike here so know all of the paths and options.

Briefings and support On arrival you’ll have a briefing about the week ahead giving you a chance to ask any questions that you have. Our guides are always available during the week if you need any extra advice. Although self guided, we are always around to help if required and you’ll have a local English speaking contact who knows the area and paths like the back of their hand - you won’t just be given an anonymous phone number in a head office!

Many of our hotel to hotel holidays have a choice of two routes each day - an easier and a harder option. Our Village to Village hike in the Valle de Tena is particularly good for this. On our other holidays there is usually the option of getting a taxi/lift at the start of the day to shorten the hike if the distances are too long.

Our routes stay in medieval mountain villages or in the case of the Camino de Santiago fishing villages. All are full of character with lots of stone buildings and winding alleys to explore.

Spain is blessed with a climate where there are great hiking locations and weather at any time of year. We’ve a variety of routes that suit different times of the year with our Villages of the Guara and Route of the 3 Kingdoms holidays fantastic for spring and autumn hiking.

Village to Village Grade Wonderful hiking between the villages of the Valle de Tena. Spectacular scenery, beautiful hotels and a choice of two walks each day - an easier and a harder option. See page 12

Route of 3 Kingdoms Grade A circular route hiking through Aragon, Valencia and Catalonia in the massif of the Dels Ports Natural Park. Mountainous hikes with views down to the sea. Year round hiking. See page 36

Villages of the Guara Grade

Wonderful hotels We carefully select both the villages and hotels that you stay in and each makes a perfect hiking base. There is a mix of tiny tranquil villages where you can really get away from it all and more lively places such as San Sebastian where you can try out the famous Basque pintxos. All hotels have lovely rooms and each have en-suite bathrooms and free wi-fi. Hotels provide breakfasts and picnics each day with evening meals either in the hotel or organised at a local restaurant.

Fantastic hotel to hotel hiking amongst the undiscovered villages of the Sierra de Guara. Luggage transferred each day. Superb weather for spring and autumn hiking. See page 37

Camino de Santiago Grade Follow in the footsteps of centuries of Pilgrims on the way to Santiago. This northern route of the Camino takes in a one week section following the dramatic Basque coastline. See page 38

Valle de Tena From its alpine meadows to its rocky three thousand metre peaks the Valle de Tena really does have walks to suit everyone.

Alpine meadows

Deep wooded valleys with streams and waterfalls give way to bare rocky high mountain scenery as you climb towards the summits.

Great walks follow bubbling mountain streams with waterfalls cascading down the sides of the valleys, others lead to mountain lakes or through wonderful beech and silver fir woods.

The valley stretches twenty kilometres from the cliffs of the Sierra de Partacua and Tendeñera north to the French border and is flanked by numerous peaks on each side. Several deep sided valleys mean you’ll discover new views with each corner you turn. Traditional mountain villages with stone houses and winding streets are nestled amongst the mountains and our Village to Village self guided holiday stays in some beautiful tranquil spots.

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Wide flower-filled meadows lie under impressive cliffs and are perfect for walkers who prefer gentler days without forsaking wonderful scenery and views.

Challenging peaks One of the reasons we love the Valle de Tena is the huge choice of peaks it offers to day hikers. There are dozens of peaks between two and three thousand metres all with fantastic views. These hikes range from fairly gentle 5 or 6 hour round trips to some really big ascents up three thousand metre peaks and into wild high mountain scenery. The pointy summit of Pico Anayet is one of our favourites. It looks impossible when you first see it but an ingenious path - helped by a chain across one section - guides you quickly to the top for birds eye views across the valley.

Biescas - lively village At the southern end of the Valle de Tena, Biescas is perfectly positioned to reach several excellent and diverse walking areas including the Valle de Tena and the Ordesa Valley. Biescas makes a great base if you’d like to do a mix of walking during your week - a few higher peaks up the valley, some gentler walks between semiabandoned villages with Romanesque churches and a day over in the Ordesa Valley. It’s also an excellent option early or late in the season as there are excellent hikes south of Biescas which stay dry if the weather’s not so great further up the valley. At the heart of the village is the plaza - the centre of every Spanish village. Surrounding the plaza are several bars, cafes and restaurants. There are a few shops and all of the amenities you’ll need.

Sallent de Gállego Scenic mountain village Nestled under the high peak of Foratata, Sallent de Gállego is everything you imagine a mountain village to be. As you wander through its maze of narrow streets you get constant views of the mountains that surround you. With its twelfth century church and old stone houses Sallent de Gállego is very picturesque. There are several excellent walks that leave straight from the hotel. Although there are several good shorter walks in the area, Sallent de Gállego comes into its own for walkers who want to summit some of the higher peaks in the valley with lots of superb challenging routes on its doorstep.

Village to Village - 7 night self guided holiday - 2 walking options each day - Luggage moved every day - Mountain hotels and villages Hotel to hotel walking along the length of the Valle de Tena, staying at different villages during the week. We transport your luggage each day meaning you just have to walk with a small daypack. A wonderful route with fantastic views throughout the week and a real sense of journey as you head up the valley. You’ll stay at traditional Pyrenean villages with narrow winding streets and stone houses centred around medieval churches.

Two route choices each day Each day there are two route choices - a longer and a shorter option. The routes get well out of the valley floor and into the mountains - particularly the high level routes where you reach some rugged high mountain terrain. The walks cover a reasonable distance with 11km to 14km walked each day on the easier options and up to 20km on the longer routes. The routes are on good paths and the only steep ascents are on the harder options.

Trail notes and GPS hire Detailed maps and route cards are provided for both options each day. On the first evening you’ll have a briefing to talk you through the routes, options, weather and answer any questions that you have. If you’re worried about navigation you can hire a GPS which has all the maps and tracks marked making navigation a breeze.

Mountain biking option On the final day you have the option of a biking route instead of hiking. It’s a fantastic cycle through the high mountains mostly on a 4x4 track with options to leave the track for more technical sections. We organise bike hire and get the bikes delivered to your hotel the night before. The route is 40km with 630 metres of ascent and if you are worried about your legs coping with the hills there is the option to hire an electric bike - with these you still have to pedal but can turn on the assist when you get to a steep hill and your pedal power will be amplified.

Accommodation Hotels are superb throughout the week, in particular the hotels in Sallent de Gállego and Sandiniés are full of character. Rooms are en-suite throughout the week.

Hotel Almud (Sallent) Charming hotel in the centre of the picturesque village of Sallent de Gállego. Fantastically decorated with a lovely lounge and breakfast area and 11 beautifully furnished rooms. Evening meals are taken at restaurant one minute walk from hotel. See page 44 for more details.

Casa Pelentos (Sandiniés) It’s hard to think of a more tranquil place to stay than the tiny village of Sandiniés. Its stone

buildings all have fantastic views over the valley. Another charming and friendly hotel with just 7 rooms and a renowned restaurant. Please note Casa Pelentos is closed in May and you’ll stay in 4* El Privilegio at nearby Tramacastilla.

Hotel Tierra de Biescas Your base for the first and final nights. Excellent 4* hotel with outdoor pool and sauna. See page 44 for more details.

Hotel Casa Morlans Family run hotel in the centre of the village. It’s a friendly, comfortable hotel and makes an ideal base for walking holidays. Two star hotel with 25 rooms. Rooms at the back of the hotel have balconies with mountain views. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms.

SELF GUIDED

Itinerary

2018 Dates

Day 1

Biescas

The Village to Village holiday is available all summer. Arrive and depart on any day you wish.

Arrive in Biescas spending the night at the 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas. Briefing in the evening about the week ahead, going over the route and answering any questions that you have.

Price

Day 2

Biescas to Panticosa Heading north you pass under the cliffs of the Sierra de Tendeñera and see the valley open up before you. The route’s full of history as you pass a dolmen, the scenic church of Santa Elena and bunkers built by Franco to defend against invasion through the Pyrenees. Option of a lift to shortening the day by 7km. Night at Hotel Casa Morlans. Distance : 20km, ascent: 750m Distance (with lift to Santa Elena): 13km, 600m

Day 3

Day hike from Panticosa Choice of two circular routes. The shorter option passes through lovely woodland into the meadows of the Valle la Ripera. Longer option crosses a 2000 metre col, under the 700 metre high cliffs of the Tendeñera. Night at Casa Morlans. Shorter option: distance: 12km, ascent: 530m Longer option: distance: 19.5km, ascent: 1100m

Hike Pyrenees exceeded our expectations. It was highly organized. We loved the variety of hikes and the scenery was spectacular!” David & Patricia, Village to Village, July 2017.

Day 6 Day 4

Panticosa to Sallent Continuing into the northern half of the valley you have the option of an easier half day’s walk around the Embalse de Lanuza and spending an afternoon in picturesque Sallent. Alternatively climb steeply to the viewpoint of La Cucuraza for birds eye view back down to Panticosa and then across the whole valley. Night at Hotel Almud. Shorter option: distance: 11km, ascent: 200m Longer option: distance: 15km, ascent: 800m

Day 5

Walk from Sallent Spectacular hiking along the Rio Aguas Limpias the river of clean water. Pass waterfalls and gorges to a meadow high in a steep sided valley. The harder option continues to a set of high mountain lakes set amongst spectacular mountain scenery. An even harder option takes in the peak of Musales. Second night at Hotel Almud. Shorter option: distance: 12km, ascent: 450m Longer option: distance: 21km, ascent: 900m Extra hard option: distance: 23km, ascent: 1350m

Sallent to Sandiniés

Party size 2 or 3 4 or more 26 May - 21 July 999 € 949 € 22 July - 31 August 1099 € 999 € 1 Sep - 7 Oct 999 € 949 € Single room supplement: 125 € Junior suite upgrade 2 nights in Biescas 50 € pp GPS hire: 35 € per trip Transfers to/from Zaragoza: 99 € per person Prices are per person and based on two sharing

Cross to the western side of the valley and begin heading south. Optional side trips to two summits including Punta del Pacino (1965m) for panoramic views across the valley. Spend the night in the tiny village of Sandiniés at Casa Pelentos. Distance: 16km, ascent: 700m With side trips to summits: 18km, ascent 1000m

Accommodation

Day 7

3 course evening meals every night Breakfast and picnic lunches each day

Sandiniés to Piedrafita One route passes through the woods of Betato before climbing 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 finish at the village of Piedrafita where you’ll be picked up for a short transfer back to Hotel Tierra de Biescas. Shorter option: 14km, ascent 500m Longer option: 20km, ascent 650m

Day 8 Final morning spent in Biescas before departing for your onward journey.

2 nights Hotel Tierra de Biescas 2 nights Hotel Casa Morlans (Panticosa) 2 nights Hotel Almud (Sallent de Gállego) 1 night Casa Pelentos (Sandiniés)

Included meals Self Guided Walking Walking is self guided and detailed route descriptions are provided for each day´s walk.

Transfers Transfers NOT included. Transfers to/from Zaragoza airport or train station available: 99€ return per person - standard Sunday transfer 200€ one way for private transfer on any day

Not included Flights and insurance. Transfers. Drinks with evening meal.

Valle de Tena Explorer - 7 night guided walking holiday

Choice of 2 walks each day

- Choice of two walks each day

Each day there will be two walks on offer. Simply decide which walk you’d like to join each morning.

- Dual level: grade 1 & grade 3 - 4* hotel with pool and sauna With alpine meadows and mountain lakes lying beneath spectacular peaks the Valle de Tena is a perfect walking destination for walkers of all levels. Our Valle de Tena Explorer holiday offers two walking options each day a lower level and a higher level walk. Choose which walk you’d like to join each morning.

The easier walks explore the beautiful meadows of the valley which have spectacular flora. Some hikes will also visit cultural and historical sites such as the 10th century monastery of San Juan de la Peña. These walks will be grade 1 or 2 and at a relaxed pace with plenty of time to enjoy the views. The paths are good and aren’t steep. Each day we’ll be walking between 5 to 7 hours. The higher level hikes reach some of the fantastic summits in the area. These will be longer days in high mountain terrain which will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views. These are grade 3 hikes of between 7 to 10 hours. There will be up to 1000m of ascent each day on fairly steep paths. On some days there will be some short sections of scrambling.

Wild flower weeks

4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas

The Pyrenees are justifiably known as the ‘flower garden of Europe’ with a huge variety of orchids, gentians and other alpine flowers.

Accommodation will be at the lovely 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas located in the centre of the village of Biescas.

