TRAIL ROUTE through Villanúa (Huesca)
I am lucky and I live in one of the most impressive places in the world, The Pyrenees. More specifically I live in Villanua (Huesca) It is a very charming town, at the foot of a peak in the Pyrenees of almost 3000 meters of altitude, Collarada 2886m. The views from below of the town are spectacular so imagine from above. Just fantastic! What would you think of doing a trail route through Villanúa?
The route that I am going to propose to you, I personally love to do. You may not climb any great peaks, it may not be the most spectacular route, but it is very affordable for any level, and above all, suitable for running or walking. So today it's time: Trail Route through Villanúa!
Trail route through Villanúa: A route that impresses with its beauty!
From the Cueva de las Güixas interpretation center, undoubtedly the nerve center of the town, we ascend the road towards the access track to Collarada, we continue until we see a curve to the left, where the detour to Fuente del Paco is located.
We deviate from the road to the right and follow a marked path uphill through narrow paths that constantly climb until the climb softens and we reach the picnic area and the well-known Fuente del Paco. It is not necessary to bring water, because we can refuel right here, since its quality is excellent, an authentic spring source. What more could you want?
Here we will find the best and coolest water in the area, so take the opportunity to fill the canteens, there is also a shelter where we can take shelter.
We continue ascending and when we come across a bridge we do not cross it (since if we followed it we would go back down to the village along a forest track, this could be an option for a short outing), but rather we climb a marked path straight ahead.
We will cross the river, steep areas, more sliding areas... until we reach the Refuge of La Espata. From here the views are beautiful (with the beautiful Espata peak and the Bacunes area... from this point we can do an infinite number of more mountainous routes)
We continue and we will find another source where we can recharge (again), remember the importance of hydration when we do sports. We will be able to continue our way following the track, we will have to go along it more or less about 3 km.
Our objective: The Collarada peak (2886m)
Following the path we will arrive at the La Trapa Refuge. Important point through which you pass on the ascent to the Collarada peak (2886m). At this point we can also refill water once more (this will be the last source we can drink from) so fill up to the top.
We will follow the marks that will take us through the Azús ravine towards Villanúa again, but not before going through a beautiful green meadow, this could be an interesting point to make a brief stop to have a small snack and regain strength, after descending a path playful where we can enjoy nature.
this route trail Through Villanúa to the peak of La Collarada it can be done running in a time of approximately 2 and a half hours or 3 hours if we go at a gentle pace.
Always remember to go well loaded with water (It also helps prevent fluid retention) and food despite the fact that in each refuge we will find a source, but it must be taken into account that there is a possibility that they may be dry.
It is advisable to always bring some warm clothing (raincoat, tubular...) at any time of the year, we are in the mountains and changes in weather can be unpredictable. In addition we ascend to about 1700 meters above sea level and the coolness is at least assured.
Security before everything!
And most importantly, always take with you the desire to have a good time and when you return recover properly, this is where my inseparable companion would come in… The Size 6+, after a well-deserved rest and thanks to the presotherapy (this is how presotherapy works) we will be ready for the next training day or just for anything.
Important note to take into account: notify a friend or relative before making the route, because from the Fuente del Paco to the Espata refuge, we will not have mobile phone coverage, above all safety.
Virginia Perez Mesonero, is a trail runner and Sizen ambassador.
