@NicolasLafarqueRoute 30 Dulantz and Cañón de Iranzu
- Departure: Abárzuza
- Distance: 18,6 km
- Unevenness: 600 m
PATH WITH A RAQUETTE-SHAPED PATH, WITH A INITIAL SECTION THROUGH THE IRANZU RIVER CANYON, AND THEN CLIMB THROUGH LUSH FORESTS TO THE TOP OF DULANTZ. ROUTE PROPOSED AS A TREKING, FORMED BY A LOCAL PATH (S.L., IN GREEN AND WHITE), AND A SMALL ROUTE (P.R., IN YELLOW AND WHITE).
Although the tour begins in the vicinity of the river, it is recommended to leave your car at the Iranzu Monastery. Once at the starting panel of the itinerary, going up the river, the walker can delight in the whimsical shapes that the Iranzu river has carved in the rock. Soon, the path enters oak and beech forests until it reaches the plains of Portandia. From here, and throughout the ascent to the top, you will be able to enjoy impressive views over the Urbasa and Andía mountain ranges. Nothing obstructs the view: Trinidad de Iturgoien, Peña Izaga, Higa de Monreal and, on clear days, the Pyrenees and the silhouette of Moncayo. The descent is done through the same place until you reach the forest, where you take the Lizarrate road to reach Gallatur. The views in this place of Larraiza and Legarobi surprise. Finally, taking the ascent track, you return to the starting point.
Of interest
Iranzu Monastery
From 1176, the Cistercian monks inhabited the Monastery of Iranzu, after the Bishop of Pamplona donated the land to them. However, in 1839 they were forced by Mendizábal to abandon the monastery, which passed into the hands of the State. After more than a century of neglect, in 1942 the Prince of Viana Foundation began its reconstruction. Since the following year, the Regular Clerics run it.
How to get
A-12 highway to Estella. Road to Urbasa (NA-120), pass Abárzuza and local track to the monastery
Route 31 Monjardín
- Departure: Labeaga
- Distance: 12,30 km
- Unevenness: 435 m
CIRCULAR TRAIL OF GREAT ATTRACTION THAT ALLOWS TO VISIT THE RUINS OF THE CASTLE OF VILLAMAYOR DE MONJARDÍN ON THE TOP OF THE MOUNT OF THE SAME NAME.
The itinerary starts from the town of Labeaga, next to the council house, where you can leave your car. From this point there is a wide and comfortable path that sometimes goes into the forest. The natural and scenic beauty of the route is evident in the richness of the vegetation both on the north slope, where the ascent begins, and on the south through which part of the itinerary passes. The ascent to the summit rewards with wide views of Estella land and a walk among the ruins of the Castle of Monjardín that crown the summit. From this point, the view dominates the Montejurra summit and the Urbasa and Andía mountains, in Codés … Due to the length of the route and the unevenness, this route is recommended for medium-level hikers with some physical preparation. Likewise, it is worth highlighting the need to carry water, since there is no possibility of getting it naturally along the walk.
Of interest
A muslim castle
At the top of the mountain the remains of the castle of Monjardín are preserved, a fortification of Muslim origin dating from the 9th century. Its conquest by the Navarrese monarch Sancho Garcés was of great importance for the Kingdom of Navarra. So much so, that the monarch made it a royal pantheon and was buried, along with his children, in the portico of the castle church.
How to get
On the A-12 towards Logroño and, after passing Estella, detour along the NA-132 B and NA-7452 to Labeaga.
Route 32 Sierra de Cábrega
- Departure: Mirafuentes
- Distance: 6,60 km
- Unevenness: 170 m
CIRCULAR PATH THAT GOES UP TO THE SIERRA DE CÁBREGA, LOCATED BETWEEN THE ALTIVA SIERRA DE CODÉS AND THE VALLE DEL EBRO. IN MIRAFUENTES, THE STARTING POINT, THE PALACE, THE HOUSE OF THE PRIMICIA, THE CHAPEL OF SAN ADRIÁN AND THE CHURCH OF SAN ROMÁN, WHICH GUARDS WORKS SUCH AS THE SAGRARIUM OF THE MAIN ALTARPIECE AND THE IMMACULATE ALTARPIECE.
