In the Pyrenees, Collett's is based in theattractive mountain village of Panticosa inthe Valle de Tena, high in the Alta Aragonregion of Spain. It is a short drive from theFrench & Spanish border and much of thewalking here allows you to experience boththe French and the Spanish sides. Whilstbreathtaking throughout, it is fascinatinghow different the landscapes are on eachside of the border ridge.Our base in Panticosa is the delightful threestar Hotel Sabocos, a relaxing andcomfortable base for walkers with stunningmountain views. It is run by our goodfriends, Abelardo and Pia, and they reallycannot do enough to ensure your comfort.As many of their guests are with Collett's, wehave a significant presence in the hotel,which enables us to ensure you get just whatyou want from your time here.As always, whilst attention to detail prevails,our hospitality is informal, friendly andrelaxed. Dinner is one of the focal points ofthe day and over a glass of wine and threedelicious (typically Spanish)courses atshared tables, guests enjoy good companyand often chat until well after coffee hasbeen served. holidays for walkers in the natural splendour of a vast and rugged mountain rangeAt Collett's, we will help you explore thismost scenically beautiful and diverse regionof the Pyrenees. You will see the awesomecanyons of Ordesa and the mighty peaks ofBalaïtous, Vignemale and Monte Perdido,each of which lies within two of the threeNational Parks within the range. As the snow recedes, we embark on classichigh level routes, summiting peaks here andthere, whilst still offering splendid optionsfor the moderate walker.Our walks set off after breakfast, sometimeswalking from the door. Generally, we drive tothe starting point. It is 10-15 mins. by car tosome walks and up to 50 mins. to others. You can stay in Panticosa for as long as youlike, arriving and departing on whatever dayssuit you. Travel here independently, fly-driving, self-driving or perhaps usingEurostar and the TGV.We now offer transfers from Pau andLourdes. Nevertheless, having your owntransport here will certainly facilitate yourstay and, on the whole, we consider it moreor less essential.organised walks with collett'sFive days a week (not Weds. or Sats.),Collett's organises two walks, onegenerally being of a moderate grade,the other being harder, both involvingbreathtaking scenery. Due to thegeography of the Pyrenees, the easier ofour two organised walks is generallyharder than the easier walks we offer inthe Dolomites and the Picos de Europa.self-guidingIf you prefer to walk independently, thehelp, advice and local knowledge of ourwalk organisers are always at hand,notably each evening at Office Hour. You are welcome to browse our Ideas &Information Files, which document someamazing walks. We have easy-to-carryRoute Laminates corresponding to eachof these routes and you can borrowthese on a daily basis.Whilst the Dolomites and Picos generallyoffer better options for the less fit - ifyou do choose to come here to meanderat your own gentle pace, perhaps with aview to seeking out the fascinating floraand fauna that are found at loweraltitude in June and July, we cancertainly point you in the right direction. As easy itineraries are quite limitedlocally and the really abundant flowerareas are generally reached after, say,300m of ascent, having a car is essentialif you choose to come here, as many do,specifically to appreciate the flowers onan independent basis.office hourOffice Hour takes place each earlyevening (except Wednesdays) at HotelSabocos. See Pages 10-11.You join our organised walks at yourown risk as part of an autonomousgroup, in which each member of theparty is responsible for their own safetyand has a duty of care to their fellowwalkers. It is all explained on Page 66.Walking in the PyreneesMagnificent Day Walks at Moderate & High Level45

Pico Anayet, Valle de TenaIn early September 2012, over and above our usual programme oforganised walks, Collett's is offering a special package, which givesyou the chance to walk five consecutive stages of the awe-inspiringGR11 high in the Pyrenees. The itinerary is designed so that you can enjoy the high mountainwilderness of a world-renowned route, whilst being able to returneach evening (bar two) to the comforts of Hotel Sabocos, where ahot shower, a cold beer and a delicious three course evening meal(with wine included) await you. You will also spend one night at thedramatic Refugio Respomuso and one night in the picturesquevillage of Torla, gateway to the Ordesa & Monte Perdido NationalPark.Be warned! Each stage involves between 700-1000m of ascent,900m-1250m of descent, and 12-20km of walking, so this particularholiday is not for the faint-hearted and has a Collett's grading ofhard and long!Guests who choose to do a week on the GR11 are naturallywelcome to extend their stay with Collett's either side of the GR11Week, taking advantage of our usual programme of organisedwalks.Dates: 1 to 8 September or 8 to 15 September 2012Interested? Contact us for a Factsheet.Ibón de Tebarrai (2690m)A Week on the GR11Amazing Walks in a Remote Wilderness46