This year we are working with a local flora expert Olatz to do two special wild flower weeks in June. The hikes will be specially selected to go to areas with the most spectacular wild flowers and we’ll spend more time identifying, explaining and photographing the flowers. Dates: 27 May - 3 June - Lakes & Valleys 3 - 10 June - Valle de Tena Explorer

It makes a perfect place to relax after a day´s walking with an outdoor and indoor swimming pool and a sauna. Breakfast and three course evening meals are served at the hotel´s excellent restaurant. On the final evening we eat out at El Montañés which is recognised as the best restaurant in Biescas. See page 36 for more hotel information.

“We enjoyed a fabulous week. The guides (Ken + Hannah) were professional, friendly + well organised. We appreciated Phil´s attention to detail and knowledge of the area and its history. Enjoyed the variety of the walks and opportunity to walk in both the Tena and Ordesa Valleys.” Joe & Robin, Valle de Tena

GUIDED WALKING

Itinerary

Dual level

This sample itinerary shows the low and high level route options offered each day. The exact routes will depend on conditions.

Sunday Arrive in Biescas from Zaragoza late evening. Short briefing over your evening meal.

Monday

2018 Dates

Ibon de Piedrafita

Sunday 3 June - 10 June - wild flower special Sunday 10 June - 17 June Sunday 22 July - 29 July - Tour de France special Sunday 26 August - 2 September Sunday 16 September - 23 September

A beautiful lake nestled in meadows under the cliffs of the Sierra de Partacua. A gentle climb through woodland for views across the valley.

Pic Peyreget (2487m)

Price

Starting at the high border pass we walk into France to the lovely summit of Pic Peyreget with fantastic views of Pic du Midi d’Ossau.

1149 € per person (based on two sharing) 99 € Single supplement 175 € per person - upgrade to junior suite

Tuesday

Valle de Aguas Limpias From the medieval village of Sallent de Gállego we follow the Rio Aguas Limpias (river of clean water) through woods and meadows.

Ibones de Arriel Passing through meadows and woodland we climb to a series of beautiful high mountain lakes surrounded by steep granite peaks.

Wednesday

Valle la Ripera The meadows of the valley are an excellent place to spot marmots. The valley ends in a towering headwall rising to the peaks above.

Montaña del Verde

Punta Balposata (2189m)

Walking under the cliffs of Sierra de Tendeñera to a wonderful summit viewpoint before passing the lake of Ibon de Sabacos on the way down.

A horseshoe ridge walk around the hanging valley of Sobremonte and over the peak of Balposata at the head of the valley.

Thursday

Saturday

Rest day

Punta del Pacino (1965m)

Spend a day in Biescas exploring the village, taking a short walk or relaxing around the pool. Evening visit to historical town of Jaca - the original capital of Aragon - for vino and tapas.

A beautiful ascent to the peak of Punta del Pacino. Its position at the centre of the valley gives fabulous panoramic views of the valley.

Friday

Villages of the Serrablo These medieval villages are famous for their 11th century Romanesque churches - some of the best preserved in Spain. Lunch at the now abandoned village of Susín whose last inhabitant sadly died recently.

Pico Anayet (2545m) This steep and exciting peak is reached by a scramble and passing over a section of chains - a good head for heights required!

Sunday Free morning in Biescas before leaving for Zaragoza, we drop off at either the train station or airport.

Accommodation 7 nights in 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas

Included 3 course evening meals (exc. rest day) Breakfast each day. Picnics on walking days Transfers to and from Zaragoza airport or train station and to all of the hikes

Dual level walking 5 days guided walking with 2 options each day. Walks: Lower level - 5 to 7 hours each day Higher level - 6 to 9 hours each day Ascents: Lower level - 300m to 600m Higher level - 700m to 1200m

Not included Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meal, lunch and evening meal on rest day.

GUIDED WALKING 2018 Dates

Lakes & Valleys

Sunday 27 May - 3 June - wild flower special Sunday 15 - 22 July Sunday 29 July - 5 August

- 7 night guided walking holiday

Price

- Grade 1 - relaxed walking

1149 € per person (based on two sharing) 99 € Single supplement 175 € per person - upgrade to a junior suite

- Superb mountain scenery

Accommodation 7 nights in 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas

Included meals 3 course evening meals (exc. rest day) Breakfast buffet each morning Picnic lunches on walking days

Guided Walking - Grade 1 5 days fully guided walking. Walks are 5 to 7 hours each day. Daily ascents are between 350m to 600m on good paths that are not steep. Walks are at a relaxed pace.

Included Transfers To and from Zaragoza airport or train station on Sundays and to all hikes.

Not included Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meal, lunch and evening meal on rest day.

- 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas The Pyrenees are full of beautiful mountain lakes and green valleys. Our Lakes & Valleys holidays are ideal for those that prefer more relaxed days in the mountains. You’ll discover stunning secluded spots and meadows full of flowers as we show you some of the hidden treasures of the Pyrenees.

Relaxed walking This is a week of relaxed walks with the emphasis on finding quiet beautiful spots with breathtaking scenery, rather than scaling high peaks. Therefore the walks will not be overly strenuous and suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. An ideal holiday for nature lovers with walks passing through meadows full of orchids, gentians and alpine flora. Our qualified and knowledgeable guides will identify the flowers and birds that you see.

Itinerary During the week we visit several of the most beautiful areas in the region. One day will be spent exploring the dramatic scenery of the Ordesa National Park

Sunday - Biescas Arrive in Biescas from Zaragoza late evening. Short briefing over your evening meal.

Monday - Ibon de Piedrafita

the Río Arazas we pass waterfalls before the woodland gives way to spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs.

Thursday - Rest day Spend a day in Biescas exploring the old town, take a short walk or relax around the hotel’s pool. In the evening we’ll visit the local town of Jaca for vino and tapas.

Friday - Villages of the Serrablo

Nestled in meadows under the cliffs of the Sierra de Partacua lies the Ibon de Piedrafita. A gentle climb takes us out of the woodland for superb views across the Valle de Tena.

A walk linking the medieval villages of the Serrablo. These pretty villages are famous for their 11th century romanesque churches. Lunch at the now abandoned village of Susín whose last inhabitant sadly died recently.

Tuesday - San Juan de la Peña

Saturday - Punta del Pacino

The cliffs around San Juan de la Peña are home to colonies of griffon vultures. We get close up views of these huge birds while enjoying superb vistas across the Pyrenees.

Wednesday - Valle de Ordesa The sheer cliffs of the Valle de Ordesa are an undisputable highlight of the Pyrenees. Following

A beautiful ascent the peak of Punta del Pacino. Its position at the centre of the valley gives fabulous panoramic views of the Valle De Tena. Final evening we’ll go out for a wonderful meal at El Montañés restaurant.

Sunday Free morning before transfer to Zaragoza.

Peaks & Passes

GUIDED WALKING 2018 Dates

- 7 night guided walking holiday - Grade 3: Strenuous hiking

Sunday 15 July - 22 July Sunday 29 July - 5 August Sunday 9 September - 16 September

- Spectacular summit hikes

Price

- Charming Hotel Almud

1149 € per person (based on two sharing) 125 € Single supplement

A superb week of challenging hiking on some of the best trails and peaks in the Pyrenees. We’ll scale fantastic summits each day with spectacular views and venture into the rugged, rocky wilderness of the high Pyrenees.

Accommodation 7 nights in 2* Hotel Almud

Included meals Itinerary

Wednesday - Ibones de Arriel

Walks will explore the Valle de Tena which has some superb peaks to scale.

Some of the most beautiful lake landscapes in the Pyrenees can be found at Ibones de Arriel. The four lakes are surrounded by steep granite peaks.

The holiday is based at Sallent de Gállego - a beautiful village nestled amongst the high peaks.

Sunday - Sallent de Gállego

Thursday - Rest day

Strenuous hiking

Walking straight from the hotel we begin the week with a circular walk through alpine meadows to the summit of Punta del Pacino for panoramic views across the valley.

We visit some superb rocky peaks during the week with panoramic views for miles around. If you like high mountain scenery and long days in the hills this is the holiday for you. It’s a fairly strenuous week´s hiking with some long days and a good level of fitness is required. The Pyrenees are renowned for steep climbs and you should be capable of ascents of over one thousand metres. Each day we’ll walk between seven to eight hours. Some easy scrambling and sure-footedness is required.

Arrive in Sallent de Gállego from Zaragoza. Short briefing before your evening meal.

Monday - Punta del Pacino (1965m)

Tuesday - Pic Peyreget (2487m) Starting at the high border pass we hike in the French Pyrenees to the superb summit of Peyreget. We walk through alpine meadows before crossing a boulderfield and reaching the summit for superb views over the iconic peak of Pic du Midi d’Ossau.

Spend a day exploring Sallent de Gállego, or go on a hike from the village. Evening visit to Jaca for vino and tapas.

Friday - Pico Anayet (2545m) Set on a high plateau of peaty grasslands we find Ibon de Anayet. From here we can tackle the steep and exciting Pico Anayet passing a set of chains to reach the summit.

Saturday - Garmo Negro (3066m) Overlooking Panticosa this three thousander makes for an excellent finale to the week. Superb summit views along the Pyrenees chain.

Sunday

3 course evening meals (exc. rest day) Breakfast buffet each day Picnic lunches on walking days

Guided Walking - Grade 3 5 days fully guided walking with small groups of 8 maximum. Walks are 7 to 10 hours each day. Daily ascents are between 700m and 1200m Although walks are on paths there are some steep and exposed sections. Some days have a short scrambles and more difficult terrain.

Included Transfers To and from Zaragoza on Sunday evenings to meet Ryan Air flight from Stansted or train from Barcelona or Madrid.

Not included Flights, lunch and evening meal on rest day.

Free morning in Sallent before leaving for a drop off at Zaragoza train station or airport.

Self Guided: Valle de Tena - Get straight to the best hikes - Easy to follow route cards - Choice of hotels or apartments - Arrive and depart on any day The peaks, lakes and meadows of the Valle de Tena make for a walker´s paradise with a huge choice of routes at all levels. There are some spectacular summits to conquer and flower filled meadows in which you can relax and take in the scenery. Our self guided walking holidays get you straight to the best hikes with our easy to follow route cards and advice.

A stress free holiday We take the hard work out of arranging your holiday by arranging accommodation, providing detailed route cards, maps, weather forecasts and picnic lunches. Our advice, recommended routes and local knowledge means you’ll be able to get to the best hikes from day one. Our self guided holidays are very flexible - you can arrive on whichever day you like and stay for as many nights as you want (minimum stay 3 nights). Although the walking is close by you’ll need a car to make the most of your time in the Pyrenees. Most of our guests hire cars from Barcelona or Zaragoza. From the UK taking a couple of days driving through France or taking the ferry to Bilbao or Santander are also good options. If you need any information on travel see page 43 or give us a call.

Pirineos Sur music festival Acts from around the world perform on a floating stage during the Pirineos Sur world music festival which takes place in the last three weeks of July. It’s a great time to visit with lots going on - particularly in Sallent de Gállego.

Easy to follow routecards

Choice of three villages

We’ve route cards for all of the best walks in the valley. There’s a huge choice of walks of all distances ranging from gentle walks in alpine meadows to long days in the high mountains.

Choose between three excellent bases for walking, Biescas, Larrede and Sallent de Gállego.

It’s a great festival attracting some of the finest artists from Africa, South and Central America.

As well as easy to follow directions for each walk we give accurate distances and ascents and let you know what the ground is like underfoot. We’re around during the week to offer advice on which walks would suit you best and answer any of your questions.

Monday to Thursday there is a free concert and a lively market each night in Sallent de Gállego with the main events taking place at the weekends in the nearby village of Lanuza.

We live in the area year round and walk these routes regularly with groups so you can be confident that our route cards will always be up to date and accurate.

All villages are full of character with old churches, stone houses and winding streets. Biescas is the slightly bigger and livelier of the three. In Biescas you can either stay in the luxurious Hotel Tierra de Biescas with a pool and sauna or self catering apartments. Sallent de Gállego is an excellent choice if you’re looking do tackle some of the higher peaks in the valley as it’s close to all of the longer walks. Larrede is a tiny tranquil village and a wonderful spot to get away from it all.

SELF GUIDED

4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas Luxurious hotel set in lovely grounds with an outdoor and indoor pool and a sauna. The hotel is in the heart of the lively village of Biescas. Relax by the pool after a day´s hiking or take a drink in the gardens. The hotel has an excellent restaurant with 3 course evening meals.

