I'm going to Spain!

[Stewart Fishburne]

After too long a gap, I’ve just booked a trip to do some walking in the Pyrenees in mid-late September. The trip will be shared with France, but I’ve long wanted to visit the Ordesa Gorge (I saw a TV travel program about it some time last century and was captivated). Combine that with watching lots of TV of Bradley Wiggins winning the Tour de France where some of the key stages took place in the Pyrenees,  and I persuaded myself that this is the year to do this particular area. I’m flying into and out from Toulouse and after a couple of days on the French side I’ve booked to stay in Torla for 3 nights. So I really only have two whole days in Spain. My thoughts were to do the circular walk of the Ordesa Gorge on one day and perhaps have a more relaxing day on the other, maybe driving around and taking in the Anisclo Gorge. But I’ve seen described a walk that goes to the top of the Sestrales - a 1000m sheer drop where, if you have the stomach, you can crawl to the edge, and look down on Eagles and maybe vultures soaring up and down on thermals, That sounds fantastic, if just a little scary.

 

My rather specialist questions for the group are

 

Recommendations for eating in Torla or very near by.

I’d love to see vultures flying. Has anyone any specific recommendations in the area I’m visiting?

Any recommendations re the walking destinations themselves – I’m travelling and walking alone, so know I need to let people know my route

Any other places close by which I really mustn’t miss?

My Spanish is almost non-existent. Being very close to the border will I be able to get by in shops/visitor centres in French (or English, even)?

How reliable is the weather from the middle towards the end of September?

 

I’m sure I’ll think of more, but that’s it for now.

 

All advice welcome.

 

Thanks.

 

Stewart

 

[Roger Warwick]

Hi Stewart,

I'm afraid I know absolutely nothing about that area, so I'm hoping others on the list will be able to help. However, here are a couple of maps which may come in useful for you, and available on the Torla town hall site:

Map of Torla showing restaurants & bars, and also the location of the tourist information office:

http://www.torla.es/mapa.pdf

Map of the surrounding area, showing suggestions for walks and excursions:

http://www.torla.es/pages/ampliarmapa.htm

Have fun!

Roger.

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http://www.GoMadrid.com - Madrid City Guide for Tourists

http://www.LisbonApartments.com - Quality Lisbon Apartments for Tourists

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[Stewart Fishburne]

Roger

 

Thanks for the links. For a man who knows nothing about the area, you’ve obviously done some research on my behalf. Which is very much appreciated.

 

Thanks again.

 

Stewart

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[Stewart Fishburne]

Dear all

 

I’ve just returned and had the most fantastic time. I wish I could have stayed much longer (although the weather broke on the day I came away, so maybe I was just lucky). I stayed at the (highly recommended by me – 50 Euro for single occupancy of a double en-suite room, excellent 3 course dinner with plenty of choice was another 16) Hotel Bujaruelo in Torla and spend one day walking in each of the Ordesa Gorge and the Anisclo Canyon (both part of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park). The scenery is absolutely breath-taking, particularly Ordesa. The gorge is 1000 metres from top to bottom with very steep sides and probably a little less wide. The cloud was just clearing upwards when I set out so I could see the tops of the other side bathed in sunshine above the wispy white cloud. Beautiful. After a steep 600m climb to start the day (there is a mirador from where you pretty much look down vertically on the car-park you left 90 minutes or so ago), it gets much easier. And the views just keep coming. It’s the most stunning natural phenomenon I’ve ever seen.

 

Is there a mechanism for sharing photos on the site, Roger? I’ve only ever used mail – and my powers of description just don’t do the location justice.

 

Regards

 

Stewart

 

From: Roger Warwick

Sent: Monday, July 30, 2012 6:22 PM

To: trave...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: [travelspain] I'm going to Spain!

 

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[Jo Sentell-Perez]

I sure hope so - I really want to see those pics!!

Jo

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Jo

[Roger Warwick]

I'm afraid it's not possible, but you can maybe upload them to Flickr, Picasa, or some other such service.

Roger.

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On the road with Android

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