Hiking trails | La Zona Media: Sangüesa, Olite y Valdorba

Route 37 Andelos

• Departure: Mendigorría
• Distance: 7,10 km
• Unevenness: 130 m

A CIRCULAR PATH THAT WAS MOST OF THE ROUTE BY AGRICULTURAL TRACK, VISITING THE LARGE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF THE CITY OF ANDELOS, WHOSE POPULATION REACHED BETWEEN 2,000 AND 3,000 INHABITANTS.

The starting point of the tour is at the entrance gates of the city’s own ruins, next to the museum that explains the excavations and the evolution of its urban fabric. We can also visit the ruins of Andelos, where we will find some public baths, numerous testimonies of its configuration, the residences and the artisan neighborhood, as well as a perimeter wall. The museum houses a model of Andelos and some finds, such as a mosaic with a mythological theme. The route follows the hydraulic system of the city. First, go along asphalt road to the water tank. In this section we can see on our left the remains of the basement of an aqueduct that linked the reservoir with the city. The reservoir could store up to 7,300 m3 of water and was expanded with 37 reinforcements, now mostly visible, to counteract the earth pressure with the reservoir empty. The route continues along the track to the Roman dam of Iturranduz, more than 2 km from the city. From there, an agricultural dirt road connects with another track that, between cultivated fields, returns to the local road between Muruzábal de Andión and the Andión hermitage, near the starting point.

Of interest

Andelos

The last weekend before San Fermín (July 7) is celebrated in the city and in neighboring Mendigorría the Roman Festival of Andelos. During two days, numerous musical and artistic performances take place, as well as gastronomic events, around a theme related to the Roman world. Guided tours are organized in Andelos.

How to get

Follow the A-12 towards Logroño until the Puente la Reina Sur exit. Take the NA-601 until you cross Mendigorría, the Arga river and 3 km along the NA-6031 until the deposit.

Route 38 Promenade de Valdetina

• Departure: Tafalla
• Distance: 8,00 km
• Unevenness: 100 m

CIRCULAR TRAILING PATH THROUGH AN AREA OF GREAT LANDSCAPE QUALITY, WHERE THE CROP FIELDS ALTERNATE WITH CARRASCAS FORESTS, COMPANIES AND HEDGES.

The Valdetina and Cidacos rivers serve as the axis for this local trail that begins in the city of Tafalla. Along with Monte and Valgorra, Valdetina is one of the ravines whose waters lead to the Cidacos river. The tour departs from Tafalla. The town has become the great city of the Middle Zone, with more than ten thousand inhabitants and it deserves our visit before or after walking the path. Specifically, the itinerary begins at the Health Center, next to the Tasubinsa facilities. We leave Tafalla from this building and begin the route in a gentle ascent along an agricultural road, to continue along a narrow path that runs between holm oaks and gall oaks, and ascends to the Corral de Gariposa. From this point again along a wide path, descend and return through the Valdetina ravine. The final section, along a wide track, runs close to the Cidacos river until it reaches the town center, near the starting point. Thus, along the right bank of the Cidacos river we return to the city of Tafalla.

Of interest

Tafalla

Tafalla houses among its monuments the two parochial churches, Santa María and San Pedro, with two delicately carved altarpieces. Among the monuments, the monumental complex of the Recoletas convent and the Palacio de los Mencos stand out, as well as various buildings such as the neoclassical palace of the Marqués de Feria or the Casa del Cordón.

How to get

Go to Tafalla by the AP-15 motorway or by the NA-121 towards Zaragoza. Tafalla-Norte exit.

Route 39 Ermita de Santa Brígida

• Departure: Olite
• Distance: 6,90 km
• Unevenness: 90 m

RAQUETTE-SHAPED PATH TO THE SOUTH OF TAFALLA WITH THE DEPARTURE POINT IN THE MEDIEVAL CHAPEL OF SANTA BRÍGIDA. IT JOINS TWO AREAS OF GREAT NATURAL INTEREST: EL PLANO, TO THE NORTH, AND MOUNT ENCINAR, TO THE SOUTH OF THE ROUTE.