Friendly, comfortable, family run hotel in the high mountain village of Sallent de Gállego and an ideal base for walking holidays. Centred around the 13th century church, Sallent de Gállego is a picturesque village surrounded by high mountain peaks. Being in the higher mountains, Hotel Almud makes a perfect base for those looking for long days in the higher peaks although there are plenty of gentler walks nearby too. For more details on all of the hotels see page 44 or on our website.

Full board option includes 3 course evening meals with wine (wine not included at Hotel Tierra de Biescas), buffet breakfast and picnic lunches each day. B&B option includes a buffet breakfast but NOT picnics - picnic lunches can be ordered from the hotel (at additional cost).

B&B Full Board 1 June - 30 June 699 € 899 € 1 July - 31 Aug 799 € 999 € 1 Sep - 7 Oct 699 € 899 € Single supplement:149 € (7 nights)

Not included Flights, insurance, airport transfers or transport to and from walks.

4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas (Biescas)

The pool is set in gardens with loungers and a pool bar in the summer. The hotel has a spa with jacuzzi, sauna and hot/cold contrast showers to revive you after a days hiking.

Hotel Almud

Self guided holidays are available throughout the summer.

Hotel Almud (Sallent de Gállego)

An exquisite chalet style hotel and the perfect place to get away from it all. 16 individually styled rooms - all ensuite. There is a bar, lounge and outdoor terrace to sit and take a drink with great views.

A truly wonderful hotel - just check out the reviews on Trip Advisor!

Included meals

Prices

4* Hotel Viñas de Larrede

Breakfast and dine with views of the mountains. Evening meals are superb with lots of local dishes.

2018 Dates

Self Catering Apartments The spacious Rincon de Andrea self catering apartments are based in Biescas. One or two bedroom apartments are available and each has a lounge/diner, bathroom and great views. All are well equipped with washing machine, TV, DVD player, microwave, hob, fridge, kettle, toaster and free Wi-Fi internet connection. For food shopping there are two small Spar supermarkets, butchers and bakers within walking distance and a large supermarket just 15 minutes drive away. If you’d like to eat out there is a good choice of restaurants in Biescas. Prices shown are for one and two bedroom apartments. In addition there are several other combinations available including triple rooms, sofa beds for additional occupants and extra rooms in the same building for larger groups - call for prices.

B&B 699 € 799 € 699 €

Full Board 899 € 999 € 899 €

20 May - 30 June 1 July - 31 Aug 1 Sep - 7 Oct Single supplement: 99 € low season, 125 € high season (7 nights) 175 € per person - upgrade to a junior suite (7 nights)

Self Catering Prices Rincón de Andrea (Biescas)

4* Viñas de Larrede (Larrede)

Season: 20 May - 30 June 1 July - 31 Aug 1 Sep - 7 Oct

1 room 399 € 499 € 399 €

2 rooms 349 € 449 € 349 €

B&B Full Board 20 May - 30 June 799 € 999 € 1 July - 7 Oct 899 € 1099 € Single supplement: 189 € (7 nights) All prices are per person and based on two people sharing a standard room - ask for room upgrade prices Prices are for a 7 night stay - for longer or shorter holidays prices are pro-rata the weekly rate.

All prices are per person and based on either two or four person occupation. High season is the 1 July - 31 August Up to 2 extra guests can be accommodated on sofa beds and receive a 50% discount. Prices are for a 7 night stay - for longer holidays prices are pro-rata the weekly rate. Minimum stay three nights.

Included Prices include gas, electricity, bed linen and towels (changed midweek).

MULTI-ACTIVITY 2018 Dates Holidays are bespoke so we can arrange them for the dates and number of nights that you would like. One week is ideal but shorter trips can be organised. Min. group size: 3 people

Price 2 people sharing room (children 12 yrs +) Adults Children June and September 869 € 669 € July and August 999 € 799 € Family of 4 sharing room (children under 12) Adults Children June and September 829 € 629 € July and August 929 € 729 € 125 € Single supplement For self catering prices please see online Activities come in two price bands - choose as many or as few as you would like to do. 20 € Activities: Zipline, Biescas Aventura high ropes course, padel surf, kayaking 40 € Activities: Canyoning, via ferrata, rock climbing, mountain biking (+10€ for electric bikes), horse riding, white water rafting

Accommodation 7 nights in 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas

Activity holiday - Tailor-made activity holidays

Activities

- Perfect for families or groups

We’ve a huge choice of activities in the area and most are adaptable for any age or physical ability.

- Choice of activities

Canyoning

- Self catering or 4* hotel with pool Ride a kilometre long zip-line, abseil down waterfalls, kayak around a mountain lake and raft under 300 metre high cliffs. If you are looking to raise your adrenaline levels our activity holidays are for you!

Tailor made itineraries We’ll put together the perfect itinerary for your family or group of friends with activities pitched at just the right level. You family will be guaranteed a fun filled adventure!

How it works You can choose how many and which activities you do during your holiday. Do as many or as few activities as you’d like. There is a base price for the holiday and then each activity is in addition activities are either 20€ or 40€ per person. There are more details of the activities, age suitability and prices for each activity on our website.

Included

Qualified guides, safety first

3 course evening meals, breakfast buffet each morning, picnic lunches.

Activities are led by qualified guides with safety and specialist equipment provided. Your safety is always our primary concern and you can be certain that our experienced guides will keep you safe leaving you to just enjoy yourselves.

Not included Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meal, transfers (hire car needed)

Don wetsuit, helmet and harness then jump into rock pools, abseil down waterfalls and slide down natural rock slides - all while descending down a beautiful narrow rocky gorge. Canyoning is pretty much the best fun you can have in the water!

Zip line Fly high over a lake, reaching speeds of up to 90km an hour on one of the longest double zip lines in Europe. Nearly one kilometre long.

Biescas Aventura - high ropes course An assault course in the trees. Use zip lines, rope swings, scramble nets and log crossings to make your way around the various bases in the woods.

Mountain biking - electric bike option The Valle de Tena has a fantastic network of mountain bike trails of all difficulties. We’ve everything from relaxed routes on 4x4 tracks to steep descents along technical single track. If you feel the legs need some help you can hire electric bikes which are a godsend on the uphills! Kayaking or paddle surf Take a kayak (singles, doubles or triples available) or paddle board and explore the Lanuza reservoir surrounded by high peaks. Beautifully scenic.

Rock climbing Try your hand at rock climbing. Our guides will teach you the techniques and get you having fun on the rock.

Horse riding What better way to appreciate nature than from the back of a horse. Lovely routes through the woods and meadows. Trips either 1, 2 or 4 hrs and can be adapted for beginner or experienced riders.

Hiking - guided or self guided It goes without saying there’s lots of great hiking nearby. Either go on a self guided adventure or take a guide for the day.

White water rafting Raft the Rio Gállego under the cliffs of Mallos de Riglos. White water and beautiful scenery!

Via Ferrata Scale a high cliff using ladders and metal pitons hammered into the rock. Follow this by an airy log crossing over the top of a eighty metre high waterfall. All in all an adrenaline packed day!

MORE DETAILS OF ALL ACTIVITIES ONLINE

Culture & Cuisine

GUIDED HOLIDAY

History, culture, gastronomy and nature - 7 night guided holiday - Cultural and historical tours

Itinerary

2018 Dates

Sunday - Arrival in Larrede

Sunday 20 - 27 May Sunday 30 September - 7 October

- Wine tastings and local cuisine

Arrive in Hotel Viñas de Larrede from Zaragoza. Short briefing and wine tasting before your evening meal.

- Wonderful 4* hotel

Monday - Churches of the Serrablo

A holiday focusing on the fascinating culture and history of the Pyrenees. We’ll visit 10th century monasteries and churches, explore abandoned villages and take guided tours of Jaca and Ainsa the most important medieval towns of the area. As well as the history we’ll be visiting Bodega Bal Minuta the highest vineyard in Spain, spending an evening wine tasting and sample some of the regions produce - especially the local cheeses. This is NOT a hiking holiday. A couple of the trips involve short walks but these will be very gentle!

Wonderful tranquil hotel Relaxing on the terrace of the chalet style Hotel Viñas de Larrede with a glass of vino tinto is the perfect way to get away from it all. The hotel has gardens, pool, jacuzzi and sauna. The evening meals are exceptional and we’ll try all of the local specialities during the holiday.

No hiking

Price 1249 € per person (based on two sharing) 180 € Single supplement

The 10th century churches of the Serrablo surrounding the hotel are some of the best preserved Romanesque churches in Spain. We’ll visit the churches and take a short walk to the abandoned village of Susin.

Accommodation 7 nights in 4* Hotel Viñas de Larrede All rooms premium with terrace or balcony

Included meals

Tuesday - Ainsa - raptor rescue centre A visit to Ainsa where we’ll take a tour this historic town with its medieval castle and 11th century church. We’ll visit the raptor rescue centre viewing rescued eagle owls and learn about the lammergeier conservation program. Lunch will be taken in the wonderful 12th century plaza.

Wednesday - Bodega Bal Minuta A day of wine! A visit to Bodega Bal Minuta which has the highest vineyards in Spain. We’ll get shown around the village and vines by the villages only residents - Pilar and Ernesto. We’ll also try local cheeses and honey made in Biescas. Evening wine tasting and tour of the village of Sardas.

Thursday - San Juan de la Peña & Jaca The early kings of Aragon are buried in this fascinating 10th century monastery built into a cave under high cliffs. The area also has a large vulture colony that we’ll see. Evening history and tapas tour of Jaca - the original capital of Aragon.

Friday - Canfranc station and surrounds A valley full of history. The train station was the largest indoor space in Europe when it was inaugurated in 1928 and was the main connection in the region between France and Spain. The line was closed in 1970 after a runaway train took out a bridge and has never reopened. The tunnel now houses a dark matter detection facility.

Saturday - Santa Elena and La Linea P We’ll discover the legends and secrets of Santa Elena which lies on an old pagan worship site. The zone around the church was heavily fortified with defences from the Napoleonic era and the more recent ‘La Linea P’ - a series of defences constructed by Franco to prevent invasion by the Allies from France after WW2.

3 course evening meals every day Breakfast buffet each day Lunches each day - split picnics/restaurants

Guided Holiday All visits and trips will be fully guided

Included Meals as described above All tours and entrance fees Transfers to and from Zaragoza on Sunday to meet Ryan Air flight from Stansted or train from Barcelona or Madrid

Not included Flights, drinks with meals (wine with wine tastings included)

Sunday Free morning before leaving for a drop off at Zaragoza train station or airport.

CYCLING 2018 Dates Sunday 22 - 29 July - Tour de France special Private group trips can be organised for any dates or length of stay - just email us

Price for 22 - 29 July 1149 € per person (based on two sharing) 125 € Single supplement 175 € per person - upgrade to a suite (7 nights)

Accommodation 7 nights in 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas

Included meals 3 course evening meals (exc. rest day) Breakfast buffet each morning Picnics/snacks during rides

Guided Cycling 6 days fully guided cycling with bike guide and vehicle support On private group trips daily distances will be designed to suit the group For the 22-29 July distances will be 50km 100km with 500m to 1500m ascent (with van support you can always hitch a ride if needed!)

Included Transfers To and from Zaragoza airport or train station on Sundays (including bike transport if required)

Not included Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meal, bike hire (see website for prices for bike hire)

Biescas Cycle Camp The Pyrenees have some of the most spectacular cycling routes in Europe. Steep climbs up high passes with magnificent scenery are the order of the day with some of the most famous cols from the Tour de France on our doorstep. Come with us and follow in the footsteps of Froome and Wiggins and test yourself on the Col de Aubisque and the Col de Tormalet as well as the superb lesser known cols on the Spanish side of the range. We’ve two road biking holidays - the Biescas Cycle Camp is based in Biescas while the High Cols Challenge (see page opposite) is circular route with two days cycling in France and two days in Spain.

Fully vehicle supported Both routes are fully guided with a bike guide as well a support vehicle. The guides are locally based English speaking guides who have bags of experience cycling and guiding in the Pyrenees. We’ve put together our biking holidays with the same care and attention to detail as our hiking holidays. There will be full vehicle support each day with refreshments waiting for you at each col and mechanical help available in case of any problems. We can arrange bike rental or you can bring your own bike. All hotels cater for cyclists and have places to store your bikes.

