Ruta Saboredo

Baqueira | Río Ruda | Locampo

Track GPX

Technical data

Diffficulty: Difficult

Type: Hiking

Distance: 6,7 km

Time: 3h 20′

Elevation: 750m

Description

The Valley of Ruda is an extraordinary example of a glacial valley, its bank crowded by black pine forests. This valley can be spotted from the road from Baqueira to la Bonaigua. Many people believe that the top part of this valley, the cirque of Saboredo (2,300 m), is the real source of the Garona river. Here, numerous lakes are closed off by sheer summits that fade into the cirque, and already inside the limits of el Pallars. The track begins at point 1500 from Baqueira. The road initially leads to a gravel pit, but your eyes will soon be treated to the sight of fabulous meadows with small log cabins adorning a gorgeous backdrop. The track crosses the valley and leads to Locampo (1,800 m approx.). Here, it is advisable to leave your vehicle behind and proceed on foot if you want to enjoy this marvellous place properly.

29 March, 2017 0

Aigües Tòrtes de Colomèrs

Banhs de Tredòs | Cabana et cascade d’Aigües Tòrtes | Belvedère | Banhs de Tredòs | Pònt dera Montanheta

Track GPX

Technical data

Diffficulty: Easy

Type: Hiking

Distance: 7,8 km

Time: 1h 50′

Elevation: 110m

Description

The best phrase to define this corner of Aran is “ beautiful views any time of the year”. From the starting point at the Aiguamog valley we see the many features of this area: pastures, fields, forests, rivers and high peaks serving as appetizer for the largest mountain basin of the Pyrenees – The Colomèrs Circ. This itinerary offers a pleasant hike where one can discover one part of this valley which is on the periphery of the National Parks of Aigüestortes and Saint Maurici Lake. You will enter the forest following the river until reaching a waterfall. You will then take a manicured and interesting path until you arrive to a lookout point where you have the panoramic views of the grand Colomers Peak (2.933m) and looking down you will see the swamp and protected river area of the Aigües Tortes of Colomers. The return journey will take you past old barns, pastures and livestock.

Detailed Route:

The route begins at the end of the car park of the Tredos Baths. A sign indicates the Camin dera Montanheta (Montanheta Trail). Lazily following the river this trail is surrounded by a variety of floral vegetation. The trail will lead you to a waterfall. You will go up until reaching the Aigües Tortes cabin next to the path where you will find a sign encouraging you to follow the trail adjacent to the river. The trail goes back up through the pine and fir tree forest first until reaching a log bridge and later until reaching a lookout point which is slightly off of the trail to the left. After a few short uphill ascents and downhill descents you will exit the forest and take the path (1) to the left which will lead you to the Pont dera Montanheta and the picnic area. Continue along this comfortable trail until reaching the starting point.

Recommendations:

A visit to the Tredos Hot Springs is a must. Don’t forget your swim suit as the outdoor pool has warm thermal water!

Curiosities:

With the recess of the last glaciers from the last glacial era, the lakes were formed in the mountains’ basins which over time filled up with sediments until they became flat. The rivers or streams began to spill out from these lakes creating varied forms at the base of the valleys. These varied or twisted shapes are the reason for the name Aigües Tortes which translates to mean “twisted waters”. The roe deer is a mammal from the deer family that lives in the forest and from which it rarely leaves. The male has small horns with three points which change every year. The female in the only one of its species with delayed fecundation: after mating the female has the fecundated egg and can wait to develop it until the external conditions are most favourable. The yarrow (achillea millefolium) flower grows in the pastures and on the edges of the trails. It has been known since the time of the Romans. The soldiers always carried some of them in their bags for their power to help heal cuts. In infusions the yarrow plant is used to treat ulcers and gastritis.

29 March, 2017 0

Es Bòrdes-Arró-Era Bordeta-Es Bòrdes

Es Bòrdes | Arró | Era Bordeta | Es Bòrdes

Technical data

Diffficulty: Easy

Type: Circular

Distance: 4,8 km

Time: 2h 30′

Elevation: 150m

Description

The starting point of this excursion is the village of Es Bordes although specifically it is in the crossing at the entrance of the village with the N-230 highway. We will park the car here next to the bus stop. Cross the highway to take the trail we clearly see in front of us next to the house. After a small uphill jaunt we’ll take the most narrow trail that goes to the left and indicates Arro. It is pleasant for walking under the shade of the oak trees and it is practically level terrain.