From the NA-115 road between Tafalla and Peralta we arrive at the hermitage of Santa Brígida. From Olite, towards Peralta and after about 2.5 km we turn right towards Monte Plano along a track, wide and in good condition, to a recreation area next to the hermitage. The itinerary runs along tracks and wide paths through the Monte Plano holm oak forest, first between fields (section coinciding with the GR-1, Long Distance Trail, with red and white markings) and then between holm oaks, kermes oak and juniper trees until reaching the Corral de Berico, located in a place with good views of the nearby environment. We return through an area of ​​hunting stalls until we descend to a ravine, where we pass next to two rafts and a little further on, it coincides again with the way out, where we return to Santa Brígida. The hermitage has its origin in the 12th century, although the oldest remains are from the 14th century. A pilgrimage goes to her on the Saturday closest to her festivity, May 22. The building is usually closed and cannot be visited.

Of interest

Olite

In the vicinity of the hermitage we find Olite, the head town of Merindad. The heyday of the late Middle Ages turned Olite into a royal seat, highlighting the construction of the Royal Palace of Navarra by Kings Carlos III and Leonor. The monumental complex has been restored and receives tens of thousands of visitors each year.

How to get

By the AP-15 (exit Tafalla Sur) and the N-121 towards Olite, to continue towards Peralta by the NA-115. After 2.5 km, detour to Monte Plano

Route 40 Ermita de Santo Domingo

• Departure: Pitillas
• Distance: 7,30 km
• Unevenness: 85 m

THE CIRCULAR ROUTE LEADS US FROM THE RUINS OF THE SANTA ANA CHAPEL, IN PITILLAS, TO THE SMALL HILL WHERE WE FIND THE SANTO DOMINGO CHAPEL, EXCELLENT VIEWPOINT OF LAGUNA DE PITILLAS.

The objective of this route is to reach the top of the elevation where this hermitage is located to see the Pitillas lagoon to the SE, located between Pitillas and Santacara. The itinerary starts from the hermitage of Santa Ana (in ruins), on the outskirts of Pitillas. The first section runs along a wide track that after 3 km reaches a corraliza in ruins, where we turn right and head towards the head where the hermitage is located. To the southeast you can see the Laguna de Pitillas, the most extensive steppe and endorheic wetland in Navarra, with an area of ​​more than 200 hectares and of great importance from the point of view of birdlife. It is a Special Bird Protection Area (ZEPA) due to the diversity of species as well as the high number of units throughout the year. The return runs along the track to the beautiful corral de la Conejera. At the crossroads, turn right, to cross the stream of the Barranco de Pozo Pastor and walk along the bottom of the ravine through a pasture dotted with reeds along a poorly defined path, until it leaves it, ascending to the right to a track that runs through agricultural land. leads us to the starting point.

Of interest

Laguna de Pitillas

The Laguna de Pitillas is a wetland in the central area of ​​Navarra of great ecological importance. The diversity of species due to the water that accumulates throughout the year makes the enclave a place of special protection. It has a birdwatching center to the southwest of the lagoon that opens at different times of the year.

How to get

Go to Olite on the AP-15. Olite exit, continue 9 km along the N-121 towards Tudela until the Pitillas junction. Take the NA-5330

Route 41 El Boyeral

• Departure: S. Martín de Unx
• Distance: 5,20 km
• Unevenness: 200 m

PATH WITH A RAQUETTE-SHAPED PATTERN THAT GOES THROUGH AN AREA COVERED BY DENSE MEDITERRANEAN BUSH VEGETATION, IN CLEAR CONTRAST WITH THE IRRIGATION OF THE OLITE PLANE. THERE IS NO AVAILABILITY OF DRINKING WATER IN THE WHOLE ROUTE.

The route presents its starting point in the urban area of ​​San Martín de Unx, a town that can be reached from Tafalla to the west or from Sangüesa to the east by the NA-132 highway. We descend by track to the ravine of Cubillas that we cross by the Puente de la Cubilla to go up to the left through the little valley of Valmayor. By an old path we ascend halfway up the hill “Alto de Zarramendi” and continue to the top of the hill populated by a dense kermes oak, with very good panoramic views in all directions. We descend along a path between abandoned fields and an area of ​​dense kermes oak until we join a dirt track that we continue to the right until we reach the Puente de la Cubilla again, from where we ascend to the town.