Routes of all difficulties

Tour de France 2018

Biescas is perfectly placed with routes direct from the hotel to the north, east, south and west. In addition we have the Col Aubisque and Marie Blanc easily reachable just over the French border.

On Friday 27 July the Tour de France will tackle the Aspin, Tourmalet, Soulor and Aubisque cols with the stage finishing in Laruns.

There are routes of all levels ranging from short cycles on relatively flat ground to long days tackling high cols. On our private group trips our guides will put together an itinerary that suits the fitness levels of your group giving you a perfect cycling holiday.

Bike hire or bring your own We have carbon framed road bikes for hire during your stay or alternatively bring your own. Bike hire is charged separately and it’s no problem if some of the group would like to hire bikes and the rest bring their own.

We’re organising a special Biescas Cycle Camp to coincide with the Tour de France with it’s highlight being a ride to see the race and during the week we’ll tackle the Aubisque and Tourmalet so we can see what the pro’s are up against!

Private group trips Our trips are perfect for groups of friends or cycling clubs. We can arrange a cycling holiday to perfectly suit your group - with dates, number of nights and daily cycling distances all tailored for yourselves. Additional activities such as wine tastings or spa and massages to relax tired legs can also be organised.

The High Cols Challenge Taking in nine of the classic cols of the Pyrenees our High Cols Challenge features some of the best cycling to be found in Europe with spectacular scenery and tough cycling throughout.

2018 Dates Holidays are organised on a private group basis and you can select your preferred dates.

Price Group size 4-6: 1399 € per person Group size 6-9 : 1299 € per person Prices based on two sharing a twin room 125 € Single supplement Bike hire price: please see online

Best of France and Spain A circular route passing through both France and Spain. The French side has the classic cols of the Tour de France and the Spanish part of the route passes through the famous Ordesa National Park.

Fully supported trip Each trip has both a guide cycling and a support vehicle during the whole route. The van provides mechanical assistance in case of problems, moves your luggage, sets up the drink/snack stations and if the climb proves too much can give you a lift to the top! All hotels specialise in cyclists and have safe bike storage and areas for bike maintenance.

Itinerary Day 1 - Arrive Biescas Pick up from Zaragoza and transfer to Biescas. The first afternoon we’ll have a briefing about the route ahead, organise the bikes and take a short test ride.

Day 2 - Biescas to Argèles Gazost 78km, 1595m ascent We start the day by crossing the Col de Portalet into France we then head east climbing the

CYCLING

Accommodation legendary Col de Aubisque (1703m, category 1 climb) and Col de Soulor (1461m, category 4 climb). The scenery is simply stunning and this is a days cycling you’ll never forget. If you arrive in Argéles with anything left in the tank there’s always the option to end the day with an ascent of Hautacam (special category climb) widely regarded as one of the toughest climbs of the Tour.

Day 3 - Argéles Gazost to Arreau 94km, 2614m ascent Today your legs are going to be put to work! After a gentle start to the day to Luz St. Sauveur we begin to climb the Col de Tormalet (2113m) ranked as a special category climb. 20km of steep climbing (between 7% and 10%) but you’ll have superb views to accompany you the whole way. After Tormalet we’ll tackle the Col de Aspin (1418m, category 2 climb) before a beautiful descent down to the village of Arreau.

Day 4 - Arreau to Ainsa 99km, 1596m ascent Today we head back into Spain, starting with the category 1 climb up to the Bielsa tunnel. Here we group up and ride in the support van through the 3km tunnel before descending into Spain. We’ll take a side trip into the Pineta Valley (category 3 climb) - a spectacular kilometre deep valley. The days ends in the historic town of Ainsa.

Day 5 - Ainsa to Biescas 83km, 2121m ascent Following the southern edge of the Ordesa NP, cliffs tower above as we wind through the Desfiladero de las Cambras to the entrance of the Añisclo Canyon and the category 1 climb of Fanlo. We tackle the category 2 climb of Cotefablo - the final pass of the trip before descending to Biescas.

Day 6 Depart. Transfer to Zaragoza airport or train station.

5 nights: 2 x 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas, 1 x either Les Cimes or Hotel Primrose, 1 x Hotel l’Anglaterre, 1 x Hotel Sánchez All hotels have bike storage and maintenance facilities.

Included meals 3 course evening meals (exc. rest day) Breakfast each day. Picnics/snacks for ride

Strenuous cycling As you can see from the distances and ascents this is a strenuous cycling week and you need to come trained and prepared. With vehicle support you can always hitch a lift if necessary. There are plenty of options for extensions and additional cols if your legs are up to it!

Included Transfers To and from Zaragoza airport or train station

Not included Flights, insurance, drinks, bike hire

The Ordesa National Park Established in 1918 the Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido is one of Spain’s first national parks and an undisputed highlight of the Pyrenees with some of the most magnificent scenery in Europe Kilometre deep canyons are carved into the limestone and lie beneath snowcapped peaks. At the centre of the park lies Monte Perdido - the third highest summit in the Pyrenees. Another dozen three thousand metre summits are strung along the French border along with the famous pass of Breche de Roland. In 1997 the park was made a UNESCO world heritage site for its incredible diversity of flora and fauna. If you’re a nature lover you’ll love the park which is famous for its birds of prey and one of the few remaining homes of the lammergeier - one of the largest vultures in Europe. Our nature guide to the area will help you identify what you’re seeing and let you know what to keep an eye out for.

The four deep canyons of the park offer dramatic walking and each canyon has trails of all lengths and difficulties. You can walk in the beautiful beech woods admiring the cliffs above or climb up to the dramatic ‘faja’ paths - narrow ledges that wind around the cliff faces. We offer guided and self guided holidays from Hotel Ordesa just outside Torla. It’s in a perfect position to explore the Ordesa Valley and the western side of the park. There’s a wonderful variety of hiking from walks at the bottom of the canyon to the alpine meadows surrounding Bujaruelo. Several walks leave directly from the hotel. The Añisclo Canyon also lies within the park. Even deeper than Ordesa this canyon is river formed rather than glacial and has a very different character.

Torla - gateway to Ordesa Known as the gateway to Ordesa, Torla makes an ideal base to explore the western side of the National Park in particularly the walking in the magnificent Ordesa Valley.

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Dramatic Canyon Walking

The old town’s winding streets and stone buildings have the cliffs of Ordesa as a backdrop, Torla is a lively village in summer with a good choice of bars, restaurants, shops and a small supermarket. Hotel Ordesa is in a lovely, quiet location 20 minutes walk from the village centre.

“My third holiday with Hike Pyrenees and the experiences just get better and better! Breathtaking scenery each day with super friendly and knowledgeable guides. Hope to make it a fourth next year!” Jayne, Discover Ordesa, July 2017.

Discover Ordesa - 7 night guided walking holiday

Choice of 2 walks each day

- Choice of two walks each day

There will be a choice of two guided walks each day and you can decide each morning which walk you’d like to join.

- Dual level: grade 1 & grade 3 - 4* hotel with pool The spectacular Ordesa National Park is a highlight of the Pyrenees and a fantastic walking location. Choose from two guided walks each day - a lower level and a higher level option. A perfect holiday if you fancy doing a couple of longer days but don’t want to commit to a whole week of long hikes or for couples where one partner likes to walk farther than the other.

One option will be a grade 1 or 2 walk at a relaxed pace with plenty of time to soak up the views. These walks will be on good well graded paths and visit the alpine meadows and valleys of the park. Walks will be between five to seven hours with three to five hundred metres of ascent. The second option will be a grade 3 or 4 hike on one of the spectacular high level paths the park is famous for. A good head for heights will be needed for some routes and there will be steep sections on most days. These hikes will be six to nine hours with six hundred to a thousand metres of ascent so a good level of fitness is required.

The last Ibex Sadly something you won’t see is the Pyrenean Ibex. These magnificent member of the goat family had huge curved horns and were once found throughout the Pyrenees. By the early 1900’s over hunting (their horns were prized by hunters) had reduced the population to just one herd in the Ordesa National Park. By 1990 only ten individuals remained and tragically during a storm in 1998 the last known female was killed by a falling tree in the area around the Faja de Pelay. The species became extinct shortly after.

Hotel Ordesa Accommodation is at the 4* Hotel Ordesa. Fantastically situated with views of the Ordesa valley the hotel has excellent facilities including an outdoor pool (mid June to mid Sep), bar, restaurant, lounge and fantastic spa facilities with steam room and jacuzzi. Three course evening meals are served in the restaurant each evening (apart from the rest day when we’ll visit the nearby town of Ainsa). The pretty village of Torla has a range of shops, bars and all of the amenities you’ll need and is less than 20 minutes walk away.

“I originally planned to do the tour as a “one-off” experience. But I had such a good time, I´m already planning to try another Hike Pyrenees tour! Ken and Hannah were terrific guides. The whole tour was very professionally organised.” Samantha, Discover Ordesa, September 2017.

GUIDED WALKING

Itinerary

Dual level

This sample itinerary shows the low and high level route options offered each day. The exact routes will depend on conditions.

Sunday

Torla Arrive in Torla from Zaragoza. On arrival there will be a short briefing before the evening meal.

2018 Dates Sunday 17 June - 24 June Sunday 8 July - 15 July Sunday 2 - 9 September Sunday 23 - 30 September

Monday

Camino de Turieto A superb introduction to Ordesa along an beautiful path from the hotel into the Ordesa Valley.

Faja Racon Climb into the Circo de Corrieta and then follow a stunning path around the base of the cliffs of Ordesa.

Tuesday

Valle de Otal A hanging valley containing flower filled alpine meadows and a great place to spot marmots.

Ordiso/Otal Circuit This wonderful circular walk takes in two hanging valleys linked by a high pass. Great views north to Vignemale and east to the peaks of Gabieto.

Wednesday

The Ordesa Valley Follow the valley floor through ancient beech woods, past waterfalls under the valley´s sheer cliffs.

Price The Faja de Pelay

Ordesa & Añisclo

A steep start leads to a path high on Ordesa’s south cliffs. Great views over the valley and Monte Perdido.

Catching a 4x4 for over 1200m of ascent allows us to first walk above the Ordesa valley before crossing over and walking along the rim of the Añisclo canyon too. Bird’s eye views throughout!

Thursday

Rest Day Today we’ll take a visit to the medieval walled town of Ainsa which is regularly voted as one of the prettiest villages in Spain. We’ll take a tour of this historical town followed by lunch in it’s beautiful 12th century plaza. Evening free to explore Ainsa or relax in the pool or spa.

Friday

The Rim of Ordesa A 4x4 carries us high into the meadows above the Ordesa canyon. From there we walk along the rim of the canyon for spectacular views before catching the 4x4 back down to the hotel.

Saturday

The Añisclo Canyon Another of the park’s spectacular valleys. Waterfalls cascade down the steep cliffs that tower above you.

Plana Cuasta Walking from the hotel we climb into alpine meadows and onwards to a peak with superb views along the length of the Ordesa valley.

Sunday

Torla Free day in Torla leaving early afternoon for your transfer back to Zaragoza airport or train station.

1149 € per person (based on two sharing) Single supplement: 180 €

Accommodation 7 nights in 4* Hotel Ordesa

Included meals 3 course evening meals(exc. rest day) Breakfast buffet each morning Picnic lunches on walking days

Included Transfers To/from Zaragoza airport or train station.

Not included Flights, insurance, lunch and evening meal on rest day.

Refugio Week - 7 night guided walking holiday - Grade 4: Challenging hiking - Climb Monte Perdido (3355m) - 4 nights in mountain huts Staying in a mountain hut or ‘refugio’ allows you to reach the wildest areas of the Pyrenees. Following the GR11 you’ll explore trails out of the reach of day hikers and make the classic ascent of Monte Perdido. Staying at three of the best situated refugios in the Pyrenees, we’ll explore both the Valle de Tena and Ordesa National Park.

Challenging hiking This is a week of demanding hiking with long days and steep ascents. A good level of fitness and some hiking experience is essential. Trails will vary with a mixture of good paths interspersed with scree and boulderfields. There are several exposed sections. The highlight of the trek is an ascent of the ‘lost mountain’ - Monte Perdido. At 3355m this is the third highest peak in the Pyrenees. The ascents are not technical and do not require technical experience. Crampons may be required (however probably not in September) but you will be instructed on all the necessary techniques during the holiday. We’ll send you a detailed kit list before arrival and can provide crampons and ice axes if required.

