The glorious Pyrenees, with soaring rocky peaks, glacial lakes, forests and abundant flora and fauna, are the focus of this guided twin-centre walking holiday that takes in some of the area’s finest national parks.
- Walk a variety of routes in different national parks
- Spot endangered birdlife including bearded vulture
- Enjoy dramatic topography
- Explore atmospheric centuries-old villages
- Sample traditional local cuisine and wines
Walking trails in the Pyrenees run the entire length of the border between Spain and France, while several national parks on either side of the border offer shorter trails in contrasting landscapes. Our route criss-crosses the Aragonese-Catalan Pyrenees and their foothills, and we stay at two rustic-chic boutique hotels, picked for the quality of their accommodation and food, as well as being ideally positioned for exploring the area.
On foot, we explore an enormous range of geological diversity: from ravines to caves and vertiginous valleys that are dwarfed by lofty peaks in the company of experienced and friendly local guides. Many diverse plant and animal species thrive here, and the area’s designation as a protected nature reserve means it plays a vital role in safeguarding flora and fauna for the future.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Fly to Barcelona & transfer to Renaué
On arrival we are met and transferred to the picturesque mountain hamlet of Renaué, a drive of some three and a half hours.
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Day 2: Walk in the Benasque Valley & Posets Maladeta Natural Park
After breakfast we set off for Forau de Aigualluts, a spectacular waterfall where the river disappears into a chasm before resurfacing in the Garonne River basin in France. En route we pause at La Renclusa refuge, a staging post for climbers tackling Mount Aneto (3,404m), the highest summit in the Pyrenees. After a picnic lunch, we explore Benasque, the area’s main town, with an array of traditional architecture. Known as “the little Switzerland” of the Pyrenees, it is surrounded by several peaks of over 3,000 metres.
Walking distance: 13 km | Ascent: 300 m | Descent: 300 m
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Day 3: Walking in the Sierra de Guara, one of Aragón’s largest protected natural spaces
Today we head for Alquézar, following the canyon of the Río Vero, a layered rock formation carved out by water erosion over millennia. The canyon is famed for its intricate footbridges, and we pause to admire the most impressive of all: Villacantal bridge. We round off the day at the Enate Winery, sampling some of the best vintages from the Somontano region. Wine has been grown in these foothills since Roman times and is highly regarded by connoisseurs.
Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 590 m | Descent: 600 m
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Day 4: Aiguastortes & Sant Maurici National Park
Today we make our way to Aiguastortes and Sant Maurici National Park to walk along the lake and valley, surrounded by alpine meadows interspersed with dense forests of dark pine and fir trees. We keep our eyes peeled for wildlife - especially birds - as golden eagle and bearded vultures are often spotted here. After a picnic beside the lake we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Climent de Taüll, a Romanesque chapel known for its wall paintings and carvings.
Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 600 m | Descent: 600 m
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Day 5: Faja de Pelay in Mont Perdido National Park
This morning we check out and head to Mont Perdido National Park. Today’s walk to the Faja de Pelay follows a spectacular path on the southern cliffs of the Ordesa Valley for a bird’s-eye view of the valley floor below - this is one of the most demanding walks in the Pyrenees. On our descent, we have fabulous views over all the 3,000-metre peaks of the Aragonese-Catalan Mountains. The day ends when we reach our next accommodation, the Barosse Hotel in the hamlet of Barós, near Jaca in the foothills of Peña Oroel.
Walking distance: 22 km | Ascent: 650 m | Descent: 600 m
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Day 6: Walk to Los Mallos de Riglos Natural Monument
One hour south of Baros is Los Mallos de Riglos, a curious formation of 300-metre-high sugarloaf-shaped conglomerate rock spires that tower somewhat ominously over the village of Riglos. As the light changes throughout the day, the rocks are suffused with colours that change between brown, orange and deep red at sunset. The sheer rock faces are a mecca for climbers, but there is also excellent walking in the surrounding area.
Walking distance: 7 km | Ascent: 450 m | Descent: 450 m
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Day 7: Walk to La Jacetania & Valles Occidentales Natural Park
Today our final walk is an ascent of Monks Peak, an achingly beautiful climb that is rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in the Pyrenees. Our hike passes through a glacial valley and climbs through forest to emerge between jagged peaks, an area that is one of the last refuges in Europe for brown bear and wild grouse. In the afternoon we can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the medieval streets of Jaca on the Aragón River, on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Jaca was Aragón’s capital until 1097 and its fortress, which dates from the 16th century, is one of the best preserved in Spain.
Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 700 m | Descent: 700 m
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Day 8: Return UK
Check out after breakfast and drive to Barcelona Airport, a drive of some three and a half hours.
Please note: Although the walking is not extreme, to get the most out of this trip, you must be prepared for some steep ascents and descents of between 300 and 800 metres. With daily hikes of between four and six hours, sometimes over rugged, uneven terrain, it is ideal for anyone who is fit, in good health and used to mountain walking. The reward is outstanding natural vistas and opportunities to explore local villages, castles, chapels, and vineyards, and enjoy local cuisine.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £2,195 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £2,395 per person
- Single room supplement: From £330
- Walking grade: Moderate to Demanding
- Guiding: Guided Group
- Max alt: 2,240m
- Group size: 2-8
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotel x 7 nights
- 8 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches & 7 dinners
- Airport transfers
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Choose your preferred departure date from the 2 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
| Year | Starts | Ends | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Holiday Status | Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per person. All our guided group trips have the option to be taken as a private guided itinerary. * Available: this holiday is available to book. ** Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and is guaranteed to run. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details. | |||||
| 2024 | 22 May | 29 May | £2,195 | Available* | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | 16 Oct | 23 Oct | £2,195 | Available* | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