The route starts from the lower part of Mirafuentes, next to the laundry, where a magnificent fountain with two pipes will feed the walker. After descending towards the Odrón river, the path soon plunges into an oak forest that ascends along the path of the quarries to the place known as the Palaciano raft. Almost at the top, the road begins to open up to the place where it begins to descend on the north face to reach the town of Ubago. The slope is accentuated on the descent. Ubago is a small picturesque town, whose white houses with red roofs are arranged around the parish church. It is worth stopping to visit the church of Santa María de Tours, a proto-Gothic masonry building from the 13th century with Gothic roofs from the 16th century, inside which houses a baptismal font of medieval origin. Leaving from Ubago, a gravel road, which runs between cereal fields, leads back to Mirafuentes, the starting point of the excursion.
Of interest
Parroquia de San Román
In a proto-Gothic style, the parish was built at the beginning of the 13th century. It is arranged in a single nave, narrow and long, made up of three unequal sections and a square header. In addition, the hermitage of San Adrián is rebuilt, where the Virgin of Beraza is worshiped.
How to get
Take the A-12 highway until the Los Arcos exit. Continue on the NA-129 to Mués and take the intersection to Cábrega and Mirafuentes (NA-7204).
Route 33 San Gregorio Ostiense
- Departure: Sorlada
- Distance: 6,80 km
- Unevenness: 180 m
CIRCULAR PATH THAT LINKS THE TOWN OF SORLADA, THE BASILICA OF SAN GREGORIO OSTIENSE, THE HERMITAGE OF THE VIRGIN OF THE CUESTA, THE TOWN OF MUÉS AND RETURNS AGAIN TO SORLADA WITH A SECTION ON THE BANKS OF THE ODRÓN RIVER.
It is recommended to park the car in the urban center, since at the beginning of the route there is no place enabled for it. From Sorlada, go up the road that leads to the Basilica of San Gregorio Ostiense. Shortly before reaching the basilica, we leave the road on a path to the left that descends towards the hermitage of the Virgen de la Cuesta and the town of Mués. After leaving the town through the pools and the laundry, we take a path to the right parallel to the river. The path loses its path in a plantation with a pine forest on the left, then we continue straight ahead through a somewhat complicated pass, but shortly after we come to a well-defined path that ends at the road. We cross it and follow the path that passes through the ruins of the El Congosto mill and along the edge of a field to a small rock point, where the path that leads to Sorlada appears again.
Of interest
The Basilica
The one of San Gregorio is one of the most representative sets of the Navarrese Baroque. In the first phase, the nave, the portal and the tower were raised. In a second phase, rococo, the transept and the head were built. The most popular and revered relic is the silver head that contains the bones of the saint and through which the ‘water of Saint Gregory’ is passed that blesses the fields.
How to get
A-12 motorway until the Los Arcos exit. Continue on the NA-129 through Mués until you take the intersection to Sorlada (NA-7410) on the right
Route 34 Sota Reservoir
- Departure: Cabredo
- Distance: 12,60 km
- Unevenness: 175 m
CIRCULAR PATH THAT WILL ALLOW US TO WATCH BIRDS IN THE SOTA RESERVOIR AND WALK THROUGH THE WELL-PRESERVED MAROJOS, QUEJIGOS AND HOLM FORESTS OF THE PEÑALABEJA NATURE RESERVE.
The route begins in the town of Cabredo, very close to the border with Álava. From the cemetery of this town, a track in good condition leads between cultivated fields to the same reservoir. In the vicinity of the reservoir there is a small picnic area with two large wooden tables. It is a place from which you can observe birds such as gray herons, coots, ducks, storks … although your visit depends on the time of year. The path continues bordering the reservoir until it narrows later, transforming into a path that enters the Peñalabeja Natural Reserve. The gall oaks and holm oaks surround the walker during this part of the route. Finally, as a gift to the eye, the lush forest gives way to small clearings at the top, from which neighboring Sierrachiquita and Sierra de Marañón can be seen. The path takes up the wooded area and leads back to Cabredo on the opposite side from the beginning.
