Stage 8: Bolea - Nueno (Alternative 1: Arguis)
Today we get into Sierra de Caballera and Sierra de Gratal ranges to ascend a remarkable summit like Peña Gratal (1,543 m.). We’ll also discover ancient ice wells. These constructions, excavated in the soil at depths of up to 5 meters and finished in masonry, were common in Southern Pyrenees. Today you’ll know how they were built and what they were used for.
The stage starts in Bolea heading La Trinidad Baroque chapel, located at the foot of Sierra Caballera, where the ascent to the ice wells of Mata Menuda de Bolea starts. We’ll continue until we reach a crossroad where we have to choose between heading towards the beautiful village of Arguis, through an ancient beech forest called Hayedo del Peiró or going straight to the spectacular Gratal summit and the village of Nueno, as proposed in this description.
We must continue straight to Peña Gratal. After taking several detours, we will reach its summit and enjoy an exceptional panoramic view. Back on the path, we’ll continue to Col de las Calmas, from where we descend to Nueno, end of the stage, finding a group of three ice wells on the way.
We can choose between ending the stage in Arguis or in Nueno. If we finally decide to sleep in Arguis, next stage will be less demanding. However, we’ll miss the spectacular Salto de Roldán.
To avoid ruins collapse, please, do not cross the fence surrounding the ice wells.
When heading towards Arguis, we must follow Camino Natural de la Hoya signs. Pay attention to the GPS device when going to Nueno. There are no signs after Samarriana Col.
It can be very hot in late spring and summer seasons. There is no fountain after Trinidad Chapel in Bolea. In case we decide to end the stage in Arguis, there is a fountain after Hayedo del Peiró descent.
If you sleep in Nueno, it is recommended to book in advance.
We can choose between ending the stage in Arguis or in Nueno. If we finally decide to sleep in Arguis, next stage will be less demanding. However, we’ll miss the spectacular Salto de Roldán.
To avoid ruins collapse, please, do not cross the fence surrounding the ice wells.
When heading towards Arguis, we must follow Camino Natural de la Hoya signs. Pay attention to the GPS device when going to Nueno. There are no signs after Samarriana Col.
It can be very hot in late spring and summer seasons. There is no fountain after Trinidad Chapel in Bolea. In case we decide to end the stage in Arguis, there is a fountain after Hayedo del Peiró descent.
If you sleep in Nueno, it is recommended to book in advance.
