Catalan Pyrenees (Pallars / Encantats): Alos D’Isil to Espitau de Vielha
Stages P21 – P24
Alos D’Isil (1300m) to Refugi D'Airoto (2197m)
10/02/2020
Stage: P21
Map: Editorial Alpina 1/40,000 Alt Pirineu
Time: 6.15hrs (dept 08.30hrs / arrive 14.45)
Distance: 11.1km (ascent 1327m / descent 395m)
Weather: Warm and sunny
Notes: A steep climb up from the valley to a Coll before a short descent to the hut. Not as short a day as it looks on the map. From Alos D’Isil enter the valley heading west and climb to gain the marked track on the north facing slope. The valley opens out into a pleasant hidden bowl. The Collada del Clot de Moredo (2430m) is the obvious pass that gives access to the west. The descent to the hut is straightforward.
Accommodation: Refugi D'Airoto (2197m) is a well-equipped small hut in an attractive location.
Alternative accommodation: There are no shelters shown on this section of the route.
Refugi D'Airoto (2197m) to Refugi de Saboredo (2310m)
11/02//2020
Stage: P22
Maps: Editorial Alpina 1/40,000 Alt Pirineu & Editorial Alpina 1/40,000 Val d’Aran
Time: 9.05hrs (dept 08.10 / arrive 17.15)
Distance: 19.0km (ascent 1452m / descent 1347m)
Weather: Fair morning, mist and light snowfall in afternoon
Notes: A day of two halves, split by crossing a main road and passing close to a ski resort. The first half heads SW and crosses a remote landscape of small lakes with undulating and fairly indistinct terrain. The ski route mostly follows the line of the summer footpath. It is worth staying West of the summer footpath after the Serrat de la Garrabea and cross the Collada del Muntanyo (2429m) to get a better descent. (we were not able to do this due to bad weather and poor visibility). The second half is an obvious hut approach and should have ski tracks.
From the main road (ski lifts etc) at Port Dera Bonaigua 2080m head SW dropping 300m (possible difficulties in trees). It is best to stay high as long as possible. (again, we were not able to do this due to bad weather). Turn South on the road and follow the valley up the hut at 2300m.
Accommodation: Refugi de Saboredo (2310m) is a medium sized hut open at weekends, holidays and on reservation.
Alternative accommodation: There are no shelters shown on this section of the route. There is a restaurant on the main road at Port Dera Bonaigua but no accommodation.
Refugi de Saboredo (2310m) to Refugi de Restanca (2010m)
12/02/2020
Stage: P23
Map: Editorial Alpina 1/40,000 Val d’Aran
Time: 6.30hrs (dept 08.15 / arrive 14.45)
Distance: 14km (ascent 1014m / descent 1319m)
Weather: Slightly overcast / fairly sunny
Notes: A fairly long and complex stage crossing 5 cols through varied terrain: Coth de Sendrosa (2299m), Coret de Cloto (2189m), Port de Ribereta, Port de Caldes (2567m), Port de Rius (2475m). The route follows the Carros de Foc path, later becoming GR11 and HRP.
Accommodation: Refugi de Restanca (2010m) is a large hut reported to be open at weekends, holidays and on reservation. There is pleasant winter room for 16.
Alternative accommodation: The Refugi de Colomers (2140m) is approx half way and has a well equipped winter room for 14 pax.
Refugi de Restanca (2010m) to Espitau de Vielha (1600m)
13/02/2020
Stage: P24
Map: Editorial Alpina 1/40,000 Val d’Aran
Time: 5.05hrs (dept 08.10hrs / arrive 13.15)
Distance: 11.0km (ascent 649m / descent 1036m)
Weather: sunny morning, becoming overcast later
Notes: A short section following an obvious valley and crossing a single col. The route follows the GR11 path. From the hut cross the dam and traverse steep slopes to join the valley floor at Plan de Rius (1948m). Continue W to cross the Port de Rius (2344m). Descend by the line of the summer path to avoid steep cliffs.
Accommodation: The Espitau de Vielha has been closed for several years. The choice is to bivouac or seek transport through the tunnel to find accommodation in Vielha.
Alternative accommodation: Refugi de Conangles (1555m) is located close to the road and may be open on request.
There are no Cabanes shown on this section.
Resupply: We collected supplies of food, fuel, maps, batteries, etc for Section Five in Vielha. This is a large town with all services and facilities.
14/02/2020: Rest day in Vielha