Of interest

San Martín de Unx

In the highest part of San Martín de Unx is the parish of San Martín, a Romanesque building with advances towards the proto-Gothic that has, among other elements, a crypt and a Romanesque baptismal font. Walking through the streets of the town you can see that its medieval layout has hardly undergone any modifications.

How to get

Get to Tafalla by the AP-15 and exit at Tafalla centro. By the local highway NA-132 to San Martín de Unx in 15 km.

Route 42 Unzué Mycological Trail

• Departure: Unzué
• Distance: 11,63 km
• Unevenness: 360 m

PATH WITH A RACKET-SHAPED TRAIL WHICH, IN ADDITION TO THE MYCOLOGICAL INTEREST OF THE AREA, SHOWS AN INTERESTING TRANSITION FROM THE CONTINENTAL-MEDITERRANEAN FOREST TO WET HAYEDOS. THE EROSION OF THE ROQUEDO CALIZO HAS CREATED SMALL ESCARPES AND GORGES.

Itinerary proposed as a Treking Path due to its length and technical difficulty, it has Sendero Local beacons (green and white S.L.), without approved numbering. The trail begins in Unzué, behind the church of San Millán, along an agricultural path between cultivated fields that goes up the Arluxea ravine, flanked by the Alaitz mountain range and the Arluxea rock. After crossing the river next to a fountain we reach a fork, leaving the return path to the right. The path ascends and enters a dense forest where we can observe the evolution of the continental-Mediterranean vegetation to humid beech forests. We thus reach the Ariztia pass, in the Alaitz mountain range, in an area of ​​hunting posts. Wide views, with panoramic views of Pamplona. We continue to the right along a narrow path tilting between bojeral and scrubland until we reach a new hill. We descend through a rocky area that requires skill until we reach the bottom of the Arluxea ravine. First on its right bank and then on its left, thus saving a narrow gorge, after which we join the agricultural road that leads to Unzué, the starting point.

Of interest

Parroquia de S. Millán

The parish of San Millán deserves attention, located in Unzué whose origin dates back to the Middle Ages, although it underwent transformations in the 16th century, at which time the transept and the polygonal head were added. The medieval portal is protected by a baroque portico from the mid-18th century.

How to get

Take the AP-15 towards Zaragoza until the Puente la Reina exit. 2 km on the N-121 towards Tafalla and cross to Unzué on the NA-5010 and NA-5020.

Route 43 Mycological path of Iracheta

• Departure: Iracheta
• Distance: 7,68 km
• Unevenness: 220 m

LAYED IN THE SHAPE OF A RACKET, THIS PATH RUNS BETWEEN THE QUEJIGOS FORESTS, THE URGURUTZ CANYON AND ALTO DE LA MARQUESA, OF GREAT MYCOLOGICAL VALUE.

Itinerary with Sendero Local beacons (S.L., green and white), without approved numbering. Attention to the steep descent down the slopes of Ugurutz, along a nonexistent path. The route begins in the town of Iracheta, where there is an information panel with advice on mycological collection. After crossing the NA-5100 highway, it follows an agricultural road that crosses dry fields and hillsides with pines and gall oaks. After crossing a small stream, and before reaching the Corral del Liberal, we ascend to the left along an old forest path that crosses a beautiful gall oak until the wide head of the Ugurutz stream. We start a steep path without a precise path through a mixed forest to the bottom of the ravine where a comfortable agricultural path takes us to the Corral del Liberal, after which we connect with the road to Iracheta. Throughout the journey, the walker can enjoy contemplating and collecting species of fungi such as the yellowish chanterelle, the red mushroom, the snowball, the cardinal mushroom or the pine mushroom. After completing this comfortable route, it is highly advisable to make a stop in the town of Iracheta to admire the uniqueness of the hórreo with Asturian influence.