Brecha de Rolando

Accommodation

A line of impenetrable cliffs run along the border in the park with ‘Roland’s breach’ the only place to pass between France and Spain.

For the hike in the Valley de Tena we will stay at Refugio Respomuso & Refugio Bachimaña. In the Ordesa National Park, Refugio Goriz will be our base. Both serve three course evening meals as well as snacks and drinks. We’ll sleep in large mixed dorms. The facilities at Goriz are fairly basic but Respomuso and Bachimaña are more modern with hot showers.

The legend made famous in the ‘Chanson de Roland’ tells of the Christian general Roland being ambushed in the Valle de Roncevalles by moors and being chased into the Ordesa Valley. When Roland reached the impassable cliffs he drew his sword and cleaved a huge cleft in the cliffs through which he escaped into France.

When not in the mountains we stay at 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas for a bit of luxury. Its sauna and pool are a perfect way to end a great week´s hiking.

"The organisation and guiding were superb. The guides Hannah, Ken and Arkaitz were friendly, professional, helpful and understanding. I would love to walk with them again." Mike, Refugio Week

GUIDED WALKING

Itinerary A two and a half day hike in the Valle de Tena followed by a 3 day hike in Ordesa walking the length of the Añisclo and Ordesa canyons.

2018 Dates

Sunday

Sunday 1 July - 8 July Sunday 9 September - 16 September

Arrive in Biescas from Zaragoza late afternoon. Short briefing and kit check before the evening meal.

Price 1149 € per person (based on two sharing) 49 € Single supplement

Monday

Refugio Respomuso

Accommodation

We set off along the famous GR11 Pyrenean longdistance trail. The path takes us to Refugio Respomuso, situated among 3000-metre peaks. On the way we have the option of a side trip to the spectacular Ibones de Arriel.

4 nights in mountain huts (in dormitories) 3 night in 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas

Included meals 3 course evening meals each night Breakfast each day Picnic lunches on walking days

Tuesday

Circo de Piedrafita We set off early into the wild landscape of Circo de Piedrafita. Our route takes us past mountain lakes and we have the option to climb Tebarrai (2916m). We head down past the Ibones Azules to Refugio Bachimaña where we spend the night.

Wednesday

Baños de Panticosa A short morning hike down to Baños de Panticosa where we’ll be picked up and taken back to Hotel Tierra de Biescas. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the Hotel pool and sauna and exploring the village of Biescas.

Thursday

The Ordesa Valley The Faja de Pelay is the start of our three-day hike. After an initial steep climb we follow a wide ledge in the sheer cliffs of the Ordesa valley giving breathtaking views across the valley and of the border peaks. Spend the night at Refugio Goriz beneath Monte Perdido.

Friday

Monte Perdido Our objective today is the classic ascent of Monte Perdido (3335m), the highest peak in the area. The summit views overlooking the Ordesa, Pineta and Anisclo canyons and into France are stunning. Steep in places, the route crosses a snow field that may require the use of crampons. Return to Refugio Goriz for the night.

Saturday

Guided Walking - Grade 4

Our walk out is through the neighbouring Añisclo Canyon, another spectacular canyon carved into the limestone plateau. We pass thundering waterfalls before reaching our transport back to the 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas with its spa and pool for a bit of well earned luxury.

5 days fully guided walking with a group size of 6 maximum. Walks are 7 to 10 hours each day. Daily ascents are between 800m and 1500m High mountain paths that may require the use of crampons. There are steep, rocky and exposed sections. Previous hiking experience and a good level of fitness are essential.

Sunday

Included Transfers

Biescas

To and from Zaragoza on Sunday evenings to meet Ryan Air flight from Stansted or train from Barcelona or Madrid.

Añisclo Canyon

Free morning in Biescas before leaving early afternoon to be dropped off at either Zaragoza airport or train station.

Not included Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meal, lunch and evening meal on rest day.

Self Guided: Ordesa - Discover the best of Ordesa

Superb walking base

- Easy to follow route cards

Torla is on the west side of the park and is ideally placed to reach the walking in the Ordesa Valley and Bujaruelo.

- Arrive and depart on any day Discover the best of the Ordesa National Park - one of the highlights of the Pyrenees. Make sure you get the most of out your time in the park with our Self Guided Ordesa holidays. We get you straight to the best hikes and know not just the famous walks but many beautiful quiet paths often overlooked by many visitors.

Bestue is a small remote village high on the eastern side of the park and gives access to some fantastic hiking along the rim of the Añisclo Canyon and in the Garganta de Escuain. A two centre holiday visiting both villages is a fantastic option - the walking and scenery is quite different in the east and the west sides of the park and the wonderful Casa Capella in Bestue is not to be missed.

The ‘faja’ paths of Ordesa Ordesa is famous for its fajas. The cliffs of the valley are limestone and as it’s eroded, natural ledges have been carved into the cliffs creating spectacular paths.

Easy to follow routecards

World Heritage Site

We’ve route cards for all of the best walks in the valley. There’s a huge choice of walks of all distances ranging from gentle walks in alpine meadows to long days in the high mountains.

Ordesa was made a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997 mainly due to its bio-diversity. The steep cliffs lead to an altitude change of two kilometres between the valley meadows and the peaks high above.

The infamous Faja de las Flores is a vertiginous metre wide ledge a kilometre up that’s only for those with an excellent head for heights.

Other paths are less intimidating and the Faja de Pelay on the southern cliffs and the little walked but highly recommended Faja Racon are two of our favourites.

We live in the area year round and walk these routes regularly with groups so you can be confident that our route cards will always be up to date and accurate.

These differences mean a huge variety of flowers, birds and mammals can find their niche and flourish. Humans have made little impact on the inhospitable higher plateaus. The UNESCO site is jointly managed with the French Parc National de Pyrenees.

SELF GUIDED 2018 Dates Self guided holidays are available throughout the summer.

Hotel Ordesa Prices B&B 699 € 799 € 699 €

Full Board 899 € 999 € 899 €

1 June - 30 June 1 July - 31 August 1 Sep - 07 Oct Single supplement: 180 € low season, 230 € high season

Prices are per person and based on two people sharing. Prices are for a 7 night stay - for longer or shorter stays ask for prices.

Accommodation 4* Hotel Ordesa near the village of Torla

“Ordesa was the highlight of our Pyrenees walking – challenging walks with majestic viewscapes, and a comfortable, friendly hotel to return to each evening.” Ian & Anne, Ordesa Self Guided, September 2017

4* Hotel Ordesa (Torla)

Two centre holidays

The 4* Hotel Ordesa is ideally situated for walkers with views into the Ordesa Valley and hikes straight from the hotel door.

A popular option is to split a week´s stay between Ordesa and the Valle de Tena allowing you to see both areas.

The hotel has excellent facilities including an outdoor pool (open mid-June to mid September), bar, lounge area and a spa (additional fees apply for use of the spa).

Hotel Almud in Sallent works well combined with Hotel Ordesa. It’s a scenic one hour drive between the hotels when you change venues midweek which means you still have time to do a hike that day.

You start each morning with a cooked or continental buffet breakfast. With our full board option picnic lunches are provided each day and three course evening meals are taken at the hotel. The village of Torla is just a short walk away. There you’ll find the National Park visitors centre, shops, bars, cafes and restaurants

You can split the week however as you like and prices are pro-rata the weekly rates.

Included meals Full board option includes 3 course evening meals, cooked and continental buffet breakfast and picnic lunches each day. B&B option includes a buffet breakfast - picnic lunches can be ordered from the hotel (at additional cost).

Self Guided Walking Walking is self guided and there is a good choice of routes of all lengths and difficulties. We’ve detailed descriptions for all the best trails.

Not included Flights, insurance, airport transfers or transport to and from walks.

Spring, autumn and coastal hiking If you are looking to hike outside of high summer, Spain has so much to offer. The Sierra de Guara in the PrePyrenees are just south of the main range and has fantastic weather for spring hiking, while heading further south to Dels Ports gives you hiking options throughout the year.

Sierra de Guara The deep gorges and towering cliffs of the Sierra de Guara and Riglos in the pre-Pyrenees have a completely different feel from the main range although they are just forty kilometres south. Quiet and unpopulated, a traditional way of life continues in the area, with small farms producing cheese, wine, olive oil and almonds - all delicious!

Dels Ports Natural Park

On our Villages of the Guara self guided holiday you hike deep into the park staying at several tiny, tranquil villages with beautiful views.

Lying on the borders of Aragon, Valencia and Catalonia the Dels Ports Natural Park is where our ‘Route of the Three Kingdoms’ holiday is based. The region boasts really varied hiking with some hikes being deep in the canyons and others high on the peaks with views inland and to the coast.

Our Riglos and Alquézar guided holiday explores two areas - the Sierra de Guara Park and Mallos de Riglos. One is characterised by towering conglomerate cliffs and the other deep limestone canyons which makes for very diverse hiking.

Although the peaks here only reach 1400 metres and you are close to the sea, the hiking and scenery is surprisingly wild and rugged. The terrain changes from limestone to conglomerate as you hike around the massif. The region has excellent year round hiking apart from mid summer and makes an excellent option if you are looking to get away very early or late in the season. 1 2

The climate here is quite Mediterranean with olive and almond groves and temperatures are perfect for early season hiking in April and May or later on in October or November.

Camino de Santiago and the Basque Country

The Northern Route is a beautiful alternative that is less walked than the traditional French route from Saint Jean Pied de Port.

The northern route of the Camino de Santiago follows the rugged Basque coastline - a land steeped in tradition and history. Here the Pyrenees rise from the coast creating forest filled valleys before green rolling hills give way to the first rocky summits of the range.

Our route takes in a manageable one week section of the Camino starting at the French border and passing surf beaches, cliffs and fishing villages before heading inland to finish in Gernika - scene of the bombing in 1937 that led to Picasso’s painting of the same name.

There’s no walk quite like the Camino - with every step you feel the history of the walk and every hamlet you pass has carvings, ermitas and reminders of the route’s long history.

The area is full of history. Neolithic dolmens stand on remote summits and pilgrims have walked the dramatic coastline for a thousand years on their way to Santiago.

Riglos & Alquézar - 7 night guided walking holiday

Moderate walking

- Grade 2 - moderate hiking

The hikes will be mid level and each day we expect to walk around 10 to 12 kilometres with 400-650 metres of ascent.

- Spectacular gorges and cliffs - 2 centre holiday Wonderful hiking amongst the canyons of the Sierra de Guara and the amazing cliffs of Mallos de Riglos. The warm weather of the pre-Pyrenees makes this the perfect place to hike early in the season.

The paths are generally good although there are a few steeper sections. Although both areas are famed for cliffs and gorges none of the hiking is on exposed narrow paths.

History and nature The history of the area stretches back thousands of years with Neolithic cave paintings around Alquézar. The Moors and Christians fought over the area in the middle ages and the castles and churches of the area have many Moorish influences. On the rest day we take a tour of Bodega Sommos.

Visit to Bodega Sommos Alquézar is in the Somontano wine region which produces some excellent white and red wines. During the Riglos & Alquézar holiday we’ll visit the vineyard of Sommos for a tour followed by a wine tasting and lunch. Sommos is a spectacular vineyard with Guggenheim style architecture. When it was opened it was the most technologically advanced vineyard in the world. The wine making areas are all underground and they use gravity to move the wine between the various stages of fermentation.

Charming hotels You’ll stay in two charming hotels during the week. Both are small and friendly in great locations. The bedrooms are beautifully decorated and have fantastic views. Casona de la Reina Berta is our base in Murillo de Gállego where you can watch the cliffs of Riglos glow red in the setting sun from your window. In Alquézar we’ll stay at Hotel Castillo which once again has wonderful views. Here we’ll eat out in one of Alquézar’s restaurants each night.

“A wonderful week of spectacular walks made all the more worthwhile by the knowledgeable guides who provided insights into wildlife and local history as well as expert and friendly guidance. Hotels and food were excellent. Thoroughly recommended.” Anthony, Riglos & Alquézar, May 2017

GUIDED WALKING

Itinerary During the week we’ll hike in two areas - the Sierra de Guara and the cliffs around Riglos.

2018 Dates

This is a sample itinerary - the exact routes will depend on the weather and what the group would like to achieve.

Sunday 15 April - 22 April Sunday 29 April - 6 May

Price

Sunday

Murillo de Gállego

1149 € per person (based on two sharing) 125 € Single supplement

Arrive in Murillo de Gállego from Zaragoza late afternoon. Briefing followed by the evening meal.

