Beginner Ribagorza 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 demanding mountain crossing links the Renclusa hut with the green cirque of Artiga de Lin, combining high alpine scenery with a long descent into the Aran Valley. After a short climb above the refuge, the route traverses grassy terraces and limestone shelves around Plan d'Aigualluts with constant views towards Maladeta and the summits of Tuca de Pomero and Penanera.

From the refuge a cairned path climbs briefly on the Camino de Antonio, then traverses beneath rocky spurs to reach the open lawns and waterfall of Plan d'Aigualluts. Here the water disappears underground while the trail continues west, crossing boulder fields and small hollows towards Barrac de l'Escaleta. The way becomes rougher as it passes close to Cova de l'Escaleta and the wide pastures of Plan de l'Escaleta, before contouring above lac deth Coth deth Horo and turning into the hanging valley above Artiga de Lin.

A marked path then begins the main descent, dropping almost one thousand metres on steep zigzags through scree, grass slopes and finally mixed forest. The noise of waterfalls grows louder as you approach the floor of the cirque, where bridges cross clear torrents and the meadows of Artiga de Lin open out. The modern Refugio de la Artiga de Lin stands at the edge of the grass, offering meals and simple dormitories.

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.