Head For Heights? Follow The Zigzagging Montfalco Walkway In Spain

Hikers heading for Huesca this summer have many opportunities to explore this scenic and beautiful region. Among the attractions is Montfalco’s zigzagging walkway, clinging to a vertical rock face. Admittedly, you will need a head for heights to attempt this, but other attractions in the area offer fascinating views without feeling vertigo. Read on to learn more about the panoramic views from Montfalcos Walkway and other scenic spots.

The Montfalco Walkway in Spain

Overlooking the Noguera Ribagorzana River on the border between Huesca and Lerida is Montfalco’s walkway. The zigzagging walkway clings to a vertical rock face over a dizzying drop. However, for those with no fear of heights, these footpaths reveal incredible views over the countryside. Meanwhile, hiking trails also head over suspension bridges and footbridges in Huesca’s unique landscapes.

These wonderful hiking trails are located in three areas of Huesca. One is next door to the quaint village of Alquezar, another in Somontano de Barbastro. Meanwhile, striking mountain scenery can be enjoyed in Alto Gallego, where the newly-ope ed Panticosa footbridge can be found. Moreover, last and by no means least, the Montfalco  Walkway (Falcon Mountain) overlooks Mont Rebei Gorge on the borderline with Lleida.

Uninhabited village of Montfalco

The uninhabited village of Montalco in the easternmost part of Huesca Province has been a ghost village since 1960 but is the starting point for reaching the footbridges and walkways. The footbridges overlook the scenic Noguera Ribagorzana River.

The first section is the traditional bridlepath used by locals to reach Puebla de Montanana, a village north of the river. To do this, locals had to overcome a major obstacle, the Mont Rebei Gorge and the river basin flowing from it. No other means of transport were capable of removing the obstacle.

In the limestone walls of the gorge, many griffon vultures can be seen nesting, along with bearded vultures, peregrine falcons, golden eagles and Egyptian vultures.

To tackle the gorge, it is possible to take a canoe in the Noguera Ribagorzana River. However, access to the vertical footpath offers an exciting experience for hikes.

Hiking the Montfalco Walkway

The hiking route starts in the abandoned village of Montfalco, in the Huesca region of La Ribagorza. Meanwhile, the village nestles in the mountains, where the well-signposted trail starts. Hikers will head downhill to the village fountain, next to which stands the old, open-air washroom.

The trail runs for 4 km (2.5 mi) one way and is of medium difficulty with a two-hour duration. Moreover, the elevation of Montfalco stands at 780 m (2,560 ft) and heads through the Puebla de Montanana at 510 m (1,673 ft)

Visitors can enjoy an overnight stay at Montfalco Hostel, or the Monastery de Les Avellanes close to Os de Balaguer, Noguera, Lerida, which was declared a historic and artistic site with tourist accommodations.

Throughout the experience, hikers will learn about the fauna and flora of the area with the illustrated information boards along the way. Meanwhile, readers can see more photos and information about the walkway and area on this website.