Route: La Ripera Valley
Area: Spanish Pyrenees
Date of walk: 23rd June 2016
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 7.1 miles
Ascent: 1,400 feet
Weather: Sunny and very hot
On another glorious morning in the Pyrenees we drove from our base in Biescas to nearby Panticosa, a ski resort in the winter months. We parked at the ski station and followed a stony path uphill out of the village, initially through woodland but then gradually opening out into meadow
As with our previous walks in this area the enjoyment was enhanced by the wildflowers and butterflies which were everywhere. We had a sighting of the beautiful Scarce Swallowtail but it flew off into the distance before I could grab the camera. Further up the valley there was plenty of evidence of marmot activity and we saw a couple pop out of their burrow briefly
After about 2 hours walking we reached a bridge, which was a perfect picnic spot. It also marked the end of our route – we knew we’d have to return the same way at some point as there was insufficient time for the full circuit, which is a 9 hour undertaking
We retraced our steps from the bridge, which wasn’t tedious in any way as the views along the La Ripera Valley were spectacular in both directions
Later that day, Phil of Hike Pyrenees took us to the town of Jaca, the site of an ancient fort, where we enjoyed a walk about and tapas and I’ve included some photos of the visit as it was so enjoyable
Click on the icon below for the route map
Scroll down – or click on any photo to enlarge it and you can then view as a slideshow
Just before reaching the start at Panticosa we stopped the car to admire the view of the Embalse de Búbal
Start of the walk in Panticosa
We follow a stony path up the valley of La Ripera
We cross the concrete bridge over the Rio Caldarés
Wonderful views of the Sierra de Tendeñera ahead…
Navigation is assisted by the yellow and white markers along the way
Marmot!
Two marmots
We pass through this metal gate
Further along the valley
Zooming in on the Sierra de Tendeñera
Another concrete bridge - a good place for a picnic. We retrace our steps from here as there’s not enough time to complete the full round
Butterflies extracting minerals from a muddy pool - this makes their colours brighter and increases their chances of finding a mate
Lovely views of the Sierra de la Partacua on the way back…
Panticosa comes into view
We follow the stony path back into the village
The end of yet another wonderful walk…
…but not the end of the enjoyment. Later that day Phil of Hike Pyrenees took us on a tour of Jaca “pearl of the Pyrenees”- this is the town hall
No tourists - except us
Jaca Cathedral, dating from circa 1070
Inside the cathedral
The citadel, built in 1592 in a pentagonal shape to withstand bombardment from cannons, which had just been invented - notice the red deer which live in the moat!
We have a stroll around the old town
As we enjoy tapas near the cathedral the locals come out at the start of the festival of St Orosia
A relatively sober affair at first, which soon turns into a street party…
‘You’ll never drink alone’ says the banner and so I raise my glass the Phil for bringing us to this place - cheers Phil
