The initiative, promoted by Renfe and the Hoya de Huesca District, offers two ways to experience the landscape. The train serves as the connecting thread to the start of the routes and, once there, participants explore different sites on foot while learning about the area’s geology, history and natural features.
The Pre-Pyrenees Geological Train experience began in 2016 and has since enabled hundreds of travellers to discover this region through a combination of rail travel, hiking and environmental interpretation. The initiative is part of the guided tours and ecotourism programme run by the Hoya de Huesca District.
An experience combining hiking and rail travel to explore the region. Photo: Hoya de Huesca Tourism
NINE KILOMETRES TO THE KINGDOM OF MARCUELLO
The first of the two excursions will take place on September 27. Under the name "The Smaller Mallos and the Kingdom of Marcuello," the route will begin at Riglos station and cover nine kilometres on foot to Linás de Marcuello.
An experience that began in 2016. Photo: Hoya de Huesca Tourism
One of the stops along the route will be the Vultures’ Lookout, from where participants will be able to admire the landscape of the Mallos and their surroundings. The route will also offer an opportunity to learn about the origins and legends associated with this region through explanations from guides from the Hoya de Huesca District.
The Mallos de Riglos are among the landscapes featured by the Pre-Pyrenees Geological Train, an experience designed to explain the shapes and contrasts of this region on site. The district itself considers it a particularly representative part of its geological heritage.
TEN KILOMETRES BETWEEN THE RESERVOIR AND RIGLOS
The second outing will take place on October 25, following the route "Colossal Guardians of the Pyrenees." On this occasion, the itinerary will cover ten kilometres and connect the La Peña reservoir with Riglos, passing through the Foz de Escalete gorge.
The Pre-Pyrenees Geological Train is one of the three guided tour and ecotourism programmes organised by the Hoya de Huesca District. Photo: Hoya de Huesca Tourism
The itinerary will focus on the formation of the Pyrenees and the traces left on the landscape by geological processes. The route will offer views of the area’s large rock formations around Riglos, while guides explain how this region was shaped.
The Foz de Escalete gorge and La Peña reservoir are also among the sites included in the Pre-Pyrenees Geological Train experience, which uses train journeys and walks to interpret the landscape of the Hoya de Huesca.
AN EXPERIENCE THAT BEGAN IN 2016
The Pre-Pyrenees Geological Train began operating in 2016 as a way to discover the natural heritage of the Hoya de Huesca through rail travel and hiking. Since then, hundreds of passengers have taken part in its various editions, and in 2018 the experience was included among the 25 Best Tourist Experiences in Aragon, according to information published by Hoya de Huesca Tourism.
The initiative also resumed its train journeys last spring after three years without operating due to infrastructure improvement works. This autumn, the Canfranero will once again become the starting point for these interpretive routes through the Pre-Pyrenees.
