Améscoa Baja walks

An easy walk for the whole family to explore the Urederra’s waterfalls and pools with their turquoise water. Best done out of season and on weekday mornings to avoid the crowds, but it’s truly magnificent. Unfortunately, the link to the Balcōns de Pilotas is no longer accessible. Remember to book your parking space in advance on the nature reserve’s website.

The medieval old town of Estella, through which the River Ega flows, boasts numerous Romanesque and Gothic buildings that bear witness to its former splendour. ‘Estella la bella’, as the pilgrims of the Middle Ages called it, is situated in Navarre, on the Camino Francés, between Puente la Reina and Logroño. I visited this beautiful town during the forty-ninth stage of my Camino de Santiago.

Fiftieth stage of the Camino de Santiago. This stage takes you to the southernmost reaches of Navarre, to the picturesque village of Torres del Río, with its Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a jewel of Romanesque art. In the blazing sun, this route is long and gruelling. When you arrive in Irache, known for its wine fountain, you will have walked for only half an hour, and you will still have 27 km to go… yet Irache wine is very strong, even if it goes down easily! Remember to fill your water bottle… with water!

The fifty-first stage of the Camino de Santiago. On this stage, you leave Navarre and enter La Rioja, famous for its vineyards, before reaching Logroño. The twenty kilometres of this section begin with a path winding through ravines, but once you reach Viana, the route becomes much easier to walk. Make the most of your late afternoon and evening to explore Logroño, a city steeped in history and traditions that have been passed down since the Middle Ages. In the evening, the narrow streets of the old town are bustling with life.

Forty-ninth stage of the Camino de Santiago. This short stage remains very interesting thanks to the towns you pass through, such as Mañerú, Cirauqui and Villatuerta, until you reach your destination for the day, Estella, on the River Ega, a marvel from centuries past, which welcomes you with a very photogenic bridge.

A superb circular route in the karst massif of the Sierra de Aralar to reach Ganboa (or Ganbo, 1,413 m), the highest point in the area. A few slightly technical sections; please read the description carefully. GPS or the Visorando app recommended.

Starting from Lake Urkulu near the town of Aretxabaleta (Guipúzcoa, Spain), the trail takes us to Orkatzategi (870 m) and then heads towards Ojo de Aitzulo. Return via the Ermita de Santikrutz.

At the crossroads of the Camino de Santiago, Logroño is crossed by the River Ebro, spanned by two bridges connecting it to Navarre and Álava. Logroño seems a vibrant city that carefully preserves an old town shaped by the Way of St James and the culture and production of wine. It is a very pleasant city to stroll around, especially in the evening, to enjoy tapas in its famous bar district. I visited this city during the fifty-first stage of my Camino de Santiago.

The fifty-second stage of the Camino de Santiago. For this stage, the route leaves Logroño via a pleasant walk through the large La Grajera park and its lake of the same name, continuing on to Navarrete, a town renowned for its crafts. After a gentle climb leading up to Alto de San Antón, from where you can already see Nájera, the route takes you to the red rocks of the River Najerilla, where the ancient royal town of Nájera is situated.

A superb hike with four peaks over 1000 m, two superb lakes and also a dolmen, a menhir, an ancient Roman road, all in a protected natural setting.

A magnificent hike through a typical Navarrese forest leads to the summit of Mendaur, with its breathtaking 360° views.A visit to the Ermita de la Trinidad (ermitage) is a must!

Lake Arritzulegi is better known as Lake Mendaur, as it lies at the foot of this peak. It is actually a dam lake. Located at an altitude of 700 m in a very pretty setting, it makes for a beautiful hiking destination. However, I would describe this hike as difficult, partly because of the elevation gain and partly because some of the paths that still appear on maps have disappeared. This means that part of the hike is off-trail and without many landmarks. You therefore need to have a good sense of direction and be used to walking off-trail. This hike is therefore only suitable for experienced walkers.The Visorando app is recommended.

A beautiful walk in the undergrowth that still allows you to discover the surrounding peaks.