TRAIL ROUTE through Villanúa (Huesca)

I’m lucky to live in one of the most stunning places in the world, the Pyrenees. More specifically, I live in Villanúa (Huesca), a charming village at the foot of a peak in the Pyrenees nearly 3000 meters high, Collarada 2886m. The views from the village below are spectacular, so just imagine from above. Simply fantastic! How would you like to take a trail route through Villanúa?

The route I’m going to suggest is one I personally love to do. Maybe you won’t climb the highest peaks, maybe it’s not the most spectacular route, but it’s very accessible for any level, and above all, suitable for running or walking. So today’s plan: Trail Route through Villanúa!

Trail route through Villanúa: A route that impresses with its beauty!

From the interpretation center of the Cueva de las Güixas, undoubtedly the village’s nerve center, we ascend along the road towards the access track to Collarada. We continue until we see a curve to the left, where the turnoff to Fuente del Paco is located.
We leave the road to the right and follow a marked ascending path through narrow trails with a steady climb until the slope eases and we reach the picnic area and the well-known Fuente del Paco. No need to bring water, as we can refill right here, since its quality is excellent, a true spring source. What more could you ask for?
Here you’ll find the best and freshest water in the area, so take advantage and refill your water bottles. There’s also a shelter where you can take cover.

We keep ascending and when we reach a bridge, we don’t cross it (because if we did, we would go back down to the village via a forest track, which could be an option for a short outing), but instead we go straight up a marked path.

We will cross the river, steep areas, more runnable sections… until we reach the La Espata Refuge. From here, the views are beautiful (with the lovely Espata peak and the Bacunes area… from this point, we can take countless more mountainous routes).

We continue and will find another spring to refill (again), remember the importance of hydration when doing sports. We can continue our way following the track, which we will follow for about 3 km.

Our goal: Collarada peak (2886m)

Following the path, we will reach the La Trapa Refuge. An important point passed on the ascent to Collarada peak (2886m). Here we can refill water once more (this will be the last spring where we can drink), so fill up completely.

We will follow the markers that lead us through the Azús ravine back to Villanúa, but not before crossing a beautiful green meadow. This could be a good spot to take a short break, have a small snack, and regain strength, then descend along a playful path where we can enjoy nature.

This trail route through Villanúa to Collarada peak can be run in about two and a half to three hours if going at a gentle pace.
Always remember to carry plenty of water (which also helps prevent fluid retention) and food, even though there are springs at each refuge, keep in mind they might be dry.
It’s advisable to always bring some warm clothing (rain jacket, neck gaiter…) no matter the season, as we are in the mountains and weather changes can be unpredictable. Also, we ascend to about 1700 meters above sea level, so cool temperatures are guaranteed.

Safety first!

And most importantly, always bring with you the desire to have fun and on the way back recover properly. This is where my inseparable companion comes in… The Sizen 6+. After a well-deserved rest and thanks to pressotherapy (how pressotherapy works), we’ll be ready for the next training day or simply for anything else.

Important note: let a friend or family member know before you start the route, because from Fuente del Paco until past the La Espata refuge, there is no mobile phone coverage. Safety first.

Virginia Pérez Mesonero is a trail runner and Sizen ambassador.