Beginner Aneto Trek

This gentle stage follows the upper Ésera valley from the parking area at Llanos del Hospital to the stone huts of Renclusa Refuge. It is ideal for beginners, with a broad track at the start, open meadows and constant views of the Maladeta massif. Wetlands and high pastures surround the route, and the sense of altitude slowly increases without ever feeling exposed or technically demanding.

From the parking area a forest road heads gently upstream beside the Ésera, crossing clear torrents and skirting small patches of pine. The valley opens onto the marshy flats of Plan d'Estan d'Abaixo, where wooden walkways and grassy islets break up the water, then continues towards Plan d'Estan Alto with ever wider views. Beyond, a path leads through the hollow of Basa del Onso before reaching the road junction at La Besurta.

From La Besurta a clear mountain path climbs around three hundred metres more steeply on zigzags through pasture and scattered rocks to the terrace where Renclusa Refuge stands. The refuge appears suddenly above a final rise, with broad views back over the Llanos del Hospital and forward to the glaciers of the Maladeta range. Once inside, bunk rooms, hot drinks and a convivial dining room offer a comfortable high mountain overnight stop.

This is a demanding mountain stage, not because of its length, but because of the rugged Pyrenean terrain. The route includes steep climbs and descents, uneven rocky paths, boulder fields and a few short T3 sections where you may need to use your hands for balance. Good sure-footedness and confidence on steep mountain terrain are essential.

From Refugio de la Renclusa, a cairned path climbs briefly along the Camino de Antonio before traversing grassy terraces and rocky limestone shelves towards Plan d'Aigualluts. After passing the waterfall and open meadows, the route continues west through rougher terrain, crossing boulder fields and rocky hollows towards Barrac de l'Escaleta. Around Cova de l'Escaleta and Plan de l'Escaleta, the trail can be uneven and less obvious, so keep a close eye on your navigation.

The main challenge comes during the long descent towards Artiga de Lin. The trail drops around 700 metres over steep zigzags, loose rocks, scree and grassy slopes. Some short sections are graded T3 and are particularly steep, with fixed cables provided for support, but without a secured via ferrata system. Take your time, maintain three points of contact where needed and be especially careful in wet conditions. The trail eventually enters the forest and continues down to the meadows and waterfalls of Artiga de Lin, where the refuge is located.

Note: Refugio de la Artiga de Lin has no mobile reception or Wi-Fi.

This final crossing links the green cirque of Artiga de Lin with the open valley of Llanos del Hospital. It is a sustained mountain walk with a long climb to a high shoulder on the border ridge followed by an easier descent. Meadows, waterfalls and rocky terraces alternate along the way, with wide views towards Peña Montañesa, Peña Billanca and the surrounding peaks once height is gained.

From the refuge a waymarked path climbs gently through the Artiga meadows before entering forest and crossing the Clots de Porroi streams. The gradient increases in the Canaleta de Pomero, where zigzags gain height on stony ground between cliffs. Above the treeline the route traverses beneath Era Escaleta, with constant views back over the Aran Valley and the jagged crest of the Maladeta group. A final push leads to a broad high point close to the watershed, the main ascent of the day.

The descent starts along balcony paths that pass above the Ibons de Plan d'Estan, shimmering tarns set among granite slabs. The trail then descends more steadily on grassy slopes and scattered pines towards Pleta de la Sarra, where the landscape softens into meadows and streams. A final section on a comfortable valley path follows the upper Ésera back to familiar surroundings, finishing at the parking area of Llanos del Hospital.