We’ll exit from the trail at the access road of the village and will continue on it entering Arro (20 to 30 min) leaving behind the church of San Martin. From here one can perfectly see the hill with the ruins of the fortress of Casteth Leon with the village of Es Bordes at its feet.

We’ll look for the continuation of the village on its streets in the higher part and we’ll go towards the last homes where the trail we’ll take continues indicated as La Bordeta. We’ll reach the foot of the N-230 highway (35 to 45 min) which we must cross to reach the other side of the Garona River. We’ll continue towards the left on the “Camino Real” which conserves some of its original structure with walls, water troughs, stone sections,…(see Route “Es Bordes”) until reaching the village of Es Bordes (35 to 45 min).

Once in Es Borders follow the route “Es Bòrdes”.

Recomendactions:

The “Camino Real” or “Royal Path” is the principal historic path of communication of the Val d’Aran used by the Romans.

29 March, 2017 0

Arties-Garòs-Arties

Arties | Garòs | Arties

Technical data

Diffficulty: Easy

Type: Circular

Distance: 3,9 km

Time: 2h

Elevation: 50m

Description

From the parking we’ll go towards the center of the village of Arties finding the tower and chapel of the Portolà stately home (17th century) one of whose members, Gaspar de Portolà, discovered and was the first California governor. Now the home is the Arties Parador.

Crossing the first bridge over the Garona River we will reach the village square. To the right the Ço de Paulet stands out as another beautiful example of noble architecture from epoch. Just after passing a second bridge this time over the Valarties River a tower from the wall which in times past surrounded the Santa Maria of Arties church. The church, built in the 12th and 13th centuries consitutes an authentic jewel much worth visiting. In its interior the Gothic altar from 15th century is worth mentioning and is dedicated to the Virgin. The Renaissance paintings that decorate the walls, especially the incredible Final Judgement on the vault.

Following towards the left we’ll leave the village along the Camino Real (Royal Path) to reach (in 20 min.) the thermal Baths. This natural spring of Arties with its sulphurous waters is nowadays not in use although there is a project to do so. Shortly afterwards, to the left, we’ll see an old lime kiln. The trail continues until arriving to the village of Garos where we will cross the Garona River on the old bridge and immediately will cross the C-28 highway (carefully!) and will go up street (like a ramp) which will lead us to the Garos square. This point is the halfway point of the route. It is worth going to the left to visit the church (Route “Escunhau-Casarilh-Garos”) and the Necropolis in the excavation phase. Up to this point the itinerary goes along the northern shady side with its abundant vegetation.

Once back to the Square we’ll continue along the streets of the schools following the white and red marks of the route until leaving Garos on the Carrer deth Solei street. At 10 minutes and to the left we’ll see a a vine plantation, something quite novel in the Val d’Aran. We’ll pass over the crossing of the trail that goes towards the Sant Jaime chapel – it takes 15 minutes to get there and back. The trail continues until reaching Arties at the Gothic style Sant Joan church and nowadays used as a temporary exposition room for the Museum of the Val d’Aran a short distance from the parking.

The trail can be done in both senses as it is circular and as a result we´ll pick the more convenient depending on the time and temperature.

Recommendations:

The Santa Maria church of Arties with its beautiful Romanesque architecture has been able to conserve a very important collection of diverse art styles which range from the 12th and 18th centuries.

29 March, 2017 0

Pònt d'Es Bòrdes-Arró-Benòs-Begòs

Es Bòrdes | Arró | Benòs | Begòs

Technical data

Diffficulty: Easy

Type: Circular

Distance: 3,9 km

Time: 1h 45′

Elevation: 180m

Description

The starting point for this excursion is the village of Es Bordes, although the actual start is at the crossing at the entrance of the village with the N-230 highway. We can park there next to the bus stop. We will cross the road to take the obvious trail in front of us next to a home. After a short ascent we’ll take the most narrow trail that goes to the left and is indicated as Arro. It is a pleasant walk under the shade of the oak trees and is quite level terrain.

