This adventurous hike descends through the pine forest of La Suert to the Congosto de las Devotas. This spectacular path on the ridge, goes to Lo Silbán at the foot of a cliff where the giant from the Silván legend had his cave. The route is an immersion in the rough, wild and dangerous terrain in which the people of Tella had to find their livelihood with a very varied landscape and beautiful views.
Distance: 7 km.
Time: 3h30.
Grade: Difficult.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Not recommended.
Height gain: 111 meters.
Trail: 98% unpaved.
Marking: Red dash.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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THE LEGEND OF SILVÁN.
The route descends through the dense pine forest of La Suert to Las Faixas, where the path on the ridge begins. Here you have a beautiful view of the valley of the Cinca. From here the ridge path is followed and the necessary caution is required because at some points the dizzying depth is not far away. After a first secured passage the path becomes a bit wider but soon follows a new narrow passage that is not secured. After the next secured passage you come to an impressive overhanging cavity in the mountain, you would think that this is already the cave of La Tosca but it is a little further. You descend further and arrive at a passage that is secured with a rope. In wet weather conditions you really have to pay attention here. At a sign "A Tella por las Faixas" you come to the cave of La Tosca. The path makes a sharp 180° bend. Lo Silbán is the entire ascending ridge, from south to north, it is said that the giant Silván had his cave in this mountain wall. You now climb steadily to the Silván pass. Here you climb out of the ridge by means of a secured passage with a few metal steps. You come out on a large boxwood field with little vegetation. You now climb to the pine forest of Devotas to come back to Tella.
Download PDf for map and route description.
Well marked.
Route is not recommended for people with little hiking experience or fear of heights.
Not suitable for children.
POI - The Story of Silván.
Sylvan was often depicted as a solitary figure who lived in the forests and caves around Tella, living in harmony with nature. He was said to have extraordinary powers that allowed him to control wild animals and influence the weather. The people of Tella believed that Silván had special powers that allowed him to heal people, but also to curse them. He was especially notorious for his knowledge of herbs and medicinal plants, which he used for both healing and spells. Legend has it that Sylván would occasionally come down to the village to offer his services to the inhabitants. However, if he was angered or not shown the required respect, he could become very dangerous. There are stories in which Silván is accused of sending plague or drought to the region as punishment for the ingratitude of the villagers. Because of this, many people saw him as a mysterious protector of nature who could be both beneficial and dangerous. The story of Silván lives on in Tella and the surrounding areas as a warning legend and a symbol of respect for nature and its powers. The legend emphasizes the age-old belief that nature is mystical and unpredictable and demands respect. This belief has probably also contributed to Tella, together with its three chapels, becoming a place where spirituality and superstition merge. Today, the legend of Sylvan is kept alive, especially by the inhabitants and by tourists who walk the Ermitas de Tella and look for the stories behind the landscape. Sometimes stories are told or symbolic rituals are held that honor the power of Sylvan and the ancient mysticism of the Pyrenees.
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