Ascent of the Pico d'Aspe peak
Ascent of Aspe Peak from Aísa
We propose this ascent to the Peak of Aspe, at 2645 m above sea level. It is not one of the Pyrenean three-thousanders, but it offers spectacular views from the summit. You can climb to the summit from Candanchú or from Aísa. We will tell you about the second route, which is of medium-easy difficulty and is not technically demanding.
We start leaving the village of Aísa behind us, from where the road continues northwards, running parallel to the Estarrún River. About eight kilometres later, after crossing pine trees and meadows, the track comes to an end - a metal fence blocks our way. We leave the car in the Riguelo car park (at 1,460 m). We set off along the track to the plains of Napazal.From here we can already see the approximate route up to Aspe. At the first turning on the track to the left we cross the Estarrún river and ascend between the valleys. We will reach a watering place, where we turn right to face the funnel, which will lead us to a new, steeper path that, little by little, takes us eastwards to enter an area of karst. Bear in mind that the dangers of karst areas include dolines (depressions that are more or less deep and with very steep walls, typical of limestone terrain), so you need to be careful when crossing them.
We continue along the path and see that we start to gain altitude quickly. The path is marked with milestones and takes us up to the Garganta de Aísa mountain passWe continue straight on along the path also marked with milestones that takes us to the summit. We have overcome a difference in altitude of 1185 m, in about three and a half hours with stops. Don't forget to take plenty of water with you in summer, as you won't find it all the way.
From the top have fun searching and contemplating: Las Blancas, Collarada (2.886 m), the Mallos de Lecherines (2.452 m), the Pico Lecherín (2.556 m), the Llana de la Garganta (.2599 m) and the Llana del Bozo (2.566 m), the Midi d'Ossau (2,884 m), the Mesola Peak (2,177 m) and the rest of the landscape that gives us the Aísa Valley and the Berdún Channel.
Practical guide
- Height: 2643m
- Situation: Aragonese Pyrenees, head of the Aísa and Aspe valleys (in France).
- When to go: From the beginning of June to the end of October.
- Difficulties of the route: Low difficulty for its normal routes and medium-high difficulty for the climbing routes (Bat route).
- Complicated sections: The normal route has no difficult sections. Early season snowfalls may make the route difficult. The Bat route (not the normal route) is a classic climbing route in the area (climbing equipment required).
- Recommended equipment: Waterproof boots and walking stick. Sunglasses and sun cream. Ice axe and crampons in winter conditions.
