Peak Bagging and Long Distance Walking in the UK and Spain: Bisaurín

Walk Summary

Photo stop on HU-212 of days objective - Bisaurín
on way to walk start point at Refugio Lazara

Only a 23 mile drive from Camping Valle de Ansó along metaled HU-212 all the way to walk start point from car park near Refugio Lazara, but still took over 1 hour partly due to number of switchbacks after Aragüés del Puerto but also numerous photo opportunities to stop and view days objective - Bisaurín and the picturesque valley of the Rio Osia. The main point being that access to walk start point is straightforward during Spring, Summer and in our case Autumn months. I presume 4x4 and/or snow chains would be required when snow is on the ground.
Met a guy called Mike from Oregon the day before at the campsite, who was cycling the length of the Pyrenees from east to west. He decided to have a day off and come on a hike with me!
Straight forward enough route though from the refugio car park with a well defined path and the familiar red/white paint marks to guide you all the way to Collado del Foratón Just the one switchback to keep rate of ascent at a manageable rate and although could take a more direct approach and cut it off decided to stick with the path.

Follow ridge up to Bisaurín from Collado del Foratón.
I am sure the scramble is not as hard as it looks

The path continues to the right from the Collado heading straight for the summit and what looks like may provide an interesting scramble onto the rocky Bisaurín summit crown. As is often the case, the closer you get the route becomes clearer and although rate of ascent increases significantly it is possible to pick a route up to the 2550 contour with out having to lay hands on rock other than for maybe a bit of a rest. At the top of this section the path turns right to the summit ridge and after another 100m of ascent reach the summit ridge just west of the 2653m spot height. The summit is still another 20m higher and 80m to the east but at this point is forgotten, distracted by the spectacular view of the northern Pyrenean foothills to the north towards the French border. On its own the valleys, ridges and pointed peaks would be enough but the differing types of rocks twisted layers and multiple colours just left us both in awe of the beauty of nature. If ever you need to answer the question why you go hill-walking the answer is here in front of you.

Obligatory Selfie with Mike from Oregon on Bisaurín summit

Fine artwork.
Geology as the artist.
Earth's metamorphosis as the canvas
Still no anti-climax at the summit. Repeat photos taken of layers and colours not to mention higher peaks to the west and slightly closer the conical peak of Pic du Midi d'Ossau. A French P600 but one that will have to be climbed, if not on this trip sometime in the future.
Return route is back the way we came.A tough day for us both and a fairly late finish, so we decide to eat out in Anso that night. No restaurant open but a great bar serving Tapas and draft Martini, made for a good night to cement a brilliant day.
Gave Mike a lift to Jaca next day. Last I saw of him he was heading for Broto 50km away. Don't know if he made it.

Walk Statistics

Walk Date - 26 September 2018
Walkers - Steve Smith, Mike Wolf

Accommodation - Camping Valle de Ansó, Ansó

Start Point - Refugio Lizara car park at end of HU-212 (N42°45'48" W038'01")
Start Time - 11:53

Finish Point - Refugio Lizara car park at end of HU-212 (N42°45'48" W038'01")

Finish Time- 18:29

Total Duration - 6hrs 36mins
Overall Average pace - 0.93mph
Total Distance Walked - 6.14 miles
Total Height Ascended - 1178.00metres

Peaks visited
Spain/Portugal 600m Prominence Peaks (168S - 185S&P - 2165E)

Bisaurín (21S - 22S&P - 51E)

Pyrenees Top 50 by Prominence (50)

Bisaurín (5)

Spain/Portugal 300m - 599m Prominence Peaks (1000+)