The catwalks of the Vero river, or how to dissect beauty in four acts

The surroundings of the Vero river make up one of those places everyone should visit at least once in their lives. There are plenty of reasons for that: this is one of the most beautiful natural environments both in Huesca and in Spain; it is the perfect place for active tourism, canyoning being its main attraction; Alquézar, the village that lies next to it, is considered one of the most beautiful ones in the whole country—and there are so many other reasons to visit the catwalks of the Vero river!

A route for all ages in an unbelievable setting

The catwalks of the Vero river are located in the municipality of Alquézar, only 51 kilometres away from the city of Huesca. Moreover, the latter belongs to Somontano, a region in the autonomous community of Aragón that has lately become popular thanks to its excellent wine-making.

A narrow catwalk hanging on a rocky wall

A catwalk on the route of the Vero river. | Shutterstock

Coming back to the matter at hand, the catwalks of the Vero river will take us through a mountain route that is perfect for all ages, since it is only three kilometres long. It also has a 180-metres slope framed by the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park. The route will take us about an hour and a half—if we do not count the time we will inevitably spend admiring the landscape and taking pictures, of course.

A walk along the Vero river in four acts

This beautiful route is divided into four sections. However, the traveller should buy a ticket beforehand. We can do so near the square of Rafael Ayerbe, right next to Alquézar’s town hall. It costs four euros, a sum which will go to the preservation of the environment. After that, the traveller may depart and start walking through the first section, which begins in the square and goes through the old town until it reaches the actual path. We are guided at all times by a series of signals that are scattered through the village.

A waterfall and a catwalk on the left

One of the waterfalls of the Vero river. | Shutterstock

This is where the second section starts. It consists of a descent towards the Vero river, wherein we will cross the ravine of La Fuente. After that, the third step of the route spreads along the river bank, passing by interesting spots like the cave of Picamartillo, the old hydroelectric power station or the lookout of the Vero. Now there is only one section left, another descent through a somewhat steep walkway whose ending point takes us back to Alquézar, more specifically to the parking that lies next to the church of San Miguel.

This route really is perfect for families, but it is true that one should take into account the fact that some people might feel dizziness while going through the catwalks, although they rarely go high enough to produce such an effect. Nevertheless, they have thought of everything. When the walkways are between five and ten metres over the floor, there are alternative paths for the adventurers that are afraid of heights.

All the possibilities in Somontano

Before or after we pay a visit to the catwalks of the Vero river, the traveller might want to take a bite of the delights Alquézar has to offer. The church of San Miguel Arcángel or the shrines of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, San Gregorio and San Antón are some interesting points to start with.

A panoramic view of a medieval village

Alquézar, perhaps one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. | Shutterstock

The main square we departed from, also known as the square of Mosén Rafael Ayerbe, provides an interesting view, just like the Gothic doorway, the gate to the village’s heart. The sculpture and lookout of Sonrisa del Viento—which means “the wind’s smile” in Spanish—is another must-see in Alquézar. We can enjoy a lovely view of the village and the last section of the Vero river’s canyon from there.

Likewise, the region of Somontano has many places of interest for tourists. Its vineyards and wineries specialized in Garnacha, a variety that is quite popular in Aragón, are presently some of the most popular ones. Nature lovers cannot miss a visit to the stunning waterfall of Bierge either. It is also compulsory to stop by at the capital: Barbastro. Its cathedral, the diocesan museum and the old town are some of the most remarkable spots there.

asasd

About the author