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Natural Path of the Lanuza Reservoir
Sallent de Gállego, Huesca
(2)
Walking through the dammed waters of the Gállego River
Difficulty-Low
2:00 h.
6.6 km.
Sallent de Gállego, Huesca (2)
Walking through the dammed waters of the Gállego River
Difficulty-Low
2:00 h.
6.6 km.
Mythical peaks of the Pyrenees, leafy almost bewitched forests, crystal-clear water pools and villages with the marked character that has identified them over the years is part of what the Valley of Tena and more specifically the region of Alto Gállego, in the north of Huesca, can offer to those who visit it.
The Natural Path of the Lanuza reservoir along its 6.6 km allows us to enjoy the magnificent landscape that surrounds Sallent de Gállego, from where this beautiful hiking route starts, a whole excursion of the most visited in Huesca. Under the watchful eye of the imposing Foratata Rock we undertake this itinerary that runs along part of the upper reaches of the Gállego River while it slowly flows through the dam that cuts its way downstream. With every step we leave behind us Sallent de Gállego to approach the large reservoir that will mark the way to go. The fields of grass give way to the lush vegetation that surrounds this slope of the reservoir. Vegetation that from time to time allows us to contemplate the great landscape that surrounds this region of the Pyrenees, as we can do from the Viewpoint of Sallent de Gállego, seeing reflected in the waters of the reservoir the mountains in front of us.
The Natural Path of the Lanuza reservoir leads us, cradled by the calm waters that form it, to meet Lanuza, the village that gives it its name and whose old houses were swallowed up by the waters that bathe it today. There are several areas in which we are invited to take a break and sit down to enjoy the surroundings in peace. The end of the route is marked by the imposing dam, whose vertical walls plunge down the valley leaving the river Gallego barely escaping through it. From the dam we will return to Sallent de Gállego, either on our own steps or on the opposite side and walk the streets of Lanuza, before ending our excursion in this area of the Pyrenees.
Legends say that over the years a good number of witches and wizards have lived in the Valley of Tena. Taking advantage of the lush forests and the hidden corners of its mountains, they have dedicated their lives to conjuring spells and dancing on dark covens. Such was their number and power that even ancient kings were forced to fight them and pursue them until they were destroyed. But today it is said that there are still people who tell of strange events or encounter on their walks and excursions unexpected fog or remains that could well be from covens that were hastily ended to avoid being discovered.
To get to Sallent de Gállego we have to follow the A-136 road that connects Biescas with the frontier of Portalet, being in Biescas where it passes the N-260 known as the Pyrenean axis. It is between Escarrilla and Formigal where we will find the detour that takes us to Sallent de Gállego, being in this section as we arrived from Biescas where the beginning of the route is located. Once there in the surroundings of the beginning of the route we will have different zones of parking where we will be able to park our vehicle.
A pleasant walk that our friend will undoubtedly love, besides it should not suppose great efforts as long as he is used to excursions in the countryside. Pay attention to the short stretch of road that we must face if we approach the dam.
There is no water along the whole route except at the beginning, so we will have to bring him some water so that he can hydrate himself properly.
The cattle are usually in the pastures that surround the route, so along the itinerary we should not find more than some other dog that is doing the route with its owner.
Just at the entrance of the road that brings us to Sallent de Gállego (0h 00min) from Biescas, we will find the beginning of this trekking route in the Alto Gállego region.
The route has two accesses that we can choose depending on the place where we manage to park our vehicle, or the starting point from which we go at the beginning of the excursion.
If we leave from the road, a few meters later we will be joined by those who made it through the metal footbridge that crosses the Gallego River.
Already together the path leads quickly to a sudden change of direction. We then start a short but demanding ramp fitted between the walls that delimit the estates on both sides of the route.
At the top this conditioned walk ends when we come across a track that comes from the road, a track that we will descend a few meters.
Quickly, and with the first views of the reservoir in front of us, we will find the path we must follow.
A path that is rather a wide trail that makes us lose without further delay the height gained a moment ago. This area of the route takes us away little by little from the reservoir as we continue to cross the surrounding pastures.
Once the descent is over, a footbridge helps us to cross an area that usually accumulates dammed water.
The itinerary is dotted with small corners equipped with tables and benches, where we can take a break and enjoy the surroundings of this excursion to the full.
The trail takes us through the vegetation surrounding this slope of the reservoir, without causing too many complications.
Alone, we have to meet some somewhat stony stretch that usually crosses small streams that flow into the nearby reservoir.
The clearings and the areas with more vegetation alternate, as do the continuous ups and downs, the usual tonic throughout the route.
The route cannot be lost, thanks in part to the footprint of the trail we follow and the marks and signs that act as guides.
After a while, the magnificent Viewpoint of Sallent de Gállego (0h 30min) appears before us, from which we can enjoy beautiful views.
From now on, the route will run without separating too much from the bank of the reservoir, although at some points the reservoir will remain hidden by the vegetation. As up to now the route continues to alternate small ups and downs, clearer areas with others totally surrounded by the trees that grow here.
Little by little we are approaching the village of Lanuza, which is watching us from the other side of the reservoir. A reservoir whose dam we can already see in front of us.
The small streams continue to cross our path, forcing us to jump from stone to stone to avoid stepping on the mud they leave behind.
A small area with a couple of tables next to a solitary post of the route warns us of the end of the Natural Path of the Lanuza reservoir.
Even so, we have the not inconsiderable possibility of continuing a little further to visit the dam of the reservoir. The trail ascends in search of the road that runs above our heads.
