Añisclo Canyon and Aínsa
The Aragonese Pyrenees have always been one of our weaknesses. It's a place very close to our hearts, and there are still fantastic corners that most people have yet to discover.
Today we'd like to suggest an excursion for all ages in an area of the province of Huesca that is sure not to disappoint anyone.
The Añisclo Canyon , or Bellós river canyon, is located in the Pyrenees of Huesca, south of the Monte Perdido massif, running in a straight line southwards for more than 10 km, from the Añisclo Cirque at the foot of Monte Perdido itself, to its confluence with the Aso river valley.
The Añisclo Canyon is part of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, together with the Monte Perdido massif, the Ordesa Valley, the Escuaín Gorges and the head of the Pineta Valley.
A few days ago we went on a family trip to several spots in the area, and I'd love to share it with you.
As it's well worth exploring the area with a guide, we went to Escalona and toured the park from there. Highly recommended: Francisco Vispe. It was a pleasure to spend the day with him.
We headed into the park aiming to do two short walks:
Our first stop was really great: Fuente de los Baños
A sign on the road marks the start of the many steps that make the descent easier and lead us to the spring.
From there we began a long descent to the bottom of a very narrow gorge carved over centuries by the erosive action of the Bellós river on the limestone.
The steps follow one after another. There are more than 270 of them.
This spring is well known for the health benefits of its warm waters, and for many years it has attracted large numbers of people, most of them suffering from bronchial conditions. For the waters to have any effect, you have to do a 'novena', meaning visitors must drink them for nine days in a row. Although some attribute the good results to the excellent food served in Escalona (where visitors usually stay) and to the walks needed to reach the spring, since the water must be drunk on site.
We continued the excursion after catching our breath from climbing the 270-plus steps (as you can see, you can do it with children...) and came across this beauty along the way
We got out of the 4x4 to marvel at this wonder of nature!!
We continued our day with another pleasant surprise: a short route to a spectacular spot, the route to the Hermitage of San Úrbez . Simply a delightful walk.
There's a very good link above to see the whole route.
We finished the morning enjoying the park, which is breathtaking. The route is truly worth it, and for photography lovers it's like Disneyland.
This 4x4 trip takes up the morning. If you like, you can refuel in Escalona, but many people go down to Aínsa , the hub of this fabulous area.
In the capital of Sobrarbe we also have good friends who can offer you food and lodging so you can keep enjoying the wonders of this part of the province of Huesca.
Here are the addresses of two highly recommended hotels where you can stay to enjoy the many activities the area offers.
At Hotel Dos Ríos , our friend Luis Sierco and his team give their very best to be a benchmark in Sobrarbe.
Here's a photo from their website that we love: it's our customised HT.
In the heart of the town you'll find this refurbished inn-hotel
With incredible value for money.
So now you know: there's no excuse not to get to know our beautiful province better, with so many corners to discover.
Another day we'll tell you more about Aínsa, which could fill many posts, and this year, 2013, the Morisma festival takes place.
