Villanúa walks

The Camino de Santiago (or "Camino francés") leaves the mountains here and follows the Aragon valley towards the stopover town of Jaca. Between the two villages mentioned, the route is easy but picturesque, with beautiful views of the peaks and forests... and a convenient train to return to the starting point. The route can easily be done in reverse, which may or may not be convenient depending on train timetables. With a few adjustments at the start, the route can be done by mountain bike.

Version 2 updated on 30/04/2023 When the weather is bad in the Aspe Valley, it may be wise to go through the Somport tunnel and look for routes a little further south, where the sun may be shining. Here we present a fairly short, unpretentious but very accessible and frankly pretty (in our opinion) loop.El Paco is the cooler, wooded northern slope of a mountain, covered here with a protected pine forest, and La Fuente is a spring (fountain).

The immense forests that dominate the Canfranc resort hide many secrets: amazing hydraulic structures, comfortable paths to access them, unique vegetation and a little-known history. Hiking in this setting is all the more enjoyable, even if the gentle slope of the paths means you cover more ground than you might imagine.

Castiello de Jaca is a municipality in Spain in the autonomous community of Aragon. This hike passes by the Ermita de San Bartolomé, reaches the ridge of the Sierra de los Ángeles and then follows it to Beldorero. The return journey is via the Collada de la Sierra and then along a section of the Way of St James.

A relatively short route to one of the best viewpoints in the upper Canfranc Valley, offering views of both Canfranc-Gare international station and the Candanchú ski resort.

Hike to revisit A little-used border hike offering views of the three valleys of Aspe, Canfranc and Ossau from above. Stunning views in all directions. Route for hikers: you will need to find your bearings at the start as there are no signposts. The end of the route can be avoided by hikers who suffer from vertigo.

An easy walk with magnificent views of the snow-covered Cirque d’Aspe. Important note: there is a €5 entry fee, and a Capercaillie Protection Area prevents you from completing a circular walk; alternatively, you must cross over to the Spanish side through a former military site.

An easy loop allowing you to discover the diversity of landscapes and natural areas on the northern flank of the Col du Somport. The climbs are gentle and the route is fairly easy to follow, provided you have a map on your phone with GPS. In addition, the Espace Somport is a pleasant place to relax. Everything you need for a "cool hike"! Visorando app recommended

This round trip hike is mostly in Spain and is suitable for all walkers. It is a very easy family walk. The green surroundings are home to marmots and chamois, if you know where to look. From the end of June onwards, numerous flocks of sheep, cows and horses graze here. The lake is splendid and is surrounded by white rock mountains on the left with the Aspe peak and the Visaurin and on the right by red rocks with the Gabedaille peak.

The aim here is to make a loop. You will need to climb down a small chimney and follow a path that runs along the cliff and takes you down a ladder. Magnificent view of the peaks and the valley below.

It is a peaceful valley where a thin stream flows, where large herds of horses and cows graze in the calm air, indifferent to this geological feature, this reddish earth, on the border between Spain and France and Lac d'Estaëns (Ibon de Astanès).

A lovely circular, starting from Jaca, allowing you to visit the small villages of Solana de Jaca. This route follows rolling tracks, short sections of small roads, and a few short stretches of trails. The tracks are sometimes a little stony, with a few short steep climbs (electric assistance can be useful). You will pass through beautiful villages where houses are being renovated. This route is probably best done in spring to enjoy the beauty of the landscape, as in September the vegetation is rather dry after the harvest. Obviously, if the crops are tall, you need to take particular care to ride along the edges of the few fields you have to cross, so that the activity remains (or returns, depending on the case) well regarded by the owners of the crops.

This hike climbs steeply over a short distance, but the path is passable. The hike takes you to Lake Escalar and the Col des Moines. It offers a variety of viewpoints.

If you’re looking for a route in the Somport area that’s less busy than the one to Lac d’Estaens but just as beautiful, this one might be just what you’re after. It’s a modest route (fairly short, suitable for all) but offers spectacular views across the entire border range around Somport. You might even come across walkers accompanied by one or two donkeys, for whom this route is a classic.

A circular route with few slopes and two pretty bridges, allowing you to explore the villages and surroundings of the town of Jaca (Spain, province of Huesca). Beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Shade, but not all the time..

This is the first day of a cross-border hike that takes you to the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, starting from an unusual point, the Col du Somport, rather than the Col du Pourtalet.Overnight stay at the Refuge de Pombie is essential, so remember to book in advance.

Hike from the car park at the Fomigal Zona Anayet resort towards Lake Anayet. Follow the GR®11 trail. Pass through La Garganta and then continue at a leisurely pace to Lake Anayet. Once at the lake, the view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau is magnificent, as are the surroundings, colours and reflections. You can also hike to the Cuello de Anayet pass (2,414 m) and then Punta del Garmo (2,555 m), which are off the beaten track.

A beautiful loop starting from Piedrafita de Jaca with a visit to a geological curiosity, the Sarronal Arch.

The town of Jaca sits on a promontory between two rivers, the mighty Río Aragón to the north and the more modest Río Gas to the south. Here we suggest a short, fairly shaded circular walk, allowing you to explore this pretty river and the various springs (fuentes) scattered on both sides beneath the plateau.

A short hike to the summits of two very close peaks. Superb views and a 360° panorama, particularly towards theCirque d’Anéou, the Pic du Midi d’Ossau and the Lurien Massif. You’re likely to spot marmots and chamois along the way.Please note that whilst these peaks are in France, the majority of the route takes place in Spain and along the border ridge. The GPX track may prove useful.