Once up the trail continues parallel to the road, separated from it by the guardrail. It is worth approaching the dam (1h 00min) and walking along it if only to contemplate the views from it, both of the reservoir and of the continuation of the valley.
From here we only have to return and we can do it by the same itinerary until we reach Sallent de Gállego (2h 00min) or do it by the other bank of the reservoir joining the PR-HU 92 that comes from Panticosa, although in this case we will do it entirely by asphalt since this PR of Huesca in this section follows the course of the road that crosses that slope.
Distance. 6.6KmOur starting point will influence this figure.
Time. 2:00hIf we decide to return by the other slope of the reservoir we will have to add 15 minutes approximately to the total time of the route.
Time of yearExcept on days when the snow prevents it or the waterlogged terrain makes it unadvisable, this is a route that is attractive all year round due to the surrounding environment. It allows us to enjoy the spectacular landscape and corners that flow with tranquility and beauty almost in equal parts.
Required equipmentComfortable hiking shoes and appropriate clothing is more than advisable even though it may seem that we are going to make a simple excursion. Some walking poles, some water and food should not be missing, even more so when we have several areas with benches and tables. Consult our list of material and equipment for hiking. Read more.
Difficulty. LowPhysical
With the exception of some short but intense ramps, this is an accessible route which, given its mileage, allows us to take it easy and travel it without too many problems, even if we are not in excellent physical shape.
Severity of the environment
We must not forget that the route runs largely along the banks of the reservoir, so it is not very advisable to leave its route. Otherwise, the terrain is not complicated beyond the mud or the stones that we must step on to save the streams. However, in the stretch of road we must be extremely careful to avoid problems.
Orientation
With almost no crossroads or detours, well trodden along and signposted at the right points, we should have no difficulty in following the route at any time. In addition, if we decide to return by the opposite bank to the marks of the corresponding PR, the road that follows it is added and that will take us without problems until the doors of Sallent de Gállego where, as soon as we arrive, we will see on our left the bridge that allows us to cross the river and to close the circle that we have drawn.
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| 1-Sallent de Gállego | 0:00h | 1285m | 0Km | 30T 718044 4738573 |
| 2-Viewpoint of Sallent de Gállego | 0:30h | 1266m | 1.6Km | 30T 718794 4737664 |
| 3-Dam of Lanuza reservoir | 1:00h | 1275m | 3.3Km | 30T 719805 4736569 |
| 4-Viewpoint of Sallent de Gállego | 1:30h | 1266m | 5Km | 30T 718794 4737664 |
| 5-Sallent de Gállego | 2:00h | 1285m | 6.6Km | 30T 718044 4738573 |
Coordinates UTM Datum WGS84
Slope: 180m
Slope +: 90m
Slope -: 90m
Maximum altitude: 1305m
Minimum altitude: 1266m
This sketch of the route is not made to scale nor does it contain all the information relating to the area, it is merely indicative.
This schematic with the path is approximate and has been created from the derived cartographic base © Instituto Geográfico Nacional "Cuadrante 145-2, 1:25.000"
Senditur has manipulated the tracks to correct the aberrant points that may exist, caused by problems with the reception of the GPS signal. In any case the tracks are always approximate. SENDITUR encourages you to use the new technologies within your reach, using them as support and consultation in your activity, not basing the realization and orientation of the same only and exclusively on them, since they may see their functioning altered by very diverse causes, not functioning correctly and their indications may not be precise.
Una ruta muy bonita
Un paseo precioso, ideal para que lo disfruten los peques, además es una zona de los Pirineos muy bonita.
The station of the Pyrenees, a Site of Cultural Interest, in the category of Monument.
Find out what to see in...
¿Did you know that...
Every year, usually in July, the International Festival of Cultures, known as Pirineos Sur, is held. This is a series of weeks full of events, performances and different cultural activities that bring together thousands of people every year.
Don't miss out...
The curious statue of the Giant of Sallent that you will find in the town hall square. It is a life-size reproduction of Fermín Arrudi, one of the best known characters in the region thanks in part to his 2.29 m height.
From the commitment of SENDITUR with Nature and the respect to the balance of the environment, SENDITUR urges you to travel in a responsible way, with low environmental impact and respecting at all times the Natural, Cultural and Social environment wherever you go.
Besides sharing with all of us your experience on the route we would be grateful if you could write to us to inform us of any erroneous or outdated information you may have found, or simply to let us know what you think at Thank you.
This route has been carried out in the field by SENDITUR on 16-07-2017. The route may vary greatly depending on the time of year, weather conditions and terrain, as well as the actions of third parties and the evolution suffered in the natural environment where it is located. All opinions, advice and/or assessments made by SENDITUR in their descriptions are for guidance only and are subject to and/or refer to the specific conditions of the specific day of the route, referring to that specific day, taken from trained people, with the appropriate experience and with a high level of physical and technical preparation as a reference, as well as correctly equipped.
All the times are approximate and take an orientative character, the stops have not been taken into account, no matter how small they are. All the information related to the route, texts, images, videos, maps, diagrams, tracks, towns, and places of tourist interest are published as a guide, and may not coincide with the current state of each place. Before undertaking any activity, assess your technical knowledge, your physical condition, find out about the weather and the variations that the route may undergo, equip yourself correctly, be prudent and responsible at all times, and do not exceed your capabilities. SENDITUR is not responsible for any misuse or inappropriate use of the comprehensive guides of its routes and/or publications as well as its electronic guides, nor for any variations in their descriptions for the aforementioned reasons, and recommends that everyone be responsible and prudent in carrying out the activity. We also encourage you to read books and specialised guides to complement the information described above.
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