On the Way of St James, between Villanúa and Castiello de Jaca

The Villanúa “station” is hardly accessible by any means other than by train (or on foot)! That is why we recommend getting there by one of the trains departing from Canfranc, Castiello or Jaca. It is also a very pleasant spot, set amidst a varied forest and facing a majestic landscape.

(S) A dirt track leaves the station right next to the tunnel entrance. After following it for about 120 m, a crossroads is signposted “As Foyas”.

(1) Take the small path leading down to the right (see photo). This path runs mainly through woodland and leads to a first fork.

(2) Turn left and, after about 600 m of winding your way through the pine and boxwood trees, you’ll reach a wider path and, shortly afterwards, the Way of St James (GR®65.3.1).

(3) Turn left and follow it almost to the end. This path is wide and rocky! You will arrive at the tourist information point next to the “Cueva de la Güixas” cave.

(4) Continue along the road opposite, straight on to the village centre (inn-bar-restaurant next to the church). Turn left onto Calle de la Iglesia and follow it to the end.

(5) Take the road on the right and follow it straight on for about 1 km until you see a sign on the right indicating the entrance to a campsite and a path.

(6) There are two options:
1) For a bit of variety, you can take this small path (“Sendero de Orbil”), which runs parallel to the dirt track and joins it 1 km further on.
2) Alternatively (the option selected on the map), continue along the road. After about 1 km, you’ll reach a left-hand bend where the path from the first option joins the road. Continue left for a few dozen metres.

(7) Pass over the entrance to the railway tunnel: see the map to understand the strange route of the train in this area. Turn right, staying on this dirt track. Continue to the next junction.

(8) Turn left and continue to the next junction. Alternative route available, see “Nearby”.

(9) Turn sharply right as you go downhill and left about a hundred metres further on. The path is very clear and signposted. After passing through a wood, this dirt track crosses over the River Aragón, climbs back up, and crosses over the railway line before joining the N-330 main road at a junction.

(10) Cross with great care ( unprotected crossing) and follow the street running alongside the N-330 (clearly separated by a kerb), with the N-330 on your left. This street branches off from the main road and climbs towards the village of Castiello de Jaca, eventually reaching the church.

(11) All that remains is to let yourself be led down the sloping alleyways. This will take you back to the N-330 main road at a junction near a bus shelter.

(12) Cross carefully at the pedestrian crossing to reach, just on the other side of the junction, a café-bar and two restaurants waiting for you, and in between them the small road leading towards the Garcipollera valley. Simply follow it for about 500 m to reach the station (small stop) at Castiello de Jaca (E).

Please note: there are no fountains or springs along the route! Only in the villages.

Access: Trains run regularly between the two stations. Please note that these are optional stops, so you must inform the conductor that you wish to alight, or wave clearly if you are on the platform. Tickets cannot be purchased on board the train.

RENFE: https://www.renfe.com/es/es/viajar/prepara-tu-viaje/billetes-ave-y-largadistancia/todos-los-billetes

ALSA: https://www.alsa.es/serveis-turistics/expreso-canfranc

https://www.trenesturisticos.com/fr/trenes/expreso-de-canfranc

There are also buses serving the whole valley:
https://valledecanfranc.com/canfranc-estacion/servicios-en-canfranc-estacion/autobus-jaca-canfranc-astun/

Provisions: all shops in Villanúa. In Castiello de Jaca: three restaurant-bars at the junction with the main road.

Linguistic note: pronounce it "Castiellio"!

In the village of Villanúa, a visit to " La Cueva de las Güixas " is a must. This cave served as a refuge for animals and humans alike...

(9) Alternative: continue straight ahead for 200 m for a breathtaking view of the curious Cenarbe viaduct and, with a bit of luck, a passing train: there are between 10 and 12 per day in summer. This viaduct does not span any river or road, it just serves to raise the line, which winds its way here!