Summary:
Climb to a meadow set amongst high peaks and descend via a series of cascades.

From the parking area by the Rio (river) Cinca, head along a wide stony track, past a trail sign. The track climbs gently away from the river towards the massive peaks of the cirque at the head of Pineta Valley, and waterfalls tumble from huge cliff faces.

After about 20 minutes, the track meets up with the river and you cross the first bridge. Here there is a wonderful view of the river rushing through water-carved rocks down into the wooded valley framed by high mountain peaks. Shortly after, pass a narrower path on the left that climbs up to Cascada del Cinca and Lago de Marbore. You continue ahead on the wide track signed to Llanos de la Larri.

The trail moves away from the river again and climbs a little more steeply through trees for 15 minutes. Shortly before the second bridge, your return route, the Camino de la Cascadas, descends to the right. For now continue ahead, over the bridge past a powerful cascade rushing through rust-colored carved rocks.

10 minutes further on the gradient lessens once more to a gentle climb. It is just a few more minutes before you reach Llanos (literally flat ground) de la Larri (’Plans de la Larri’ on the National Park topograhic map), a wide meadow surrounded by high cliffs. Behind you to your left, Monte Perdido rises majestically. Take your time to wander through the meadow towards the cliffs ahead.

To descend to the valley floor, follow the same route back to the bridge, where you turn left to descend via the Camino de la Cascadas. As the name suggests, the trail follows the course of the waterfall as it winds its way down the wooded hillside. The trail is pretty steep, and can be muddy and slippery in places, particularly after rain.

Emerge into the valley and follow the river along a wide stony path. Cross a bridge (where there is a fine view of the Circo de Pineta, the ring of peaks at the head of the valley) and continue towards the car park. The river is now to your left. Pass the Parador, which is on the opposite bank, and soon the car park comes into view.

Directions: From France, the most convenient border crossing is through the Bielsa Tunnel on the D929, which becomes the 138 once inside Spain. Turn off the 138 into the town of Bielsa, 10 km south of the tunnel and 30 km north of Ainsa. After 0.5 km, before you enter the town center, turn right along the signed road that runs for 14 km through the Pineta Valley.

Trailhead: Car park on the left, about 0.5 km before the end of the road.

Length: 5 miles / 8.0 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 1,090 ft / 332 m

Duration: 2.5 hours

Trail Condition: Wide, clear paths with signed junctions.

Features: Valley, river, mountain views, meadow.

Climate: Hiking season in the valley generally runs June through October, but be prepared for changeable conditions and summer thunderstorms. Early September is recommended – the trails are less crowded and the weather is often warm and sunny.

Accommodation: Tent camping (poor facilities) and a luxury Parador at the end of Pineta Valley road near the trailhead. Tent and RV campsite (open April through September), plus a refugio, further along the road towards Bielsa. Hotels in Bielsa.

Trail Notes: Visit the National Park office in the center of Bielsa for trail information. Topographic maps available at shops in Bielsa.

Summary:
A hard climb to a high lake amidst dramatic mountain scenery.

From the parking area by the Rio (river) Cinca, head along a wide stony track, past a trail sign. The track climbs gently away from the river towards the massive peaks of the cirque at the head of Pineta Valley, and waterfalls tumble from huge cliff faces.

After about 1.25 miles/2 km, the track meets up with the river and you cross the first bridge. Shortly after, you reach a trail junction. The wide track ahead leads to Llanos de la Larri, but you turn sharp left along the narrower path signed for Cascada del Cinca and Lago de Marbore.

Now starts your climb at the head of the valley, up switchbacks to the high country. An ascent of 650 ft/200 m in 0.5 mile/0.75 km takes you to a signed junction, where you detour left to Cascada del Cinca (’Cascade de Marbore’ on the National Park topographic map). It is only a few minutes to a bridge overlooking the waterfall.

Return to the main trail and turn left to continue heading up the cliff. If you thought the climb so far was bad, be warned – it is about to get worse! You now face an ascent of 2,985 ft/910 m in just 1.1 mile/1.75 km to the top, Balcon de Pineta. The final section is particularly punishing, and you need to take care if there is snow.

Haul yourself to the top and savor the truly impressive reward: to the south-east are sweeping views down Pineta Valley, and all around are majestic peaks, including the north face of Monte Perdido (3,355 m) and its glacier.