Accommodation

Monday

4 nights in Casa Rural Casona de la Reina Berta 3 nights in Hotel Castillo

Mallos de Agüero

Included meals

The cliffs of Mallos de Agüero tower above the village. This circular route takes us on a complete circuit of these fascinating rock formations.

3 course evening meals Breakfast each morning Picnic lunches on walking days

Tuesday

Mallos de Riglos Even bigger than yesterday`s cliffs the Mallos of Riglos are the most famous of the area. A wonderful trail winds us up through the cliffs and then along a ridge above them. Our return route takes us underneath the cliffs and we’ll get sore necks as we gaze up at vultures and climbers!

Thursday

Vineyard tour - Sommos

Wednesday

Today we leave Murillo de Gállego and head to Alquézar which lies in the centre of the Somontano wine region. We’ll visit the spectacular vineyard of Sommos where we’ll have a tour around the vineyard, wine tasting and lunch before heading onto to Alquézar. (Wine tasting is 10€ and lunch is not included in price)

Salinas Viejo

Friday

Our hike today takes us through the narrow rocky valley of Foz de Salinas to the abandoned village of Salinas which once produced salt for the region. Past the village we head to the pass of La Osqueta from which we have tremendous views both south and north.

Vero Canyon We take a taxi out to the viewpoint of Portiacha which has wonderful views down into the Vero canyon and across the high Pyrenees. From here we hike back to Alquézar passing caves with neolithic cave art. We drop down to the idyllic

Puente de Villacantal across the Rio Vero. Depending on the water level we either hike along the river in the depths of the canyon or cross the bridge and climbing the eastern flanks of the canyon. Back to Alquézar.

Saturday

Mascun canyon Today we explore the wonderful rock formations of the Mascun canyon where the the river has carved spires and arches. We hike to the abandoned village of Otin before returning via a separate branch of the canyon.

Guided Walking - Grade 2 5 days fully guided walking. Walks are 6 to 7 hours each day (12-16km). Daily ascents are between 400m to 650m on good paths with some steep sections. Walks are at a relaxed pace.

Included Transfers To and from Zaragoza airport or train station on Sundays as well as all transport during the week.

Not included Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meal, wine tasting (10€) and lunch at the vineyard.

Sunday Free morning in Alquézar before leaving for the transfer back to Zaragoza train station or airport.

SELF GUIDED

Route of the Three Kingdoms - 7 night self guided holiday

2018 Dates The Route of the Three Kingdoms is available throughout the autumn, winter and spring when the weather is perfect in this area. Arrive and depart on any day you wish.

Price Party size 2 or 3 4 or more 13 January - 30 June 999 € 949 € 1 October - 16 Dec 999 € 949 € Single supplement: 230 € Prices are per person and based on two sharing Minimum party size is 2 people. 7 nights accommodation: 3 nights Hotel La Fábrica de Solfa (Beceite) 1 night Casa Nuri (Fredes) 1 night Pous de la Neu (Caro) 1 night Ca Les Barberes (Paüls) 1 night Hotel Hort De Fortunyo (Arnes)

Included meals

- Good year round hiking weather - Luggage moved every day Explore an undiscovered area of Spain with this circular route in the Dels Ports Natural Park passing through Aragon, Valencia and Catalonia. Remote hiking in a surprisingly mountainous area. The weather here is perfect for hiking nearly year round. In six days you make a complete circuit of the massif. The hiking is really diverse with one side of the range being conglomerate and the other limestone.

Medium to strenuous hikes

Self Guided Walking

The hikes cover a reasonable distance each day and the accumulated ascent adds up. However, each of the days have several ups and downs rather than one big ascent which makes ascent more manageable.

Walking is self guided and detailed route descriptions will be provided for each day´s walk including any optional side trips.

The terrain varies considerably from gentle paths through woods to some fairly rocky sections underfoot.

3 course evening meals every night Breakfast and picnic lunches each day

Not included Flights and insurance. Wine, coffee and drinks with evening meal. Transfers to/from Beceite.

Itinerary Day 1 - Arrive Beceite Arrive in Beceite - on the first evening you will have a briefing about your week ahead. Night in Hotel La Fábrica de Solfa.

Day 2 - Parrisal Gorge

Day 5 - Caro to Paüls

Follow this beautiful high sided gorge using pasarelas - a walkway just above the river level. Eventually the gorge narrows to the point you can’t hike any further and you return back to Beceite climbing up out of canyon. Second night at Hotel La Fábrica de Solfa. Distance: 12.3km, ascent 310m

Today you follow the high ridge along the centre of the range - a wonderful hike spending most of the day above one thousand metres. Descend to the village of Paüls which lies in fields looking up to the rocky cirque that you’ve just descended from. Night at Ca Les Barberes. Distance: 22.2km, ascent 1030m, descent 1750m Option to reduce distance (and ascent) at both start and end of day with lifts.

Day 3 - Beceite to Fredes Short transfer in the morning. Hike up a broad ridge passing the church and farmhouse of San Miguel. Optional side trip to the Pico de Los Tres Reyes at 1351m (Peak of the 3 Kings) - the border between the three regions. Night at Casa Nuri. Distance:13.7km, asc. 765m, des. 350m 16.3km, asc. 940m, des. 525m with side trip to peak

Day 4 - Fredes to Caro Today you head north east flanking a ridge with fantastic views down to the coast and the Ebro delta. There is a short side trip to Pic Negrell (1345m) for more panoramic views before you arrive in the hidden valley and woods where you spend the night at Pous de la Neu. Distance: 20.5km, ascent: 962m, dsecent 1032m Option to reduce distance 3km more with lift.

Day 6 - Paüls to Arnes Great hike passing right underneath the cliffs of Roques de Benet and then finishing off by passing through the Estrets d’Arnes. Night at the beautiful Hotel Hort De Fortunyo. Distance: 19.6km, ascent 950m Option of pick up shortening day by 3km

Day 7 - Arnes to Beceite The final days hike and one final thousand metre peak to scale - the wonderful Penyagalera with views over the inland plains. Night at Hotel La Fábrica de Solfa. Shorter option: 15.8km, ascent 930m

Day 8 - Depart Depart for your onward journey.

Villages of the Guara

Day 4 - Lecina to Paules de Sarsa Heading into the heart of the Sierra de Guara your route today passes through a wild landscape not often visited. A choice of two routes, the longer passes over the peak of Asba (1438m) for panoramic views of the high peaks of the Pyrenees. Night at El Condor. Short option: Distance: 14km, ascent: 350m Long option: distance: 15.2km, ascent 700m

Day 5 - Paules de Sarsa to Rodellar Hike above the Mascun canyon along a path that skirts above the canyon with magnificent views down onto it’s rock spires. Optional taxi at stat to shorten the day (includeed). Night at Aparthotel Valle de Rodellar. Shorter option: distance: 19km, ascent: 1100m Longer option: distance: 28km, ascent: 1350m

- 7 night self guided holiday - Great early/late season weather - Luggage moved every day Hike between the remote villages of the Sierra de Guara an area full of limestone and conglomerate canyons. Spring and autumn have perfect weather for hiking.

Itinerary

6 days hiking taking you to the heart of this undiscovered area. Wonderful scenery with deep canyons, rocky limestone spires and abandoned villages.

Day 2 - Circular hike from Alquézar

Medium to strenuous hikes There are two hiking options each day - an easier and a harder route. On a couple of the days even the easier options are still fairly challenging. The longest day on the easier option is 19km with 1000 metres of ascent this day isn’t to be taken lightly. For the fit, there are longer options and side trips taking in extra peaks and viewpoints. The terrain varies from gentle paths through woods to some fairly rocky sections underfoot even on the easier routes.

Day 1 - Alquézar Arrive in Alquézar spending the night at the beautiful Hotel Villa de Alquézar (with pool and spa). Briefing about the week ahead, going over the route and answering any questions you have. First descend into the canyon of the Rio Vero before climbing to the charming villages of Asque and Colungo. Return, crossing the Rio Vero again with an option to walk the famous ‘pasarelas’ - a walkway above the river along a narrow and spectacular section of the canyon. Second night at Hotel Villa de Alquézar. 13.8km, asc. 680m (17.8km, 850m with extension)

Day 3 - Alquézar to Lecina Head deep into the Vero canyon crossing the medieval bridge of Villacantal. Pass caves with neolithic paintings dating from 5000 to 1500 BC. Climbing again you get fantastic views of the area. Option of extending the route by 8km to take you to the viewpoint of Barfaluy. Night at La Choca. 10.5km, asc. 630m (18.5km, 830m with extension)

Day 6 - Circular hike from Rodellar Wonderful hike in the Mascun canyon combining both superb views of the rock arches and spires of the canyon and the abandoned village of Otin. A longer option takes you to Nasarre another abandoned village. Pass a neolithic dolmen before descending to Rodellar. Second night at Aparthotel Valle de Alquézar. Shorter option: 15.3km, ascent 640m Longer option: 20km, ascent 860m

SELF GUIDED 2018 Dates The Villages of the Guara holiday is available spring, early summer and autumn when the weather is perfect in this area. Arrive and depart on any day you wish.

Price Party size 2 or 3 4 or more 1 April - 31 May 999 € 949 € 1 October - 30 Nov 999 € 949 € Single supplement: 175 € Single room in each hotel apart from Rodellar where two share a two bedroom apartment. Prices are per person and based on two sharing. Minimum party size is 2 people. Supplement applies for Easter - see website. 3 nights Hotel Villa de Alquézar (Alquézar) 1 night La Choca (Lecina) 1 night El Condor (Les Paules) 2 nights Aparthotel Valle de Rodellar

Included meals 3 course evening meals every night Breakfast and picnic lunches each day

Day 7 - Rodellar to Alquézar

Self Guided Walking

Today’s hike takes you along the conglomerate canyon of Balced with fantastic views over the plains before descending to Alquézar. Option of taxi ride at start to shorten the distance. Night at Hotel Villa de Alquézar. Shorter option: 14km, ascent 400m Longer option: 20km, ascent 806m

Walking is self guided and detailed route descriptions will be provided for each day´s walk including any optional side trips.

Day 8 - Depart Final morning spent in Alquézar before departing for your onward journey.

GPS hire GPS hire for the week available. The GPS will have all of the hiking tracks, maps and waypoints. Weekly GPS rental 35 €.

Not included Flights and insurance. Wine, coffee and drinks with evening meal. Transfers to/from Alquézar.

Camino de Santiago - coastal route - Walk 6 days of the Camino - Self guided coastal walking - Delicious Basque cuisine - Great hotels along the route - Luggage moved each day Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims that have walked the route for over a thousand years. A wonderful walk along the Basque coastline discovering fishing villages and beaches around each corner.

The Coastal Camino The Northern or Coastal Way follows the Basque coastline with its beaches, cliffs and fishing villages. Pilgrims have walked these paths for a thousand years on their way to Santiago and there’s a fantastic feeling of history as you pass by pilgrim shrines and churches that have been there for centuries. The Northern route is the undiscovered gem of the Camino and a beautiful alternative to the sometimes crowded French route starting in St. Jean Pied de Port. You still get all of the feeling of the Camino de Santiago but with the advantage of beautiful coastal views, empty paths and charming accommodation. The week starts in Hondarribia - a medieval walled town on the French border and ends in historic Gernika. On the way you’ll discover the best of the Basque Country - cliffs, beaches, green hills, vineyards and beautiful countryside.

The Scallop Shell The scallop shell is the symbol of the Camino and you’ll see it carved on buildings, painted on signposts and carried by pilgrims. There are various versions as to the origins of the symbol. One legend tells of St James’ body being shipwrecked off the coast of Spain and miraculously washed onshore covered in scallop shells. The shell is also a metaphor with the grooves reaching a central point just like the pilgrims. It also had practical uses with pilgrims using the shell as a plate or to collect water.

Superb Accommodation

Mid level hiking

We’ve searched out the best accommodation throughout the trip. You stay in charming guest houses in beautiful rural locations surrounded by vineyards and countryside as well as beach front hotels. All rooms are en-suite. This is not a trip where you’ll be staying in packed pilgrim hostels.

The stages of the Camino de Santiago are reasonably long with between 12 and 25 kilometres walked each day. Although the highest points during the week are only 500 metres the route - like most coastal paths - undulates and the accumulated ascent adds up at the end of the day.

