There is a lot of work underway to improve the walking trails on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. The work was most apparent at stage 13: Viados to Bielsa via Pardinas. From Bielsa the trail is well marked and quite wide, but the deeper you go into the forest up the Barranco de Montillo valley the more the trail deteriorates. Indeed, it becomes nothing more than a glorified rabbit run. If it wasn’t for the fact you’re basically following a river up its watercourse, getting disorientated or lost would be a distinct possibility. I presume it will take at least another two years to complete the path.
On to Stage 15: Valle de Anisclo to Refugio de Goriz. I chose to follow LP’s preferred route into the canyon. I have to tell you that this trail no longer exists. The bluff overlooking the Barranco de Capradiza is infested with nettles over a metre high, so you can’t see the little cairns or know too much about where you’re placing your feet. Luckily for me someone had recently forced a way along the trail so I could pick out the right direction. Nevertheless, with a large backpack its a damn tricky descent. With the grassy banks eroding quickly, it will only get worse. Spanish authorities appear to keep up the maintenance on certain designated paths only. So if you want to go by any other route you will have to use skill and initiative - ironically, isn’t this why many of us go trekking?
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: pyrenees, spanish, walking
