On 9th May I left Australia – destination Barcelona to begin walking
the Camino Aragonés. I chose this less travelled route to enjoy
quiet solitude and it was certainly that. I encountered very few
pilgrims on the way and some days none at all but somehow at night a
few pilgrims would appear from nowhere at the albergue and the next
day disappear to nowhere again.My plan to start at Somport was thwarted due to unseasonal snow and
ice on the ground – much too dangerous for a solo pilgrim to trek down
the mountain so I began walking at Canfranc Estación where the old
ruined station has been restored to it’s original magnificence. A
few kilometres further on the tiny village of Canfranc has a
beautiful modern albergue but sadly no place for a hungry pilgrim to
eat as the only bar doesn’t open till 6 pm.The next day a high ridge followed the Aragon river below to Jaca
where I witnessed a re-enactment of a Napoleonic war ( not sure which
one).A long walk to Arrés the next day. The last 3 Kms were extremely
windy but there was a very warm welcome at the albergue where we had a
communal dinner that night.On to Artienda. A section of this walk is on the verge to the road
and of course the albergue is at the top of a very steep hill but the
albergue has a restaurant attached and a very welcome self serve
breakfast in the morning.The next day was a relatively short walk but Ruesta is s great place
to chilll out before the next days hard (I thought) walk to Sanguesa.From Sanguesa to Monreal is a long stretch – 27km passing through some
small villages but with no options for accommodation. From Monreal
to Tiebas once again up and over a forested mountain then up a steep
hill at the end and finally to Puenta la Reina where the Aragonés
meets the Frances.I enjoyed this camino and would recommend it for those that like a
more contemplative experience with hiking challenges along the way.Janice Pearson
