The Navarrese Pyrenees, routes between culture and nature
The Navarrese Pyrenees is one of the most amazing natural sites on the peninsula, and is a spectacular enclave to discover. Nature in its purest form.
From the valley of Roncal and the peak of Navarre in the Three Kings Table to the dazzling autumn in the Irati Forest. Not forgetting the pre-Pyrenees with the Lumbier Gorge and the Foz de Arbayún. The Pyrenees of Navarre are synonymous with high peaks and magnificent landscapes.
In the easternmost area, we find the escarpments of the massif of Larrawith the labyrinth of karst that culminates in the highest peak in Navarre, the Three Kings TableThe extensive forests of the Irati Forest or valleys furrowed by deep gorges, such as that of Arbaiun. The The Way of St. James It crosses the Pyrenees and arrives at the Collegiate Church of Orreaga-Roncesvalles to continue on to more temperate lands.
The western part of the route is full of dreamlike natural landscapes. The mountain range gradually loses height and becomes more humanised. Here and there, farmhouses appear amidst green meadows, where flocks of sheep graze. Natural areas such as the Natural Park of Bertiz.
The Pre-Pyrenean mountain ranges of Aralar or the Natural Park of Urbasa-AndíaFrom here we can see the peaks of the Pyrenees in the distance. Beech forests and green meadows, criss-crossed by streams, with chasms and caves typical of their limestone nature, such as Mendukilo (Aralar). You will be able to discover the rich natural and cultural heritage of these high peaks in the north of Spain.
For those who want to enjoy the mountain in its maximum splendour, the ascents in the Navarrese Pyrenees are suitable for all tastes, and if you want to do some trekking, there is routes by stages as the Route of the Golondrinas or the Camille Trail.
Easy ascents in the Navarrese Pyrenees
Ascents to the Pyrenean summits They offer a wide range of routes in the Pyrenees, some of them demanding, with a high level of difficulty, but there are also easy ascents to do, perfect for enjoying the beauty of the enclave.
From Txamantxoia, Sierra de Abodi, Peña Ezcaurre, at 2047 m, Ortzanzurieta, the highest peak in Roncesvalles and Urkulu, at 1420 m. The following climbs are also worth mentioning, some of the most popular and popular with all types of mountaineers.
- Mount Ori. Located in the Salazar valley, one of the most popular ascents thanks to the views it offers from the summit. The easiest route for mountaineering enthusiasts is from the Larrau pass because it is the simplest and quickest way.
- Three Kings Table. The highest peak in Navarre, at 2,450m, located in the Larra Massif. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Navarrese Pyrenees and the western part of the Aragonese Pyrenees. It is the most classic of the area, despite its low difficulty, it is necessary to have experience walking on rocky terrain.
- Larrún. This summit is known as the "balcony of the Basque coast" thanks to its privileged location between France and Navarre. It is of moderate difficulty, suitable for everyone, with only a couple of demanding areas.
- Adi. The Adi mountain in the north of Navarre, at an altitude of 1475m, is one of the most emblematic and busiest climbs in the area due to its proximity to the capital. It is suitable for everyone, with easy stages and spectacular landscapes of the Quinto Real.
In addition, there are easy climbs on the valleys of the Navarrese PyreneesThere are mountains for all levels in the Roncal and Salazar Valleys, where no special physical condition is required to do them. Baztan or in Aézkoa.
Routes in winter
In winter, hiking boots give way to snowshoes and Nordic skiing in Larra-Belagua and in Abodi or the Irati Forest, where we can enjoy interesting walks through the woods.
The Irati Forestis located between the Pyrenean valleys of Aezkoa and Salazar, where numerous routes can be followed. The Salazar valley surrounds the most beautiful village in the PyreneesOchagavía, in a unique enclave. You can also visit Orbaitzeta and Aribe, two very important towns in the area.
These pre-Pyrenean basins and this area of the region are one of the most visited mountain areas during autumn and winter. This is thanks to its wide variety of hiking routes, cross-country skiing trails, its peaks and the amazing landscapes of the valleys.
Belagua Valley, in the Larra Nature Reserve
The Belagua Valley, to the north of the Roncal Valley, is one of the most important pyrenean karst sites of great importance in Europe. In winter it has more than 22 km of Nordic skiing and numerous snowshoe trails through its snowy forests with different stages.
Numerous activities and nature sports can be enjoyed here. Its highest peak is the Three Kings TableThe 2,428-metre peak is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Pyrenees. After enjoying the routes and hiking trails of Belagua, with corners full of flora and fauna, visit some of the nearby villages.
The Roncal Valley is ideal for excursions, and you can also visit the villages of Burgui, Isaba or Uztárroz. An ideal plan to discover the history and cultural wealth of the area.
Family trekking: routes with children.
Exploring the Navarre Pyrenees with children is a magical experience. We have interesting proposals for family routes: simple and fun walks such as those of the Rincón de Belagua, Orgi, Leurtza or BertizThe children will have contact with nature while learning about the richness of a territory.
These are easy excursions that can be done with children, with endless attractions along the way. Its incredible geological formation, its unique landscapes or gorges and its forests full of witches' legends, make it a perfect plan for the most adventurous families.
Orgi Trail
ItineraryCircular path. Orgi- Guelbenzu Natural Recreation Area - Natural Recreation Area.
The trail has a low difficulty level and is 8.4 km long and starts at the Orgi recreational area. Along the way, children can enjoy the Arkil river, a beech forest and panoramic views of the Orgi forest, the Ultzama valley and the surrounding villages.
The most outstanding part of the route is the oak grove of OrgiThis is a protected area thanks to its thousand-year-old oak trees. The route also passes through villages such as Lizaso, Olano and Gorrontz. If you have time, they are worth a stop to get to know the rural culture of the area.
Leurtza reservoir trail
Itinerarycircular path. Natural Recreation Area - Leurtza reservoirs - Natural Recreation Area.
The path is one of the best family routes in the area thanks to its low difficulty, it is 3.5 km long and starts in the recreational area of Leurtza, in an area with picnic areas and numerous public services.
The route first runs along the lower reservoir, next to a beech forest with spectacular scenery. After going around the second reservoir, the route enters a karstic area, along with a beech forest with the oldest trees of the enclave. The route ends in a part of meadows where the sheep are tended.
Lumbier Gorge
The Foz de Lumbier route is one of the most visited routes in Navarre, and is famous for its spectacular views and great natural beauty. The original route, which consists of 1.5 km which follows the same path as a former mining railway track which used to run through the area. The route has now been extended for hikers. up to 7 km on an easily passable circular route..
Routes in the Señorío de Bertiz
The Bertiz forest has numerous routes to follow inside it, although the one recommended for the youngest members of the family is the Irretarazu path. It is 7 km long and starts on the main forest track, next to the Carbonera.
Itinerary: Coal bunker - Irretarazu- Aizkolegi track
A route with a great natural and cultural richness thanks to the information panels along the route. They explain the traditional use of the forest, grazing, the constructions in the area for storing chestnuts and their main use by the charcoal burner. A fun and entertaining way of learning for children.
As you can see, the Navarrese Pyrenees is the perfect place to enjoy numerous routes to discover the natural and cultural environment of the area. If you have not yet visited it, now is the time to let yourself be amazed by this place, whether with the family, for hiking or to enjoy some ascents suitable for everyone.
