Day 22a Pyrenees

A lovely loop from Espitau de Vielha via Tuc deth port de Vielha (2,606 m), the magnificent Lac Redon (2,230 m), Coret deth Redon (2,454 m) and finally Lac de Rius (2,320 m). It goes up and down, and the slopes are quite steep. Very rocky landscape. Hike done in summer. Lac de Rius, which is pumped in summer and during periods of drought, can see its level drop by several metres, which detracts a little from its charm.

A classic in the Val d'Aran, an ascent to Lake Besiberri via the Val de Besiberri with magnificent views of the Besiberri, the Sèrra del Molar Gran and the Aneto.

This challenging hike, situated in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, takes you to discover the Estanys de Anglios, a magnificent series of high-altitude lakes located off the beaten track of the Aigüestortes National Park’s main routes. The first section, mostly through woodland, follows the GR® 11 and leads to the Estany Gran, an ideal spot for a picnic break. The rest of the route requires a good sense of direction and experience of navigating difficult terrain with few landmarks. Nevertheless, the various lakes you’ll encounter and the beauty of the scenery will easily make you forget these challenges: torrents of all sizes, lakes with crystal-clear waters, enchanting woodland and an exceptional natural cirque.

This is the shortest road route from France for climbing Aneto in a (long...) day, without camping or staying in a mountain hut.

The route starts at the Cap de Llauset mountain hut and ends at Plan d’Abaixo. This stage takes you over the Col d’Ixalenques, which rises to an altitude of 2,812 metres. You’ll enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding peaks before beginning a long descent to Plan d’Abaixò, in the heart of a wild and unspoilt landscape.

A magnificent hike in the heart of the Pyrenees, a round trip starting from Pont de Rius, allowing you to discover Lake Era Restanca, then the refuge of the same name, and the superb Lac deth Cap dethPòrt. The route offers stunning mountain scenery, taking in forests, torrents, valleys and high-altitude lakes. A challenging and exotic hike, ideal for making the most of the wild beauty of the Val d’Aran.

One of the most beautiful hikes in the area, featuring a lovely, technical circular route that can be challenging at times due to steep gradients. It’s best to follow the suggested route. There are numerous mountain lakes to explore, magnificent landscapes offering varied views of the surrounding mountain ranges, and a brand-new mountain refuge (where you can enjoy a meal or stop for a picnic).

A very beautiful hike in Spain, south of Vielha. There are numerous lakes: this is the largest concentration of lakes in the Pyrenees. The peaks are around 3,000 metres high and almost all are only accessible by mountaineering. The refuges are pleasant but small, so it is essential to book several months in advance.