This circular route takes you to Lake Estaens from Les Forges d’Abel. It is also possible to do this hike as a return trip from Sansanet; this route is described on the Lac d’Estaens information sheet The route suggested here is a circular route offering a variety of scenery. Please note that this walk is slightly more vertiginous than the other one, in that reaching the lake requires using a small ladder attached to the rock face and a few handrails – though it is completely safe. Alternatively, it can be done as an ascent, which is less vertiginous than a descent. Although the route is not signposted, it is very well maintained and it is impossible to get lost. However, it is advisable to follow the route on the app to ensure you don’t get lost.

A modest but extremely well-situated summit, on the France-Spain border, on the watershed (Gave d’Aspe and Río Aragón Subordán), in an exceptional geological area and with unobstructed views of the Western Pyrenees. A hike suitable for anyone accustomed to walking in the mountains and navigating with a map (off-trail descent).

There are several routes to Lac d’Arlet and the Arlet Refuge. This is one of the most beautiful: varied scenery with a magnificent viewpoint at an elevation of 1909 metres on the map, followed by the arrival at Col de Lapachouaou. The first half of the hike is steady but fairly strenuous. The rest of the way to the lake follows the contour lines more or less. You’ll have plenty of time to admire the stunning scenery unfolding before you from the slopes of Montagne de Banasse.

Magnificent views of the French (Pic de Peyrelue, Soques, Balaïtous) and Spanish (Foratata, Sabocos, Pala de IP...) peaks of the Pyrenees on this moderately difficult loop trail, which goes around the El Forato massif, a group of several peaks very close to each other. Difficult if, like me, you choose to climb the peak from the landmark. Walking sticks are highly recommended for the descent. Lots of marmots along the route.

A beautiful winter walk set in a wild and completely uncrowded landscape, on the French-Spanish border.

El Pacino offers a unique 360-degree panorama of the Aragonese and French peaks, including the Pic du Midi d'Ossau in Béarn, and a beautiful variety of vegetation, although it is sometimes too exuberant as it often invades the trails.

A classic destination in the Cirque d’Anéou, this winter hike offers the vast, snow-covered and peaceful expanses of the cirque, along with majestic views of the French and Spanish peaks along the border. The distance and elevation gain make it a great destination for the start of the season!

With only 8 km and 470 m of elevation gain, this hike is accessible to almost everyone. The paths are wide and easy to follow. The views are magnificent. A change of scenery without too much difficulty. From the refuge, the more adventurous can climb to the Col de Peyreget or the Col de Suzon. To do so, you will need to be very well equipped.

Lac de Houer is very quiet, as hikers prefer to head towards Lac de la Pombie from Cabane d'Araille. In summer, this walk allows you to admire the equally beautiful landscapes far from the crowds, surrounded by pastures and herds of cattle.

A circular walk starting from the Anéou basin, to pay a visit to Jean-Pierre, the giant of Béarn, and enjoy the beauty of a few small mountain lakes. A walk we have done several times in late summer or autumn, always with the same pleasure.

What better season than spring to discover (or rediscover) the mountains? Snow still adorns the landscape, streams flow merrily down the slopes, and a profusion of flowers carpets the already thick grass of the mountain pastures. The Cirque d'Anéou, in the upper Ossau valley, offers us the added bonus of its magnificent setting and geological curiosities.

A lovely climb in the shade of the woods, highly recommended on hot days. On arrival, a beautiful view of the Cirque d’Aspe and a lovely picnic spot. Magnificent houses at the start, others currently being restored.

With its small lake fringed by large boulders, the Pombie Refuge is the starting point for all ascents and climbs to the Pic du Midi d’Ossau. There are two possible routes to reach it: via the Cirque d’Anéou or via the Caillou de Soques. This route describes the approach via the Caillou de Soques.

A round trip along the Gave de Brousset, offering superb views of the surrounding mountains. The route is often shaded. If you are not sensitive to the cold, you can swim in the river.

This loop in the Ossau Valley offers a wide variety of peaks, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, aerial passages and remarkable 360° views. It is a challenging hike due to its significant elevation gain and passages where you will need to use your hands, but it is sure to leave a lasting impression.You will be following in the footsteps of Henry Russel, who made the ascent in July 1874 and gave a faithful account of it in the Bulletin de la Société Ramond, under the title "Explorations pyrénéennes" in October 1874.Writing a description of it yourself requires a certain amount of humility, as his style, always generous, often lyrical and sometimes emphatic, commands respect! All this with the limited technical means of the time!

This round trip hike requires a fairly good level of fitness. Long distance and steep gradient. Returning via Lake Artouste greatly reduces the difficulty. This hike is magnificent. Throughout the climb, you will have the high peaks in your sights. The trails are varied: you will cross forests, summer pastures with herds of cattle, streams and, early in the morning, you may even see some izards (a type of wild goat).

This loop in the Ossau Valley offers a wide variety of peaks, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, aerial passages and remarkable 360° views. It is a challenging hike due to its significant elevation gain and passages where you need to use your hands, but it is not one you will forget. It adds difficulty and also enjoyment to the traditional loop by passing through the famous Passage d'Orteig, the Pic d'Arrious and the cliffs of the Barre d'Arrious!You will be following in the footsteps of Henry Russel, who climbed the Arriel via the normal route in July 1874 and gave a faithful account of his ascent in the Bulletin de la Société Ramond, under the title "Explorations pyrénéennes" in October 1874.Writing a description yourself forces a certain amount of humility, as his style, always generous, often lyrical and sometimes emphatic, commands respect! All this with the limited technical means of the time!