The Lakes of the Colomèrs Cirque with a Mountain Guide

The Colomèrs Cirque is a high-mountain glacial basin on the edge of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, above Salardú, surrounded by peaks of more than 2,800 metres. A path links a chain of lakes, and with a mountain guide from Aran Experience, the booking centre of Naut Viatges in Vielha, you do the circular route past six of them: the Estanh Major, the Mòrt, the Garguilhs, the Long, the Cabidornats and the Lòssa, passing the Colomèrs refuge.

From Ribera de Aiguamòg to Montanheta by taxi

You meet in the Ribera de Aiguamòg car park, opposite the Hotel Balneario Banhs de Tredòs. Getting there is up to you. From the car park, an authorised National Park taxi takes the group to the Montanheta stop, where the walk starts. It costs €7 per person each way, €14 return, and is paid to the driver: it is not included in the price of the outing.

Five hours from lake to lake

The route is about 8 km with 360 metres of ascent, and takes about five hours with stops. The paths are high-mountain, with stones, slopes and uneven stretches. The company rates it low technical difficulty and high physical difficulty: you don't need to know anything about mountains, but you must be used to walking several hours on broken terrain. Along the way, the guide explains the geology of the cirque, the flora, the fauna and the history of the place.

The guide may change, shorten or lengthen the route according to the group and the weather, or call it off because of storm, snow or strong wind; if called off for safety, you are given another date or a refund.

From age 10 and used to walking

From age 10, with walking experience and with a responsible adult. The company doesn't recommend it for those with reduced mobility, problems on uneven terrain, recent injuries or cardiovascular problems. Groups of at least four leave, from June to October depending on the state of the mountain, with the guide in Spanish, Catalan, French or English depending on availability.

They admit one dog per group if you tell them beforehand and the rest of the group agrees; it must be kept under control and comply with the National Park rules.

What is included, what to bring and what it costs

Included are the qualified mountain guide, explanations throughout the route and public liability insurance. Not included are the taxi, the journey to the meeting point or food. The listing doesn't publish a fixed price: the price appears on the booking calendar when you choose the date.

Bring mountain boots or trail shoes, mountain trousers, a fleece, a waterproof and windproof jacket, a rucksack of about 20 litres, at least a litre and a half of water per person, food, a cap, sunglasses and sun cream. Walking poles are recommended. If your footwear is unsuitable, the guide may not let you set out, and then there is no refund.

Booking and cancelling

Book on the website, choosing date and time, and pay by card; the voucher arrives by email with the meeting-point directions. Also on 973 64 00 87, at [email protected] or at its office at Avinguda Pas d'Arrò, 11, in Vielha. For groups of up to five, cancelling more than 72 hours ahead gets you a full refund; between 72 and 48 hours, half; after that, nothing.

The night before, sleep nearby: the Hotel Casa Irene is in Arties, a few kilometres from Salardú, where on your way back you can see the paintings in the church of Sant Andrèu.