Of interest

Hórreo de Iracheta.

In this small town there is a very unique building, the Romanesque granary of Asturian influence (due to the patrimonies between Asturian kings and Navarrese infantas). This beautiful restored monument belonged to the Irache Monastery, the Crown and the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem. It is a unique example of Valdorba Romanesque art and the simplicity with which its constructions were devised.

How to get

Take the N-121 towards Tafalla. In Garínoain-Barásoain take the NA-5100 to Iracheta.

Route 44 Pozo de las hiedras

• Departure: Aibar
• Distance: 6,77 km
• Unevenness: 150 m

ON THIS SIMPLE CIRCULAR TRAILING PATH WE WILL REACH THE Lush WELL OF LAS HIEDRAS AMONG THE VINEYARDS AND OAK GROVES THAT SURROUND THE VILLAGE OF AIBAR. THIS CHANGE IN VEGETATION IS MORE BRUSH, IF IT MAY BE, WHEN RETURNING THROUGH THE OLD ROAD THAT WAYS ON THE RIGHT BANK OF THE CANYON OF BIZKAIA.

The tour begins in the lower part of Aibar, in the architectural complex formed by the fountain, the washhouse and the medieval transept and aqueduct, a vestige of the past as a town fortress. The first part of the route runs along a flat track between vineyards and wheat fields that make up a relaxing landscape, which changes when it reaches a lush and centenary oak grove. It has a great picnic area for a technical stop; here the path forks and we take the one to the left, until we find the wooden stairs that lead us to the ivy well. Named for the abundance of this climbing plant, this circular well fills up in the rainy season, and a wooden bridge allows passage to the other side of the stream. You go up to the path and continue along it until you cross the Bizkaia stream. Here the return begins along the right bank of the stream, along a path sheltered by the oak grove that again gives way to vineyards and dry crops in the vicinity of Aibar, the end of the route.

Of interest

Renewable Energy Classroom

Aibar has a center to publicize alternative energies. The Renewable Energy Classroom seeks to unite education with tourism through the exhibition “Renew your energy” and a visit to renewable energy facilities in the Region. The classroom also promotes energy efficiency measures.

How to get

Take the A-21 to Jaca, then N-240. At Venta de Judas, take the detour to the right onto the NA-534 that leads to Aibar.

Route 45 Paseo de Rocaforte

• Departure: Rocaforte
• Distance: 5,33 km
• Unevenness: 230 m

CIRCULAR PATHWAY THAT REACHES THE EASTERN TOP OF THE SIERRA DE SALAJONES, WHERE THE VIEW REACHES THE PRE-PYRENEAN BASINS AND THE MOUNTAINS OF THE MERINDAD DE SANGÜESA. THE MILLS MARK THE INFLECTION POINT OF THIS ROUTE THAT BEGINS AND ENDS AT THE MEDIEVAL ROCKFORT.

From Rocaforte the path leaves for a short section of the GR-65 (Camino de Santiago, red and white beacons) and ascends to the right through the Oratorio de San Bartolomé. A path between cultivated fields and scrubland reaches the Salajones crest and the wind farm. Already at the top, with half the journey walked, you can see from another perspective “Old Sangüesa, as Rocaforte is popularly known; the abandoned Oratory of San Bartolomé, witness of so many miracles and so many legends. Follow the wide track between the large windmills to the Collado del Portillo, from where it descends between cultivated fields until it crosses the GR-65 and ascends a branch of the Jacobean Route to the upper part of Rocaforte through whose streets you descend to the beginning of the tour. This interesting walk can begin and end in Sangüesa, following the Camino de Santiago.

Of interest

Iglesia de Santa María la Real

The greatest treasure of Sangüesa and one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Spain began to be built in the 12th century by the then King of Navarra and Aragon, Alfonso el Batallador. Made in different styles (Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance), the church was declared a National Monument in 1889. It stands out especially for its Romanesque façade of great beauty, which includes a spectacular sculptural representation of the Last Judgment.

How to get

A-21 towards Jaca, then N-240 until the Liédena junction. NA-127 to Sangüesa and turn right to Rocaforte.