Evening meals are included on 3 nights. The other nights you can choose to eat at a variety of restaurants or tapas bars - the Basque Country is famous for its cuisine and there is plenty of choice to suit any budget. We provide details of local restaurants in our information pack.

However the paths are excellent and you cover the distance more quickly and easily than you would on our more mountainous routes in the Valle de Tena or Ordesa. Ascents and descents are fairly gentle and not knee crunching. Several of the days have options to shorten the route by taking a taxi some of the way and we can organise taxis for you if required.

SELF GUIDED

Itinerary

2018 Dates

Day 1 Arrive in Hondarribia an historic walled medieval town. You’ll stay at Hotel San Nikolas right on the Plaza de Armas overlooked by the castle of Charles V. Evening briefing at the hotel to talk through your week ahead and answer any questions.

The Camino de Santiago holiday is available all summer and autumn. You can arrive and depart on any day you wish.

Price 8 April - 30 June 999 € 1 July - 30 Sep 1099 € 1 Oct - 30 Nov 999 € Single room sup. low season 215 €, high 245 € Prices are person and based on two sharing. Minimum party size is 2 people

Day 2

Hondarribia - San Sebastian Leaving Hondarribia you climb to the ridge of Jaizkibel (525m) where you pass a series of old watchtowers that were used to signal whale sightings to ships at sea. Descending to the fishing village of Pasai San Pedro you cross the estuary on a water taxi and continue on to San Sebastian, famous for its food and beaches. Option to shorten the day by taking a taxi or bus from San Pedro to San Sebastian. Night at 2* Hostal Alemana Full distance: 24.5 km, 960 metres ascent Distance with bus/taxi: 15.3 km, 550 metres ascent

Accommodation pass Zarautz and walk along its long beach full of surfers. The village of Getaria with its cobbled streets and fantastic fish restaurants is today’s destination. You stay at Hotel Saiaz - a wonderful 15th century gothic stone building that served as both a dwelling and a defensive tower. Distance: 11km, 510 metres ascent

the night in Intxauspe (Markina). Distance: 27km, 900m ascent (option to shorten)

Day 7

Markina - Gernika

San Sebastian - Orio

Day 5

The day starts with a climb to the peak of Igeldo for fantastic views back over San Sebastian’s La Concha beach. Passing through fields and woods you get wonderful views of the coast. Orio was an old whaling town and has a lovely medieval old quarter with ermitas and carvings dedicated to the pilgrims of the Camino. Night at Casa Rural Mailan (in July and August Hostal Xaloa). Distance: 16.5 km, 500 metres ascent

Leaving Getaria on an ancient paved way passing through vineyards. Our recommended route then leaves the camino to follow a spectacular section of coastal path through a marine park with flysch cliffs. Finally you descend to Deba - here we pick you up for a short taxi ride to Hotel Arbe. Distance: 18km, 830m ascent (option to shorten)

Today as pilgrims have for centuries you pass the tenth century monastery of Ziortza then the forests of Gorontzugarai before entering the green valleys dotted with hamlets as you approach Gernika. After the horrendous bombing immortalised by Picasso, Gernika symbolises the traditions and freedom of the Basque Country and is an appropriate place to end your journey through this region. Transfer either back to San Sebastian for the final night in Hotel Alemana or alternatively onto Bilbao for the final night. Distance: 29km, 800m ascent (option to shorten)

Day 6

Day 8

Deba - Markina

Depart

Today the route leaves the coast behind and heads inland through the rural heart of the Basque Country. Forests, tiny farms, green hills and solitude characterise this day’s hiking. You spend

Onward travel from either San Sebastian or Bilbao.

Day 3

Day 4

Orio - Getaria A shorter but beautiful day walking through vineyards that make Txakolí - a light, acidic white wine that is typical of the Basque Country. You

Getaria - Deba

1 night in Hotel San Nikolas (Hondarribia), Hostal Alemana (San Sebastian), Casa Rural Mailan (Orio) - in Jul and Aug Hostal Xaloa, Hotel Saiaz (Getaria), Hotel Arbe (Deba) and Intxauspe (Markina). Final night in either San Sebastian or Bilbao.

Included meals 3 x evening meals (4 nights guests can choose their own restaurants or tapas bar). Breakfast each day. 6 x Picnic lunches.

Self Guided Walking Walking is self guided. Detailed directions will be provided for each day`s walk. Baggage transfer each day is included.

Transfers Transfers to and from San Sebastian at the beginning and end of the walk. See page 42 for details of travel options to San Sebastian.

Not included Flights and insurance. Drinks with evening meal. Any optional taxi rides to shorten route.

Picos de Europa - 7 night guided walking holiday

Choice of 2 walks each day

- Choice of two walks each day

Each morning we’ll meet and describe both walks in detail simply chose which of the two hikes on offer you would like to do that day.

- Dual level: grade 1 & grade 3 - Stay in two traditional villages With high limestone peaks, alpine meadows and the deep and famous Cares gorge, the Picos de Europa has a superb range of hikes. Choose between two hikes each day – a higher harder and lower easier hike. It’s a great way for you to set your own pace for the week.

The easier hike has a more relaxed pace, giving you the opportunity to study the flora and fauna of the area as well as take in the views. There will also be an opportunity to visit some cultural and historical sites such as the historical and famous Covadonga Basilica. These hikes will be grade 1 or 2 on good paths and 5 – 6 hours in length. The harder hikes will take 7 – 9 hours to and will take us into the heart of the Picos massif and to the top of some rewarding summits with inspiring views. These hikes are grade 3 and the terrain will be more rugged and rocky underfoot. Although you may need to use your hands at points for balance, these days do not require a rope.

Fuente De cable car The Fuente de cable car is a fantastic way to get up high in the Picos. In only 5 minutes you leave the green meadows of the valley behind and travel 750 metres up into the Picos massif. Built in 1903 it was used as a means of transporting minerals mined in the area back down to the valley. In June 1966 cabins were attached to these cables with the intentions of transporting tourists. The first commercial journey in the Fuente De cable cars took place on the 21st August of the same year.

3* Picos de Europa Hotel

3* Hotel del Oso

The first 4 nights will be in Hotel Picos de Europa ideally located in the centre of Arenas de Cabrales on the northern side of the Picos.

An absolutely wonderful country hotel a short drive from Fuente De in the pretty village of Cosgaya on the southern side of the Picos.

A lovely place to relax after your hikes with an outdoor swimming pool and seating area with great views. The village has a nice plaza with nice bars to try the traditional cider which the region is famous for.

With a lovely terrace to take an after hike beer, an outdoor swimming pool, beautiful grounds and scenery it is a perfect place to relax.

Breakfast and a delicious three course evening meal will be served at the hotel. On our final night in Arenas we’ll eat out in one of the local restaurants which will be within easy walking distance.

The hotel is part of the Asturias ‘Club de Calidad’ and the food here is just superb with a fantastic choice of local dishes . The breakfast buffet is the biggest we’ve seen - perfect to set you up for a big day in the mountains!

GUIDED WALKING

Itinerary

Dual level

This sample itinerary shows the low and high level route options offered each day. The exact routes will depend on conditions.

Sunday Arrive in Arenas from Bilbao. We’ll have a briefing about the week and enjoy our evening meal.

2018 Dates

Monday

Cares gorge Today both hiking options will explore the famous 1.5 kilometre deep Cares gorge. Hike along a spectacular path which contours around the valley 200 metres above the river bed. The gorge is pretty long so the shorter hike will walk roughly two thirds of the gorge before turning back while the longer option will hike all of the way to Cain at the end of the gorge.

Tuesday

Covadonga lakes A circular route around the Covadonga lakes, Pico Mosquital and Mirador del Rey for superb views over the western Picos. Afterwards we’ll visit the famous Covadonga basilica.

Sunday 1 July - 8 July

Price 1199 € per person (based on two sharing) 125 € Single supplement

Accommodation Refugio de la Vega Urriellu A hike to Refugio de la Vega Urriellu that sits at 1960 metres right under the Naranjo de Bulnes the most famous mountain in the Picos. Magnificent views of the highest peaks in the Picos.

Torre de los Horcados Rojos (2562m)

Thursday

From the cable car we head to the peak of Torre de los Horcados Rojos as well as the tiny Refuge Cabana Veronica, which was originally a gun turret off an old battle ship.

Rest day

4 nights in 3* Hotel Picos de Europa (Arenas) 3 nights in 3* Hotel del Oso (Cosgaya)

Included meals 3 course evening meals every night Breakfast buffet each morning Picnic lunches on walking days

Saturday

Dual level walking

Mogrovejo circuit

Starting at the beautiful Covadonga lakes we wind fairly steeply uphill through the alpine pastures and into the hills above to reach Refugio de Ario.

The morning will be spent in Arenas where there is an option of taking a tour of the caves where the famous Cabrales blue cheese is made. We’ll then make the very scenic drive round to Cosgaya stopping off in the beautiful town of Potes for lunch.

5 days guided walking with 2 options each day. Walks: Lower level - 4 to 7 hours each day Higher level - 6 to 10 hours each day Ascents: Lower level - 300m to 600m Higher level - 700m to 1200m Lower level walks are at a relaxed pace.

Wednesday

Friday

Poncebos to Bulnes

Fuente De & Refugio Aliva

Hike up to Bulnes in the heart of the massif. Bulnes is a pretty village nestled amongst the mountains. After lunch we’ll descend via the funicular.

After an exhilarating cable car journey we do a circular hike along easy paths but through wonderful high mountainous scenery to Refugio de Aliva.

Today we hike up to the high plateau but this time without the cable car! A steep 900 metres ascent to the gorgeous Vega de Liordes.

Refugio Vega de Ario

A circular hike from the pretty village of Mogrovejo which takes us right under the cliffs of the western massif of the Picos.

Vega de Liordes

Sunday Free morning before transfer back to Bilbao.

Included transfers To/from Bilbao airport or train station

Not included Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meal, lunch on Thursday, Fuente De cable car and Bulnes funicular tickets.

Location Cabrales Hondarribia Cosgaya

Gernika

Jaca

Sallent de Gállego Biescas Torla

Riglos

Alquézar

Where are we?

Camino de Santiago

We’re based in the Aragonese Pyrenees. The Aragonese Pyrenees are pretty in the centre of the range with some of the highest and most spectacular mountains in the Spain.

From the UK most people fly to/from either Biarritz or Bilbao. There are flights from several UK airports (Inc. Stansted and Manchester) on Ryan Air and EasyJet. Biarritz is just 25 minutes from the first hotel in Hondarribia and we can arrange a taxi to pick you up.

The Valle de Tena and Ordesa are roughly two hours north of Zaragoza (our pick up point) which has excellent rail links with Barcelona and Madrid and flights from London Stansted. If you’re renting a car you can drive from Barcelona in four hours. Transfers for our Riglos & Alquézar holiday are also from Zaragoza and are around one and a half hours. For the Picos de Europa our transfers are from Bilbao airport or train station. For the Camino de Santiago you can come via Bilbao (flights and ferries from the UK), San Sebastian (trains and flights from Madrid and Barcelona) or Biarritz.

From Bilbao there is a bus once an hour direct from the airport to San Sebastian where we can meet you at the bus station. At the end of the week you finish in Bilbao. There are twice daily flights to San Sebastian from Barcelona (www.vueling.com) and Madrid (www.iberia.com). The flights are reasonable and the journey takes between 1 and 1½ hours. San Sebastian can also be reached easily by bus or train from Bilbao or any other major city.

Route of the 3 Kingdoms

Getting Here Zaragoza transfers Transfers from/to Zaragoza airport or train station are included on all of our guided walking holidays in the Valle de Tena and Ordesa. You can also choose to add transfers to our Village to Village self guided holiday (Sundays only).

Flying from the UK Stansted to Zaragoza From the UK the simplest way to get to Zaragoza is on the Ryan Air flight from London Stansted. There are flights year round.

Sunday transfers are at the following times:

Flights start from under £100 (including taxes) and are generally cheaper the earlier you book.

Pick up times 4 pm from Zaragoza train station 4:40 pm from Zaragoza airport

There are flights on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Our transfers meet the Sunday flights.

Drop off times 12 midday or 3 pm at Zaragoza train station 3.05 pm at Zaragoza airport

Flight times are: London Stansted - Zaragoza

Airport transfers are timed to meet the Ryan Air flight from London Stansted. From Zaragoza it is around two hours to the Pyrenees.