We will reach the access road to the village and will continue on it until reaching a cemented uphill street and will turn to the right passing in front of the San Martin church (20 to 30 min). Soon the street will become, once again, a trail on which we will continue on until reaching a sign indicating Arro (where we have come from) and will then arrive to Benos (25 to 35 min) and the San Juan chapel.

On the streets at the high part of Benos we will see that road that goes up to Begos which we will avoid taking the old path uphill unitl reaching the paved access road to the village.

We will arrive to Begos (15 to 20 min) and will visit its small but interesting church, Sant Roc, of Romanesque origin, with later additions from the Gothic and Baroque period. A short distance from the church one will find the Socasau house with its tower from the 19th century from which one will enjoy spectacular views of the Artiga de Lin valley and its grand mountains: Malh des Pois, also known as La Forcanada, and the Malh dera Artiga with the Aneto peak behind.

Take the trail until reaching Benos (10 min) and from the posterior part of its San Martin church take the pretty stone path down to the starting point (10 min.)

The majority of the route is along trails with shade from oak and hazelnut trees.

Recomendations:

This excursion take us on a criss-crossed section of old paths with stone walls as they were originailly place and which often served as benches in centuries past. These were the routes people used to move from village to village on foot before wheeled transporation came into being.

29 March, 2017 0

Aubèrt-Vila-Arròs

Aubèrt | Vila | Arròs

Technical data

Diffficulty: Easy

Type: Circular

Distance: 4,8 km

Time: 1h 40′

Elevation: 180m

Description

We’ll start in the principal squar of Aubert most noted for its small Romanesque church of Roser (12th century) with its slender 18th century tower and will continue on the Major street where we’ll find the old wash basin of the village, next to the fountain.

Before leaving the village we’ll find the San Martin church whose construction goes back to the 13th century and is on the road which goes up to the village of Vila. We’ll look for the trail that goes up crossing different sections of the road.

In Vila (30 or 40 min) we can dedicate a few minutes to stroll along some of its streets to then continue along the small paved road in the direction of Arros (956 m). There are some incredible views along the easy trail at the high part of the village (20 or 30 min). We’ll look for the stately home, Ço d’Ademar, now the home of the Historic Archives of the Conselh Generau d’Aran. At the side we’ll see the traditional wash basin. On the other side of the street we’ll find the Santa Eulària church with its beautiful octogonal tower. It is quite surprising as it lacks the characterisitc pointed roof of the Aranese bell towers.

Behind the church we’ll take the trail that goes down once again to the village of Aubert. (20 or 30 minutes)

Recomendations:

The traditional path from Arros to Aubert. In the afternoon the majority of the route is quite sunny. It is quite pleasant in the morning or perhaps in some of the Aranese afternoons with the cloud covered skys and fresh air.

29 March, 2017 0

Gausac-Casau-Vielha

Gausac | Casau | Vielha

Technical data

Diffficulty: Easy

Type: Circular

Distance: 2,6 km

Time: 1h 40′

Elevation: 120m

Description

The Gothic church of San Martin located at the foot of the Gausac village with its Romanesque baptismal font and a magnificent polychromatic wooden cover from the 18th century is the starting point where we will take the steep Major street. We will arrive to the Santa Maria fountain (5 to 10 min) for a refreshing drink.

Continuing on the Portero street and following the white and read marks of the GR trail we will reach a flat area at the end of the village with a nice view and a trail sign. Take the good trail towards the left until reaching the trail which goes up to the right and will take us to the village of Casau. (10 to 20 min) The Sant Andreu church of Casau with its robust tower from the 17th century holds an interesting collection of religious art in its interior.

We shall observe the traditional architecture and position of the typical mountain houses of Aran with beautiful decorative additions and gardens.

We’ll leave the village on the access road and after crossing the Comes ravine we’ll continue until reaching the small nucleus of houses now in ruins of Sant Pèir. This was the location of the first hospital of the Val d’Aran during the Carlist wars of the 19th century as in its vicinity the Liberty Fort was located which is now the Parador of Vielha.

Next to the last house of Sant Pèir we’ll find the trail that we will take to descend towards Vielha. Without crossing the bridge ahead turn to the left until reaching the first houses of Vielha. Once in the village we will descend until the road of Gausac and to the left continue until reaching the starting point of the excursion.

