Ordesa y Monte Perdido

Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park After his paragliding course was cancelled, Jeremy had a few spare days at the end of August 2006. How better to fill the time than a trip to Ordesa? This amazing valley is less than an hour from the French border. Home to a wide variety of animals - including a species of frog that remained undiscovered until 1992.

	Here is the village of Torla, with the amazing backdrop of Mondarrruego. Thankfully, you cannot drive into the Ordesa Valley. There is a bus service which leaves from Torla every 15-20 minutes. 3.30 euros for the return journey. The authorities limit the number of people in the park to 1800 at any one time.
	Initially the trail is a motorway of people but fortunately not everybody wants to walk all the way up the valley.
	And what a stunning valley it is. The path climbs 680 metres from the coach park to the end of the valley - manageable by anyone who is moderately fit.
	There are sections of the path that are paved to reduce erosion. Does it detract from the amazing views? A little.
	At the end of the Valle de Ordesa is the Circo de Soaso and behind the Cirque, Monte Perdido, a massive 3353 metres, though not a particularly striking mountain. Apparently, the views from the top are amazing.
	On his second day, Jeremy headed up to the Circo de Carriata and then along the Faja Racun. This trail is about 700 metres above the valley floor. A tiring climb but well worth it for the views.
	Well-maintained paths, despite the fact that they are often partially destroyed by avalanches in Spring.
	This little creature lives in the Circo de Carriata. Does anyone know what it is? Click on the image to enlarge it.
	The lush vegetation is testimony to the special climate that the Ordesa Valley enjoys. This photo was taken at the end of August when much of Spain is a dustbowl.
	This is La Fraucata - a very large and very beautiful lump of limestone.
	This is the Circo de Cotatuero with the Cascada de Cotatuero in the middle. A path from this cirque leads up to the Brecha de Rolanda - and France.
	This is the view of Torla taken from the path between the Ordesa Valley and Torla, a beautiful - and quiet - hiking trail of two hours.
Practical Information Despite its popularity, Torla is not easy to get to without a car. There are just two buses a day to and from Sabaninago. Check out the Spanish bus service here. The National Park has an excellent website here Jeremy stayed at the Camping Ordesa for 8 euros a night. Click here for their website in Spanish. He ate at El Taillon restaurant - no current website, but serving a filling 3 course meal with a bottle of wine for 13 euros. The tourist office in Torla offers free internet - although it is a dial up connection. More about Spain? Cycling in the Spanish Pyrenees Spanish food