Outbound FR2634 Depart Stansted (STN)

13.25

Private transfers

Arrive Zaragoza (ZAZ)

16.40

We can provide private transfers from Zaragoza at any time or day for 200€ per journey. We can also organise transfers from Barcelona or other cities email us for a quote.

Inbound FR2635

From outside Europe Barcelona and Madrid are the two biggest international airports in Spain and if you’re arriving from outside Europe they are the best airports to fly to. There are excellent rail links from both Barcelona and Madrid to Zaragoza where we’ll meet you at the train station. Alternatively hire a car from Barcelona and drive to the Pyrenees. The major car hire companies have offices at the airport and the drive is 3 ½ hours.

Depart Zaragoza (ZAZ) Arrive Stansted (STN)

17.05 18.20

Please note these times were correct at the time of printing - occasionally flight times change please check flight times on the Ryan Air website.

Flying to Barcelona/Madrid If Stansted isn’t convenient for you there are flights from many UK airports to Barcelona and Madrid. The AVE fast train links either of these cities to Zaragoza where we’ll meet you at the train station.

Zaragoza rail links

Renting a car

Zaragoza has excellent rail connections with both Madrid and Barcelona on the AVE high speed train. Travelling at over 200 km/h the journey takes only 1 ½ hours from either Barcelona-Sants or Madrid Puerta de Atocha stations with a return ticket costing around 70 euros. There are trains roughly every hour and they are very comfortable.

There are a number of airports that are within driving distance.

For more information and train times give us a call or visit www.renfe.com - click on ‘welcome’ for the English version of the site. If you need any help with train times or buying tickets drop us an email.

Bus connections The bus network in Spain is excellent and tickets are cheap. Biescas is the easiest of our bases to reach by bus - the nearest bus station is Sabiñanigo and from there you can catch a cab to Biescas. If you’re coming from Barcelona change at Huesca. If you’re coming from the west (Pamplona or Bilbao) change at Jaca. You can see routes and timetables at www.alosa.es

Travel advice If you need any help with your travel arrangements just drop us an email or give us a call and we’ll be glad to help.

Barcelona is the airport most commonly used as there are flights from many UK airports as well as lots of international flights from the USA, Canada and the rest of the world. Barcelona is about a four and a half hour drive from us. All of the major hire car companies have offices at the airport. Other airports that people use are Zaragoza, Toulouse, Pau, Tarbes (Lourdes) and Bilbao.

Driving through France Driving through France is a great way of coming in your own car. Allow about 15 hours driving from the northern ports.

Ferries from the UK Brittany Ferries have three routes from the UK to Spain: Portsmouth-Bilbao, Portsmouth-Santander and Plymouth-Santander. The ferries are a great way to travel and have private cabins, restaurants, bars and viewing decks. All of the routes allow you to take your own car and crossings take around 24 hours. Visit www.brittany-ferries.co.uk for timetables and prices.

Accommodation Valle de Tena Hotel Tierra de Biescas The four star Hotel Tierra de Biescas is in the heart of the old village, set in lovely grounds with an indoor and outdoor pool. Each of its 42 stylishly furnished rooms have an en-suite bathroom. It has a bar, comfortable lounge area with sofas, a restaurant and gardens with loungers. Each morning a breakfast buffet is served with cooked and continental options. Three course evening meals are taken in the hotel restaurant with a choice of starters, main courses and dessert. Guests can relax in the hotel’s spa facilities which include a small indoor swimming pool and sauna. A full range of massage treatments are available. The outdoor pool is open between mid June and mid September. Free wi-fi for guests.

Hotel Almud Hotel Almud is a wonderful stone building set in the winding streets of Sallent de Gállego. MarieJose is your host in this friendly family-run hotel with just 11 rooms. The hotel is fantastically decorated throughout with the bedrooms beautifully converted all with en-suite bathrooms and mountain views. There is a living room and reading area with sofas and a stone fireplace where you can have a coffee and relax. The hotel has free wi-fi for guests. Meals are taken at Casa Jaimico restaurant which is just 100 metres away and has an excellent menu.

“The welcome we received on arrival at the hotel was superb, and all the staff were really friendly and helpful throughout our stay” Marilyn & Anthony

Rincon del Andrea (Biescas) Self Catering Apartments Excellently located and furnished self catering apartments in the village of Biescas. One and two bedroom apartments are available each with a bathroom and a good sized kitchen/diner with a sofa, tv and dvd player. All apartments are well equipped with washing machine, fridge, microwave, hob, kettle and toaster. Free wi-fi internet connection is included in each apartment. Double, twin and triple rooms are available and additional occupants can be accommodated on the sofa bed or in an additional room with en-suite bathroom in the same building.

Hotel Ordesa

Extend your stay

Our Discover Ordesa holidays are based in the Hotel Ordesa just outside of Torla - a superb location on the borders of the national park with views into the valley.

If you’d like to discover more of Spain we’ve put together a great selection of towns and hotels for you to visit. We can book hotels for you, provide directions and guidebooks and suggest itineraries to show you the best of what Spain has to offer. Below is a small selection of the hotels and towns that we offer - you can find more suggestions online.

The four star hotel has excellent facilities including an outdoor pool (open mid June to mid September), restaurant, bar, reading room and a comfortable lounge with card tables and a log fire. There is a mixture of twins, doubles and family rooms all with en-suite bathrooms. The Hotel Ordesa has a spa with a steam room, jacuzzi and an on-site masseuse with a full range of treatments available (there is a charge for use of the spa facilities).

Zaragoza - Hotel Sauce Three course meals are served in the restaurant each evening and you have a choice of starters, main course and dessert. The hotel is 20 minute walk from the village of Torla which has banks, shops and all the amenities you’ll need.

As the Roman and Moorish capital of northern Spain, Zaragoza is a city full of history with lots to see and it’s well worth adding a couple of nights here. The Roman period is well documented with several museums including the remains of the amphitheatre. As the home of Goya there is an excellent Goya museum and the Basílica of the Pilar is a must see. Many of our guests travel through Zaragoza as our transfers are there. Room prices from 76€ per night - see website for details

Alquézar - Hotel Villa de Alquézar Alquézar is a perfect stopover for a night or two - especially if you are driving from Barcelona. The village is regularly voted one of the prettiest in Spain . It’s winding streets are overlooked by the church of Santa Maria - an old Moorish castle. Hike direct from the hotel or spend time sampling the local honey, cheeses and olives in the excellent restaurants - try La Pardina our favourite! Hotel Villa de Alquézar is perfect with a pool and spa. Room prices from 95€ per night - see website for details

Pintxos in San Sebastian and Bilbao The Basque Country is an area steeped in its own culture and customs. The Guggenheim in Bilbao is a must see and Javier our Basque guide offers private pintxos tours in San Sebastian - a brilliant night out and there is no better way to know the town.Add a few extra nights in the Basque Country and discover this unique region for yourself. Hotel Alemana (San Sebastian) and Hotel Arenal (Bilbao) Pintxos tour 95€ per person - see website for details

Private group holidays - Tailor made itineraries for groups from just 6 people - Group discounts - Flexible dates - Hassle free for the organiser Organising a holiday for your walking club or a group of friends? Look no further than our private group walking holidays. Superb scenery, fantastic hotels and tailor made itineraries with walking options for all levels of energy and experience. For groups of six or more we can tailor make an itinerary that suits you perfectly and offer group discounts, flexible dates, a choice of hotels and walking options of all grades.

Tailor made itineraries We’ll put together the perfect holiday for your group. Holidays range from gentle walks with a focus on nature or history to hut to hut routes in the high mountains. We cater for groups from just six people up to a coach load and all our holidays are friendly and personal.

Leave it to us We’ll take all the hassle out of organising your group holiday leaving the holiday organiser time to enjoy themselves too! We arrange your transfers and accommodation. Breakfast and three course evening meals are taken at the hotel and we provide generous picnic lunches.

Choice of locations Choose between the high mountains of the central Pyrenees, the gorges and cliffs of the PrePyrenees or routes along the Basque coastline where your group can also enjoy the tapas and culture of San Sebastian - Spain’s chicest beach resort.

Flexible dates

Start planning today

Choose dates to suit your group - if you’ve only time for a long weekend that’s no problem although to properly discover an area as diverse as the Pyrenees a week (or more!) is recommended.

To begin organising your walking holiday give us a call on +44 (0)208 123 5049 or drop us an email and we can discuss your requirements. We just need to have a rough idea of numbers, when you’d like to come and the level of hikes that you are looking for and we’ll put together an itinerary for your group to consider.

“Hikes were great, Pyrenees spectacular, excellent value for all. Having done many hiking trips, the staff, especially the guides and owner, were among the very best we have travelled with.” Carolyn and Bill, Bespoke guided walking holiday.

HOW TO BOOK

Booking conditions A full list of our terms and conditions can be found on the back of the booking form or on our website.

Insurance It is a condition of your booking with us that you and all other members of your party are adequately insured for all of the activities that they will be undertaking and any person who is under 18 years old is accompanied by an adult. We will ask for details of your insurance prior to departure. It is each guest`s responsibility to ensure they are insured for health care in case of accident or illness while in Spain. For UK residents: The E111 form has been replaced by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). We advise all guests to obtain an EHIC before travelling (this is not a substitute for travel insurance).

Health and fitness Our holidays are active and guests should have the appropriate level of fitness. If you are pregnant, we advise you to seek the advice of your doctor before booking with us. For your own safety, you must advise us of any health conditions, allergies and regularly taken medicines such as asthma, diabetes, pregnancy, food allergies, allergies to aspirin, penicillin, etc.

Paying for your holiday A non-refundable deposit of 99 € per person is required; when we have received this we will confirm your booking. The balance is due 6 weeks before departure and we will contact you at that time. If you book less than 6 weeks before departure, you will pay for the entire amount at the time of booking.

No binding contract is made between Hike Pyrenees S.L. and the persons booking the holiday until the booking has been confirmed in writing by Hike Pyrenees S.L. You can make payments by credit or debit card or a bank transfer in euros (to our Spanish bank account). Bank details will be provided upon request.

Cancellations If you wish to change or cancel your holiday you must advise us immediately by email to info@hikepyrenees.co.uk. If you want to change any details of your booking (such as changing dates or changing an activity), we will do our best to help, however please be aware that we may not be able to accommodate your change. If you want to cancel all or part of your booking, to cover the cost of processing your cancellation and to compensate us for any other costs we have incurred, we make a cancellation charge dependent on when we receive your cancellation notice as shown on the scale below. The person who made the booking is responsible for paying this charge.

No. of days notice given Cancellation charge 42 days or more

Loss of deposit

Between 21 and 42 days 50% of total price Less than 21 days

100% of total price

Booking your Hike Pyrenees holiday is straightforward.

Dietary requirements We can cater for vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs but require at least 14 days’ prior notice. Please notify us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Alterations All prices that we advertise in our brochure and on our website are accurate at the date published but we reserve the right to change our prices at any time. We will be able to tell you the up-to-date price of your chosen accommodation advertised by us before confirming your booking. We reserve the right to make alterations to the itineraries for reasons beyond our reasonable control such as bad weather, or failure by any of our third party suppliers.

Call charges Calls to our +44 (0)208 123 5049 phone number are charged at standard UK landline rate. Your call may be redirected to us in Spain but this will be at no cost to yourself.

Offices Hike Pyrenees S.L. CIF: B22379200 Travel agent number: CAA305 Turismo Activo: TA-HU-0308 UK Office: 97 Sylvia Avenue Pinner HA5 4QN Spain office: Rambla San Pedro 3 Biescas Huesca, 22630, SPAIN

Registered office: Calle Cantarranas 70 Biescas Huesca 22630 SPAIN

To check the availability of any of our holidays drop us an email at info@hikepyrenees.co.uk, call us on +44 (0)208 123 5049 or go to our website.

If you’d like any advice on which holiday would suit you best then please give us a call and we’d be glad to help.

Complete the booking form online at : www.hikepyrenees.co.uk/booking

We require a 99 € deposit per person which can be paid by credit/debit card.

We’ll send you a booking confirmation straight away. The balance of your holiday is due six weeks before departure - we’ll send you a reminder and your holiday information pack at this time.

All payments for your holiday can be made by credit/debit card and there is no charge for paying by card.

hikepyrenees.co.uk +44 (0)20 8123 5049 info@hikepyrenees.co.uk