Easy
Aragon · Spain
- Distance
- 5.3 km / 3.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 117 m
- Typical duration
- 1 hr 17 min
- Waymarked route
Camino Natural del Somontano de Barbastro
ExpertAragon · Spain
- Distance
- 55.1 km (34.2 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 1,692 m (5,551 ft)
- Typical time
- 15 hr
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- 897 m (2,943 ft)
About Camino Natural del Somontano de Barbastro
Camino Natural del Somontano de Barbastro is a 55.1 km hiking route in Aragon, Spain. It climbs roughly 1,692 m (5,551 ft) along the way, topping out at 897 m (2,943 ft). Most people take around 3 days at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The combination of distance, ascent and exposure puts this at the top end of what a day hike can be.
Walking a stage of a pilgrim route has a rhythm of its own, and the villages along it are used to hikers.
It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.
Summer here is hot and exposed, so the sensible season runs from autumn through to spring. The nearest town of any size is Huesca, about 32.7 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Ministerio de Agricultura.
In short, Camino Natural del Somontano de Barbastro suits experienced mountain walkers who are comfortable with exposure, navigation and long descents. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Expert55.1 km1,692 m897 m
Numbered marks every 10 km
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
Elevation
Elevation profile
- Ascent
- +1,692 m
- Descent
- −1,523 m
- High
- 897 m (2,943 ft)
- Low
- 479 m (1,572 ft)
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- High point of 897 m (2,943 ft)
- Pilgrimage route
- Over 1,000 m (3,281 ft) of ascent
Know before you go
- Best season
- October to May
- Waymarked
- Not consistently
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 73/100
- Adventure
- 86/100
- Difficulty
- 100/100
- Accessibility
- 13/100
- Family
- 7/100
- Dogs
- 47/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Start at first light. A long day is far more pleasant when you are not racing the sunset on the descent.
- Aim for october to may for the most reliable conditions.
- Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
- Break the route into stages and decide your turnaround time before you set off.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
Safety
Emergency services in Spain are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Trekking poles for the descent
- Offline map and compass
- Head torch and spare battery
- Extra warm layer
- Real food, not just snacks
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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Trails near Camino Natural del Somontano de Barbastro
Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.
Moderate
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- Distance
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- Elevation gain
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- Typical duration
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- Elevation gain
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- Typical duration
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