The final 0.5 mile/0.8 km to Lago de Marbore (’Lago de Pineta’ on the map) is much, much easier, rising just 200 ft/60 m. Enjoy the feeling of isolation as you cross this high mountain country, surrounded by the high peaks of the Pyrenees.

Directions: From France, the most convenient border crossing is through the Bielsa Tunnel on the D929, which becomes the 138 once inside Spain. Turn off the 138 into the town of Bielsa, 10 km south of the tunnel and 30 km north of Ainsa. After 0.5 km, before you enter the town center, turn right along the signed road that runs for 14 km through the Pineta Valley.

Trailhead: Car park on the left, about 0.5 km before the end of the road.

Length: 7 miles / 11.2 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 4,307 ft / 1,313 m

Duration: 7 hours

Trail Condition: Signed junctions. Extremely steep switchbacks to the top of Balcon de Pineta.

Features: Mountains, glacier, lake, extensive valley views.

Climate: Hiking season generally runs June through September, but be prepared for changeable conditions and summer thunderstorms. Snow may remain on the trail early in the season.

Accommodation: Tent camping (poor facilities) and a luxury Parador at the end of Pineta Valley road near the trailhead. Tent and RV campsite (open April through September), plus a refugio, further along the road towards Bielsa. Hotels in Bielsa.

Trail Notes: Visit the National Park office in the center of Bielsa for trail information and weather forecast. Topographic maps available at shops in Bielsa. There is no shade on the steep, arduous climb so advised to start early.

Summary:
An easy walk through a beautiful valley, followed by a climb to a lake surrounded by high mountain peaks.

La Fruitiere hotel stands at the head of the valley. From the car park, follow the wide, well-signed path alongside the Gave (stream) de Lutour, crossing a footbridge after a few moments so that the stream is to your right. There is just a gentle climb as you head through the valley, enjoying the tranquil rural scenery: cattle on the lower slopes of wooded, rocky hills, stands of pine trees, wildflowers blooming into late September, and jagged peaks framing the view ahead.

About 35 minutes into the trail, at a small cascade, there is a short section of steeper climb. 10 minutes on, just after another cascade, you reach a trail junction. The left path leads to the Russell refuge; you continue ahead to Lac d’Estom.

5 minutes after the junction, cross a footbridge to the other side of the river. There are more fabulous views of the huge mountain at the head of the valley. The gradient is now steeper, but nothing too arduous, as you move from open views into more wooded terrain.

10 minutes later, there are some steeper switchbacks, then a level section, before the final climb up to the lake. Just after some more cascades, a refuge (closed by the end of September) comes into view, and the path climbs through boulders towards it. At the top is Lac d’Estom, framed by high peaks, with Pic de la Sede and Pic de Labas, flecked with snow even in late summer, forming a dramatic backdrop.

The return to La Fruitiere, along the same route, is easy and takes around 1 hour. It is very peaceful, with just the sound of running water and unblemished mountain scenery. We walked late in the season at the end of September, when there was beautiful sunny weather and few people.

Directions: Exit the A64 near Tarbes and take the N21 south past Lourdes and Argeles-Gazost. At Pierrefitte-Nestalas, turn right onto the D920 to Cauterets.

Trailhead: Car park at La Fruitiere hotel and restaurant, situated at the head of Vallee du Lutour. From Cauterets, continue south on the D920 for about 3 km towards Pont D’Espagne. Just after a series of particularly tortuous switchbacks, turn very sharp left. The car park is at the end of the narrow road in another 2 km.

Length: 6.3 miles / 10.1 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: 1,420 ft / 433 m

Duration: 3 hours

Trail Condition: ide, well-defined path, rocky in places. Waymarked by painted symbols on boulders (red PN in a white square), although it really isn’t necessary as the path follows the river.

Features: Valley and stream, lake and mountains.

Climate: Hiking generally possible June through October, although conditions more changeable early or late in the season. September is recommended – the trails are less crowded and the weather is often warm and sunny.

Accommodation: Cauterets is good walking base and has plenty of options, from hotels to campsites. Also, La Fruitiere hotel at the trailhead.

Trail Notes: Trail leaflets (in French) and topographic maps available at the National Park office (Maison du Parc) in the center of Cauterets.