Winter walks - part 2
AFTER last week reporting that the Pyrenees has been suffering one of the acutest snow deficits of the last decade, this week it finally started to snow in abundance. Up to half a metre of the white stuff was expected in high mountain areas, making up for some of the shortfall, following more than a month with scarcely any precipitation.
Whilst this will please the skiers, it will hamper the efforts of walkers who have set their sights on reaching mountain passes or summits. However, snow shoes will help on some of the less exacting routes including the one outlined here. This is on the PRHU 95 waymarked path from Panticosa village to the Cuello de Sabocos pass (2,090 metres), with a view of the glacial lake below. This can be undertaken in heavy snow, as a wide track for much of the route makes orientation easy.
The path starts behind the cable car station at the bottom of the village, next to the River Caldarés. Walk between the river and the station, passing under the wires for the cable car. Notice the walk signpost which indicates the PR HU-95. The path runs up a bank, then round to the right.
At the first signpost turn off left to follow the shady path which ascends through the trees. This is the Camino La Albarosa. It is a little more than 1km to reach a wide track. Here turn right and follow it for a couple of kilometres. At a sharp dogleg keep on the wide track which now starts the gentle ascent of the Ripera Valley, following the nascent Ripera River. The track crosses over the narrow river to follow its right bank up the valley towards the imposing Sierra de Tendeñera in the distance.
It’s a couple of kilometres to reach the top of the valley and a sharp dogleg right to start the ascent to the pass. In heavy snow, this is where the real effort starts. The route is still on a wide track which snakes up the hillside. Pass a shepherd’s hut (see photo) and continue ascending. There is a wide flatter area before the pass. The path hugs the right-hand side (below the Montaña del Verde peak – 2,295m), although there may be tracks in the snow marking a route along the middle. The Sabocos pass offers a magnificent view down to Sabocos glacial lake and over the surrounding mountains (and ski slopes).
It is possible to descend to the lake and return to Panticosa via the ski resort. However, this is not recommended in heavy snow, icy conditions or when the ski resort is open. From the Cuello de Sabocos, return on the same path.
In heavy snow, many walkers will not make it as far as the pass. There is no shame in turning back early, if you are tired or feel the route has become too onerous. It is 11km one-way to the pass, with an ascent of around 1,000 metres.
It is essential to find a bookshop or newspaper store beforehand to buy the ‘Valle de Tena’ editorial Alpina map which shows all the footpaths in the area on a 1:40,000 scale – or one of the other maps on offer.
Continues next week.