Trekking in pyrenees
La Senda de Camille 7 stages

Reception:

We will be awaiting your arrival at the airport and to drive the group to Hecho Valley

During the transfer we will discuss the travel plan personally and we will answer any questions they have.

Typical dinner reception: with typical products, grilled meats and wines

Stage 1: The ancient valleys

Itinerary: Refugio de Gabardito-Salto la Vieja-Plandániz-Collado de Foratón-(Bisaurín)-Lizara.

• Walking time: 3-4 hours (6 hours with the ascent to Bisaurín)
• Distance: 9,6km
• Total Height Gain: 693m
• Total Height Loss: 536 m. 700 m + with the ascent to Bisaurín

This is the shortest stage if you don’t climb Bisaurin. From Gabardito to Lizara is approximately four hours walk, plus an extra three hours if you make the ascent to Bisaurin. This is a worthwhile climb if you can make it, as it’s the highest summit of the area and has spectacular views. You can also walk the Sierra de las Cutas, on the right hand side of the Plandaniz valley.

Stage 2: Toward “Summus Portus”

Itinerary: Refugio de Lizara-Paúl de Bernera-Valle de los Sarrios-Ibón de Estanés-Bosque de las Hayas-Somport.

• Walking time: 6-7 hours
• Distance: 17,4 km
• Total Height Gain: 1070 m
• Total Height Loss: 980 m

This is one of the nicest stages as both the Valle de los Sarrios and Estanés Lake are astonishing. Although it is fairly long, it’s not too difficult. You begin with a climb of around 2 hours, which then flattens out at Paul de Bernera and the Valle de Los Sarrios. The path then descends to the lake and crosses a beech forest towards Somport. At this ancient frontier you will find the Albergue Aysa.

Stage 3: A taste of France

Itinerary: Albergue Aysa-Bosque de Sansanet-Bosque de Espelunguère-Col de Lapachouaou-Lac d’Arlet.

• Walking time: 6-7 hours.
• Distance: 18,9 km
• Total Height Gain: 1150 m
• Total Height Loss: – 780 m

This is the French side of the Pyrenees with its dark forests, shepherds’ huts and delicious home made cheese. The Aspe Circle and the valley of Espelunguera are two of the loveliest points of this stage. The hut of Arlet sits by a lake facing the mountain of Midi d’Ossau. From Arlet, the border with, Spain is approximately 20 minutes walk. If you have the time, it is worth crossing the border to have a look at the Aguas Tuertas valley, an impressive glacial plain in the Natural Park of the Occidental Valleys.

Stage 4: Footsteps through time

Itinerary: Refugio de Arlet-Col de Saoubathou-Puerto de lo Palo-Labrenère-Lescun.

• Walking time: 7 – 7:30 hours.
• Distance: 19,5 km
• Total Height Gain: 520 m
• Total Height Loss: 1640 m

Start the walk by lining the Spanish border and walk where many have walked before you. For centuries the cols of Saoubathou and Lo Palo have seen the struggle of humanity to survive in harsh conditions, as man has crossed them to work, to trade or to escape from wars. Descend to Lescun to savour the peace and quiet of the Bearn villages, from where the summits forming the Circle of Lescun offer a stunning contrast with the green landscape and the black roofs of the houses.

Stage 5: The circle of Lescun

Itinerary: Camping du Lauzart-Mazouza-Ansabère-Col de Petrachema-Foyas del Ingeniero-Linza.

• Walking time: 7 h
• Distance: 16,6 km
• Total Height Gain: 1.290 m
• Total Height Loss: 790 m

Here the walk begins on a road, again with impressive views of the Circle of Lescun, as well as Les Billaires, Mesa de los 3 Reyes (Table of the Three Kings) and Petrachema. At the Ansabere Cabannes there will be a last chance to buy French cheese and from this point, the climbing is harder. Back in Spain, follow the piste through century old beech trees as you descend towards Linza.

Stage 6: The big Bear

Itinerary: Linza-Paso del Caballo-Plana de Diego-Foyas de Gamueta-Paso de Anzotiello-Guarriza-Oza.

• Walking time: 6 h
• Distance: 15,3 km
• Total Height Gain: 800 m
• Total Height Loss: 1050 m

Opposite the Linza refuge, the path climbs for 20 minutes to the Caballo pass and then on towards what appears to be an inpassable wall of Anzotiello, Mallo Gorreta and the Quimboas. During the descent to Guarrinza you can find vestiges of prehistoric menhirs and tumulus. At Selva de Oza enjoy a cold beer or a traditional Spanish meal in the café there, under the enormous giant beech tree.

Stage 7: The Castle

Itinerary: Selva de Oza-refugio de Acher-Achar de los Hombres-Foya de Secús-Taxeras-Gabardito.

• Walking time: 7:30h
• Distance: 15,3 km
• Total Height Gain: 800m
• Total Height Loss: 1050m

If you choose the alternative via Selva de Oza, you should start and finish the trek at Selva de Oza itself, because at present there is no refuge accommodation there. From Oza you skirt the slopes of Castillo de Acher with its incredible limestone cliffs. You will also pass through one of the lesser known but beautiful areas of the Echo valley, Secús and Taxeras.

Easier option:

Itinerary: Oza-Camino Viejo-Lo Jardín-Lo Sacadero-Vía Romana ó Senda de los Ganchos-Santana-Gabardito.

• Walking time: 4,30 h.
• Distance: 9,8 km
• Total Height Gain: 400 m
• Total Height Loss: 350 m

This route is an easier option and also the only option if the visibility is poor up at Castillo de Acher. Follow the ancient path to Oza, in use since Roman times. Soon a choice of routes will be offered, one on either side of the river, but each with spectacular views of the Echo Valley.

What includes:

• Transfers from/to Barcelona airport
• 1 night in hotel***
• 6 nights in Mountain hostels and Huts
• 1 special camp in Oza
• 7 Half-board (dinner and breakfast)
• Local support for the entire stay
• Transport (in eight-seater vehicle)
• Seven hiking trails