Advanced Valle de Tena Extension Tour

From the Soques bus stop the route climbs from shady forest to a high, rocky world dotted with lakes and bordered by sharp Pyrenean summits. After a steady start the path becomes increasingly alpine as it approaches the frontier ridge, where granite towers rise above secluded cirques. The day finishes at the Respomuso reservoir, an impressive setting ringed by peaks of the Balaitús massif and dominated by nearby Pic d'Arriel.

The path first follows a clear trail through woodland and pastures beside the torrent, then enters a wide cirque below Pic d'Arriel. Higher up, cairns guide you through boulder fields where the ground steepens and occasional scrambling is required, especially on a short exposed section that demands experience and stable conditions. From the Arrémoulit area, among glittering lakes, a final climb to a border col leads to easier tracks descending into the Respomuso basin.

The descent winds above the shore of the Respomuso reservoir before dropping gently to the refuge, perched close to the water. The hut offers wide views of surrounding ridges and glaciers, and its terraces are a rewarding place to rest after the demanding passage across the frontier crest. Accommodation here provides a comfortable base in the heart of the mountains, with access to fresh water, hot meals and shared dormitories.

Beginning by the lakeside, this section links two major refuges through a high alpine crossing. The route contours above the Respomuso reservoir, then climbs to a rugged pass below Pico de Tebarray, the high point of the day. A long descent past deep blue tarns leads to the Bachimaña lake plateau, where a modern refuge overlooks the surrounding summits of Campo Plano (2717 m).

From the refuge, a balcony path traverses the southern shore of the reservoir and then turns into a stony valley, gradually gaining height on a well-marked trail. As it approaches the cirque beneath Pico de Tebarray, the terrain steepens into loose scree and rocky steps. This upper section is technical and exposed in places, suitable only for confident, properly equipped hikers, and culminates at the Collado de Tebarray, with striking views over Ibón de Tebarray and the Infiernos massif.

Beyond the pass, the track descends beside Ibón de Tebarray and a chain of smaller lakes, easing gradually as it approaches the wide bowl of the Bachimaña ibones. A final traverse across granite slabs leads directly to the refuge, set on a rocky knoll between the upper and lower lakes. The building is comfortable and modern, offering meals, bunk rooms and expansive sunset views over the water and nearby peaks.

This final section leaves the high lakes of Bachimaña for the forests and villages of the valley. The route initially follows a hanging valley with wide views back to Pico de Piedrafita and other peaks of the Infiernos group. A long descent then brings you from the alpine plateau down through waterfalls, gorges and pine woods to the spa complex and, eventually, the settlement in the lower valley.

The path starts gently above the Bachimaña lakes, then drops more decisively along a rocky spur where short, steep zigzags and occasional polished slabs require careful footwork. After this brief technical section, the track becomes more straightforward, following a historic mule path that threads past cascades and across bridges in the narrowing valley. The roar of the river grows louder as you descend, while cliffs and high ridges remain visible above the treeline.

Reaching the Balneario area, the route passes the stone-built Refugio Casa de Piedra before continuing on clear paths and tracks through mixed forest. The gradient lessens as you approach the valley floor, where meadows and farm buildings appear. A final easy stretch leads into the streets of Panticosa, with shops, accommodation and transport connections, providing a comfortable and well-serviced end to the traverse from the high mountain refuges.