Estany de Botornés walks

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.

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.

This is the first stage of a four-day circuit in the Encantats. It is the shortest stage and can be completed in an afternoon, but it is best not to arrive too late at the large refuges so that you can choose your bed and not have to wait too long for a shower.

This is the second stage of this four-stage loop in the Encantats. There are numerous lakes between these two refuges with beautiful ascents and descents. No technical difficulties, but some scree that is not very pleasant.

On this day’s hike, you’ll need to find your own way up to the Pic de Maupas over rounded boulders, where the numerous cairns mean you’ll have to locate the next one each time to continue the ascent to the ‘Mal Pas’, which gave the peak its name. This is the only pass – difficult to access – allowing you to cross over to the western slope and complete the ascent with a few easy climbing moves. The return will follow the same route as the ascent, with a pleasant alternative route via Lac Vert.

This first stage, which serves as an approach walk, is difficult. The climb is steep and sustained along the Torrent de Houradade up to the junction at the Cabane de la Coume. Continuing the route to reach the Cabane de Pratlong allows you to catch your breath a little before tackling the final stretch via the numerous tight hairpin bends leading to the pumping station and then to the Refuge du Maupas, where the warm welcome will quickly make you forget the day’s exertions.