Ordesa walking trip

Travel to the Pyrenees and arrive in the spectacularly set mountain village of Torla, a seemingly remote location which suprises with its welcoming feel. Relax after the journey as you settle in at your hotel, where services include a private swimming pool, restaurant, bar and lounge.

Challenge: Travel to Ordesa

Kick the week off with a short drive to the medieval bridge at Puente Bujaruelo, a perfect wide stone arch over turquoise currents, where your adventure in Ordesa begins. If you prefer to take it easy today, choose a relaxing stroll on a land rover track into Valle de Otal. For a true alpine day, hike up to the French border and snap a photo of magnificent views across the pristine waters of Ibón de Bernatuara.

Challenge: Ibon de Bernatuara: 9.5 km (6 mi) / 11 km (7 mi), 1000 m ascent and descent, 5 / 5.5 hrs.

                      Torla: 11 km (7 mi), 250 m ascent, 500 m descent, 4 hrs

                      Valle de Otal: 13 km (8 mi), 300 m ascent and descent, 4 hrs.

Villages along the way: Bujaruelo

Here’s an absolute classic from the local walking repertoire: a 700-metre zig-zag ascent up to Mirador Calcilarruego, elevation 1950 m, followed by a stretch on the Senda de los Cazadores through breath-taking scenery. Thrill to unbelievable views up and down the Great Canyon of Ordesa against a distant silhouette of snow-capped summits. For those who have a fear of heights, it is better to walk there and back to the waterfall “Cola de Caballo” along the wide path parallel to the river. Option of extending the route with an ascent to Refugio de Goriz, a mountain hut situated at 2200 m.

Challenge: 19 km (11,8 mi), 7.5 hrs, 800 m ascent and descent

                      Easier walk Cola de Caballo: 18 km (11.2 mi), 6 hrs, 500 m ascent and descent

                      Extension Goriz: +6.5 km (4 mi), +2.5 hrs, +450 m ascent and descent

Villages along the way: Torla

Head east from Torla, hiking up to huge sweeping vistas over Bujaruelo and Ordesa Valleys. If the weather’s not the best or you prefer to take it easy today, choose a shorter valley walk taking in three authentic villages seemingly lost in time: Fragen, Oto and Broto.

Challenge: Ermita San Antón: 14 km (9 mi), 6 hrs, 850 m ascent, 900 m descent

                      Fragen, Oto & Broto: 10 km (6 mi), 4 hrs, 230 m ascent and descent

Villages along the way: Fragen, Oto and Broto

Taking off directly from your hotel in Nerín, amble first to the village of Secué then descend into Añisclo Gorge, a deep gash in the rock kept fresh and green by trickling streams year round. Choose to trek through the gorge or walk the pilgrimage trail to St Urbez and circle back to Nerín. If you do not like heights, drive to the car park at St Urbez and start your route there to avoid exposed sections on the first steep descent.

Challenge: 16 km (9.9 mi), 750 m ascent and descent, 6 hrs

Villages along the way: Nerín, Sercué 

What’s on the hiking menu for today? An authentic alpine ascent rewarded by dazzling views from the plateau high above Añisclo Gorge. Hungry for more? Then carry on to Cuello Arenas Pass, veritable gateway into the Monte Perdido Massif. And to top it off? The toughest of legs will not be denied on the optional ascent to the 1962-metre high Mondoto Peak.

Challenge: 16 km (9.9 mi), 925 m ascent and descent, 6.5 hrs

Villages along the way: Nerín

Your self-guided walking trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast.

Challenge: Departure from Ordesa