Of interest
Sanctuary of Codés
Completely renovated, it has become one of the most picturesque places in the area. His image, with the mountains in the background, is a suggestive postcard in which the Renaissance tower stands out. The inn offers a pleasant stop along the way.
How to get
On the A-12, pass Estella and turn off for the NA-132-B and NA-132 to Zúñiga. At the entrance, turn off to Kanpetzu (Álava) and Cabredo
Route 35 Sobazo
- Departure: Los Arcos
- Distance: 7,00 km
- Unevenness: 105 m
A CIRCULAR TRAILING PATH THROUGH MOUNT SOBAZO AND ALTOS DEL CALVARIO, IN LOS ARCOS, WHICH WILL ALLOW US TO OBSERVE THE MEDITERRANEAN VEGETATION AND THE PREDOMINANT STEPARY IN THE AREA. DUE TO THE DRY AND SUNNY CHARACTER OF THE CLIMATE, IT IS ADVISED TO STORE YOUR WATER AND AVOID THE MIDDAY IN SUMMER.
Pilgrims’ passage area, vestiges of the ancient Roman city of Curnonium are still preserved today in Los Arcos. A path called Las Tocas starts from the back of the Los Arcos culture house. This path leads the walker to the hermitage of Calvario, a baroque building whose construction dates back several centuries. The car can be left both in the urban area, as well as in the vicinity of the hermitage. From this point, the itinerary runs along the Sobazo mountain and the Altos del Calvario, avoiding the unevenness. It has an interesting variant that runs through the highest area and returns to the hermitage of Calvario. It is a simple walk suitable for families that has, along its route, several panels that explain various aspects of the landscape and typical Mediterranean vegetation such as Aleppo pine, abundant in the area, or the typical steppe landscape. During the walk, which runs along wide roads in good condition, you can enjoy views of the towns of Los Arcos and Viana, as well as the Altos de la Dehesa.
Of interest
Los Arcos monumental
Los Arcos enjoyed great splendor in its day. Heir to an ancient Roman town, the portals of the Estanco and Santa María (from the 17th century) can be seen, with three striking shields. In addition, among its streets and squares there are several baroque palaces and stately homes from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The Church of Santa María (12th century) deserves an obligatory stop.
How to get
Follow the A-12 highway towards Logroño. Surround Estella and take the Los Arcos exit
Route 36 Monte Ayuso
- Departure: Sesma
- Distance: 14,30 km
- Unevenness: 110 m
CIRCULAR PATHWAY THAT FROM THE TOWN OF SESMA CROSSES THE HEIGHTS OF MONTE AYUSO WITH MAGNIFICENT PANORAMICS OF A LANDSCAPE OF PLAINS WHERE STEPPARIAN VEGETATION PREDOMINATES.
Due to the dry and sunny nature of the climate, it is advisable to stock up on water and avoid the hottest hours in summer. The itinerary begins in Sesma. In the vicinity of the fronton and the swimming pools, we continue by road to the football field and by dirt track we ascend to the heights of Cuesta Perra and Monte Ayuso. Thanks to its low height (both peaks are only around 500 m), the excursion becomes a simple itinerary with hardly any unevenness, but given its length it is only recommended for hikers with a good background and not very fond of steep slopes. Usable with trekking shoes, except in the rainy season. The top of the second summit, Monte Ayuso, has magnificent views. From this place the characteristic territory of immense steppe plains of the Navarra Ribera area can be appreciated. The view stretches to the horizon. After the beautiful panoramic view of the top, the proposed route returns to Sesma along agricultural tracks between dry fields, scrubland and reforested pine forests. During the itinerary, part of two ravines are covered, routes that since ancient times were used by shepherds to move their cattle in search of better pastures. The ideal moment to relive and imagine another era, another time, that has passed in the same place.
Of interest
Sesma
Many emblazoned houses dot Sesma, a town whose church, dedicated to the Virgin of the Ascension, is well worth a visit. Of complex architecture, the main altarpiece occupies a prominent place. In front of the church, the House-Museum is dedicated to Father Tomás Esteban, a Jesuit missionary and martyr.
How to get
A-12 highway to Estella. Take the San Adrián-Lodosa exit. NA-122 to Allo and turn right to Sesma on the NA-666.