Here you have each stage in detail. Remember that if you are doing the self-guided trek, you choose the departure point and the directions of travel. If you are doing the guided trek, the starting point is in the Selva de Oza.
There are two variations at the end, a lighter trek of the stage Oza-Gabardito and a 6 days option walking from Linza to Gabardito directly.
Linza – Paso del Caballo – Plana de Diego – Foyas de Gamueta -Paso de Anzotiello -Guarrinza – Selva de Oza.
Time: 6 h
Distance: 15,3 km
+800m / -1050m
Just in front the Hostel, take the path to Paso del Caballo and follow towards Anzotiello, Mallo Gorreta, Quimboa and other summits that look like an insurmountable barrier. On the way down to Guarinza we will see different megalitich vestiges.
Once in Selva de Oza we can enjoy a cold beer under the majestic beech tree of the wodden cantine.
SELVA DE OZA> < GABARDITO
(BY ACHER)
Selva de Oza – Refugio de Acher – Achar de los Hombres – Foya de Secús -Taxeras – Gabardito.
Tiempo: 7:30 h
Distancia: 15,3 km
+1300m / -1040m
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 Hecho Valley: Secús and Taxeras.
Refugio de Gabardito – Salto la Vieja – Plandániz -Collado de Foratón – (Bisaurín) – Lizara.
Time: 3-4 hours (6 hours with the ascent to Bisaurin).
Distance: 9,6 km
+693m / -536m (plus 700m with the ascent to Bisaurin)
This is the shortest stage if you don’t climb Bisaurin. From Gabardito to Lízara 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 la Cutas, on the right hand side of the Plandaniz col.
Refugio de Lizara – Paúl de Bernera – Valle de los Sarrios – Ibón d’Estanés – Bosque de las Hayas – Somport.
Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 17,4 km
+1070m / -980m
This is one of the nicest stages as both the Valle de los Sarrios (chamoix) and Estanés Lake are astonishing. Although it is a fairly long, it’s not difficult. You begin with a climb or 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.
ALTERNATIVE UP TO 1st AUGUST 2023
This year 2023 Arlet will remain closed for works for a few weeks, so depending on the dates of your journey, we will vary the route at this stage.
Somport-Peyrenère-Sayerce-Urdos-Col de Rouglan-Fort du Portalet-Etsaut.
Time: 8 hours
Distance: 21,7 km
+717m / -1.744m
Somport is a step on the Camino de Santiago. The Vía Tolosana or Via de Arles. We suggest you go down this path to the Aspe Valley, to Etsaut. A path full of history: in addition to the pilgrimage, we will enjoy views of the old Canfranc international train track and its impressive bridges, the Bearnese huts and cattle and the Portalet fort, crossing the footbridge under the no less spectacular Chemin de la Mâture.
Another route possibility:
Somport-Astún-Ibón de Escalar-Lac de Bersau-Col d’Ayous-GR10-Chemin de la Mâture-Etsaut.
ALTERNATIVE UNTIL AUGUST 2023
This year 2023 Arlet will remain closed for works for a few weeks, so depending on the dates of your journey, we will vary the route at this stage.
Etsaut-Borce-Plateau d’Udapet de Bas- Col de Barranq-Plateau de Lhers-Lescun
Time: 7 hours
Distance: 15 km
+1.056m / -814m
We leave Etsaut crossing under the old train tracks, above (on a footbridge) the national road and strolling through the medieval town of Borce. We start a strong ascent but with some soft sections that allow us to rest. The path, well marked, almost always runs through forests, which will allow us to appreciate even more the views from open areas such as the Plateau d’Udapet de Bas and the Plateau de Lhers.
We will arrive at Lescun among beech trees, discovering little by little the magnificent Lescun circus.
CLASSIC STAGE SINCE AUGUST 2023
SOMPORT > < ARLET
Albergue Aysa – Peyrenare – Cabanne de Escuret – Espelunguère – Col de Lapachouaou – Plateau de Banasse – Arlet.
Time: 6-7 hours.
Distance: 18,9 km
+1.148 m / – 781 m.
The forest of Sansanet, the valley of Espelunguère and the hut and lake of Arlet at 2000m of altitude are the highlights of this stage. Together with the shepherd’s cabanes and the chance to buy local homemade cheese at them.
CLASSIC STAGER SINCE AUGUT 2023
ARLET > < LESCUN
Arlet – Col de La Cuarde – Col de Pau – Cabanne de Bonaris – Labrenère – Lescun.
Time: 6 hours.
Distance: 19,5 km
+518 m / – 1.641 m
Historic path: Le Chemin de la Liberté, the way to freedom for war persecuted and refugees, also the oldest Camino (St. Jacques) in Aragon. And the prize, the views to the Circle of Lescun on arriving to the valley.
Lescun – Mazouza – Ansabère – Col de Petrechema – Foyas del Ingeniero – Linza.
Time: 7 hours.
Distance: 16,6 km
+1290m / -790m
Here the walk begins on a road, again with impressive views of the Circle of Lescun, formed by the summits of Les Billaires, Mesa de los 3 Reyes (Table of the Three Kings), Petrageme…
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, first calcareous zones, later a track through century old beech trees as you descend towards Linza.
OPTION SELVA DE OZA > < GABARDITO (BY TRAILS)
Oza – Camino Viejo – Lo Jardín – Lo Sacadero – Vía Romana o Senda de los Ganchos – Santana – Gabardito.
Time: 4,30 hours.
Distance: 7km
+400m / -350m
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 Hecho Valley.
OPTION LINZA > < GABARDITO DIRECT
Doing this stage, the path is reduced to 6 days, since the passage through the Selva de Oza is avoided.
Linza – Zuriza – Taxeras – Achar d’Alano – Reclusa – Collado Bajo de Lenito – Santana – Gabardito.
Time: 10 horas.
Distance: 22,5 km
+1640m / -1600m
This is a very long walk so it is advisable to start before 7 am and see the sunrise in Achar de Alano.
Reclusa is a hidden jewel of the Hecho valley, as is the beautiful forest which takes you to the Collado de Lenito Baxo. Descend to Santana (a crossroads between Hecho and Gabardito), saving your energy for the last climb up to the refuge.
