Average rating Hike from hut to hut in the Pyrenees

Spending a night in a refugio (mountain hut) high in the Pyrenees is an unforgettable experience, allowing you to explore areas out of reach of day-hikers. This eight-day guided tour covers the wild upper climes of the Valle de Tena and the canyons of Ordesa National Park – a truly epic adventure!

Cleaving Spain from France, the mighty Pyrenees range is as diverse as it is spectacular. In the west the slopes are densely wooded, with waterfalls, gaves (torrential rivers) and meadows of wild flowers, while to the east the terrain is surprisingly wild and barren, dominated by soaring granite masses. The central Pyrenees are snowy with glaciers on the northern slopes, offering some fine skiing and mountaineering, as well as more obscure pursuits like dog-mushing (canine-powered snow-based activities)! Better still is the walking; three long-distance footpaths run the length of the range: the GR10 across the northern slopes, the GR11 in the south and the high altitude HRP traversing the central peaks – a hiker’s paradise!

This eight day tour follows the GR11, stopping off at two of the best-situated refugios in the Pyrenees, perfect for exploring trails less trodden. Refugio Respomuso is set amongst several 3000m peaks in the upper Valle de Tena, from where you can tackle Pico Tebbarai (2916m) and enjoy some incredible vistas. You’ll then take a one-day break before heading to Refugio Goriz, sat beneath the mighty Monte Perdido (3355m) in Ordesa National Park. You’ll make an ascent of the peak, crossing snowfields and being rewarded with breathtaking views of the Ordesa, Pineta and Anisclo canyons and into France. The final day’s walking sees you navigate homewards through the Anisclo Canyon, with its soaring waterfalls and sculpted limestone. The expedition finishes with a slap-up meal back in Panticosa.

A true adventure that’s not for the faint-hearted! Hill-walking and scrambling experience is essential for this tour as you’ll be making ascents of between 800 and 1200 metres most days, with six to nine hours walking. The routes aren’t particularly technical – the snowfields of Monte Perdido may require crampon use - but there are some exposed sections, so confidence and sure-footedness are a must. The pace of the tour is lively, designed to make the most of your time in the mountains, so expect a few early starts. Rest assured though that there’s ample time to kick back and relax the end of each day, whether in the hotel bar or a comfy refugio armchair.

Getting there

You will be picked up from Zaragoza airport and transported to your accommodation.

Price includes

Three nights accommodation in mountain refugio; four nights accommodation at Hotel Casa Morlans; six days full board; three course evening meal with wine; picnic lunches on walking days; five days guided walking; scheduled transfers to/from Zaragoza

Price details

A single supplement of £59 applies

Departures

12 Sep 2010 - 19 Sep 2010

Typical Duration

1 week

Comfort level

Down to earth (hostels, camping, huts)

Experience required

Some previous experience is needed

Travellers should bring

In addition to your day walking kit you will need an overnight rucksack with sleeping bag and/or liner plus thermal layers, waterproof layers, warm hat & gloves and head torch. A full kit list will be sent to you in advance of your arrival.