The Swallows Route is a historical journey that follows in the footsteps of the women of Roncal, Ansotan and Salacenca. These women migrated to the French side of the Pyrenees in search of work at the beginning of the 20th century.

The classic version of this route runs through the heart of a unique natural landscape in Larra, Belagua, Linza, Lescun, Bearn and Zuberoa. You hike through the Western Pyrenees, with its forests, peaks and valleys. This Collection includes four stages with 75 kilometres (46 mi) and 3,500 metres (11,500 ft) of elevation gain. Linking four refuges, it leads through a wonderfully-varied terrain viatracks and stony paths. You’ll enjoy incredible views of the Roncal Valley, Midi peak, and Ansabere and Petrechema, among others.

You need to be relatively fit and experienced navigating the mountains to take on this route. I recommend carrying enough water for the entire route and wearing good shoes that are suitable for the rocky terrain. You only need to pack your lunch each day, as you can have breakfast and dinner at the refuges where you sleep.

To get to the Belagua hut, the start point, you have to drive as there are no buses. The refuge has a car park and the road there is in good condition.

You can enjoy this spectacular, varied route around Larra from mid-May to mid-October. The dates change each year depending on the amount of snowfall. You should check the weather forecast: remember that these are high mountains and everything can change very quickly. Time to enjoy an itinerary with a lot of history!