Stage 14: Refugio de Respomuso - Balneario de Panticosa
(0h0min; 0 kms) Refugio de Respomuso (2,200m). There is a drinking fountain right next to it. The trail continues in an easterly direction towards the Campo Plano reservoir. Turn left to cross the river and head south-south west following the valley that opens out to the right of the peaks of Campo Plano (2,721) and Llena Cantal (2,941), easily recognised for its pyramid silhouette. The path heads across fields as far as the...
(1h25min; 3.4 kms) Ibón de Llena Cantal (2,427m), and then past rocky terrain and ice depending on the time of year. The last part is rugged, and you will need to clamber on several occasions (there is cable to hand, and an ice-axe is recommended in the presence of snow) on your way to the...
(2h15min; 4.6 kms) Collado de Tebarray or Piedrafita (2,771m). The path runs along the left-hand slope skirting Tebarray lake to the Cuello de L’Infierno (5min; 2,721m), below the Picos del Infierno (3,082m), both of which can be climbed from the col. You commence your descent down the Barranco de Piedrafita, - opposite, in the distance, you will make out the hulking mass of Vignemale- along which runs a water course to the Ibones Azules (metal cabin, in precarious condition). You leave it on the right and continue down towards the Bachimaña Alto lake.
(3h30min; 8.3kms) GR-T 24 link (2,212m). Shortly before the lake-reservoir you reach the crossing that links the GR11 with the GR10 via the Transversal 24 path over the Marcadau pass. Keep to the right, crossing the river, and continue along the path that skirts the reservoir. Once past the dam, another smaller one appears below, belonging to Ibón Baxo de Bachimaña, where you will find the...
(4h05min; 10.0kms) crossing to Bachimaña shelter – dam (2,175m). The path zigzags down the Cuesta del Fraile, across which waters from the river Caldarés come crashing down at the popular Salto del Fraile. Once you reach the bottom, you cross a reasonably flat area where you can get water from any one of the streams that come from the wall on the right. The valley narrows, there are various sections equipped with cables, which are useful in winter. You continue your descent among pine trees, you pass the Llano de O Bozuelo – a peaceful spot and starting point for those descending the Caldarés ravine – and take on the final descent to the...
(5h30min; 13.3kms) Balneario de Panticosa (1,640m). Hotel complex, spa, mountain hostel, souvenir shop, etc.
At the beginning of the stage you have the Respomuso auberge (/).
During the stage you can stop at the Ibones de Bachimaña shelter (/). There are also a few cabins along the route. There is a small cabin at the blue lakes (precarious condition) and another small one on the north bank of the Bachimaña Alto reservoir (acceptable condition, a 30mins detour).
At the end of the stage, at the Panticosa spa, you have the Casa de Piedra auberge (/). It has a bar, food service and a free kitchen. If it’s luxury you are looking for, you can always stay at the Gran Hotel.
Transport:There are no bus services to the Balneario de Panticosa. The nearest option is the village of Panticosa, which is 7.3kms away (Alosa-avanzabus bus company).
Detrás el Pico de la Forqueta, los Picos de la Fondella y el Musales.
Camino del Ibón de Llena Cantal con la LLena Cantal de fondo
Camino del ibón de LLena Cantal con el Balaitús de fondo.
Detrás los Picos de Bachimaña
A la izquierda del collado los Picos del Infierno, a la derecha el Pico de Piedrafita.
Abajo en el valle se encuentra el Balneario de Panticosa. Al fondo la Sierra de Tendeñera.