Recomendations:

The magnificent views above the high valley of the Garona with its characteristic villages. In the morning the route is very sunny but has sections with shade and fountains with fresh water. In the afternoon it can be more pleasant and comfortable on a hot day.

29 March, 2017 0

Es Bòrdes

Es Bòrdes

Technical data

Diffficulty: Easy

Type: Circular

Distance: 3 km

Time: 1h 30′

Elevation: 60m

Description

The excursion suggests a pleasant stroll along the Camino Real (Royal Path) from the village of Es Bordes towards the village La Bordeta. The start is in descent until crossing the Joeu River on a stone bridge in form of pointed arch. We’ll continue between fields until reaching the covered wash basin, one of the most beautiful of the Valley.

Following the trail to the right we’ll leave behind the ruins of the old flour mill in which one can appreciate the arch of the water channel which was moved by the mules. We can reach a streamlike waterfall and the Pont de Arro (25 to 35 min) where we’ll turn around for the return.

Once at the village square towards the left we’ll take the “Casteth Leon” street which will take us to the ruins of the castle of the same name. (10 to 20 min) which is the phase of archaeological excavation. From the castle, strategically located above the valleys of the Garona and Joeu Rivers, one can contemplate the wonderful views.

Es Bordes was the principal scene for the in 1944 between the Francoist fighters and the Spanish Maquis who tried to occupy the Valley. The tower of the church conserves some signs of the shootings. Next tot he door of the church one can observe a sepuchral tombstone from the 14th century of a knight of the Casteth Leon castle.

Recomendations:

Las ruinas de la fortaleza de Castèth Leon (S.XIII-XVIII), durante siglos sede del gobernador de Aran

The ruins of the fortress of the Casteth Leon castle from the 13th to the 18th centuries, which for centuries was the government seat of Aran.

29 March, 2017 0

Bausen

Bausen

Technical data

Diffficulty: Easy

Type: Circular-lineal

Distance: 2 km

Time: 1h 30′

Elevation: 50m

Description

We’ll leave the car at the entrance of the village and will continue until reaching the street that becomes a dirt path. Soon we’ll reach the old washbasin protected by a slate roof. A great spot for a rest. A bit further a trail descends to the left which will take us to the ruins of the old flour mill located at the bank of the Bausen River. We’ll return to the original trail and continue on the left until reaching the first turn off that goes to the right and then back to the village.

We’ll reach the first houses in the high part of the village and will head to the Sant Pèir church where we’ll find the Roman pillar from the 4th to 5th centuries A.D. on the facade near the door. Continuing on the same street we’ll reach to the end of the village. About 300 meters later we’ll follow the trail to the right which leads towards a small promontory followed by the small civil cementary of Bausen with the tomb of Teresa serving as a testament of a sad love story. (from 45 to 55 min)

From the high part of the promontory well have some incredible views of the valley with the villages of Les and Bossost below.

At this point, a variation of the GR trail continues on a precious trail inviting a visit.

From Bausen one can see the Toran valley in front with grand mountains closing it in on each side.

Recomendations:

The architecture is noteworthy and some of the best conserved in the Valley.

29 March, 2017 0

Les-Era Lana-Les

Les | Era Lana | Les

Technical data

Diffficulty: Easy

Type: Lineal

Distance: 3,3 km

Time: 1h 15′

Elevation: 50m

Description

Begin the itinerary in the Church Square of Les. Adjacent to the squear is the Haro Square in the center of which is found the the vertically positioned “haro” which is a fir tree trunk that is burned the night of San Juan every year. We’ll go up a steep slope along the Savièla street, the oldest and highest part of Les, to take the Camino Real trail to the left. At 50 meters we’ll find the Romanesque chapel of Sant Blas on the right and to the left the Baronia of Les. After about 1200 meters of easy walking in the fresh forest the trail goes down to the left to reach the Era Lana of Les in flat area of grazing field with magnificent horses. We’ll follow to the left in the direction of Les finding the Piedad Chapel shortly after which we will arrive to the modern Termas (springs) of Les and the principal entrance to the Baronia (residence of the old Barones of the villages). At 100 meters we will return to the Haro Square, the end of the route.

Noteworthy:

“The Haro” : Traditional fire festival the night of San Juan.

29 March, 2017 0