PERIMETER AROUND THE ULLIBARRI-GAMBOA basque country spain

PERIMETER AROUND THE ULLIBARRI-GAMBOA

The Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir is nourished by the Zadorra river and is the largest in the Basque Country (146 hm3). Today supplies water to the 50% of the population of the Basque Autonomous Community and is one of the main amenities spaces of people living nearby, especially in the summer months.
The richness of this wetland is inhabited by countless animals, more that 255 especies, plants and microorganisms that for decades have "created" an ecosystem recognized at international and European level.
It is only 15 kilometers from the capital of Alava, Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Provincial parks and Garaio Landa offer recreational areas, artificial beaches equipped for bathing, meadows, fountains and picnic. Completing its services and activities, bike rental and one of its greatest treasures: the bird observatory Mendixur Ornithological Park.

TRAIL:
The ride, over 43 kilometers, starts in Ullíbarri Gamboa in the main dam of the reservoir. It is an itinerary with sections of different levels offering several alternatives. We propose the fullest! You decide upon your skill cycle level.
0
The route starts at the dam. Right there you will find the kilometer 0 signposted. Take the trail to the town of Gamboa Ullíbarri signposted, running along the edge of the swamp.
2'14
Arrival at Ullíbarri-Gamboa. Continue about 200 meters and take the trail on the right, which indicates the path that circulates through the village.
2.7
Turn right and take the path that runs along the edge of the swamp.
3.4
At the crossing: turn right. Beware!
This stretch lies on the main road of the reservoir.
3.8
You can join back to the green path, which runs to the right. Have a nice walk of about 5 miles along the reservoir.
8.8
The track merges with the old asphalt road. It goes for about 600 meters to the Landa parking lot.
9.4
In the parkinglot turn southward, over a wooden bridge. Pass through the pine forest and you will enter Landa Provincial Park.
10
You will cross the beaches of Landa following the path marked. At 200 meters you will find a recreational bathing area.
11
Follow the path that has become again a parcel track.
20
Straight on.
20.8
You will then begin a small rise. About 300 meters long.
21.6
At this point, the road becomes a gravel track. Discard the track and take the path parallel, to the right.
22.6
Crossing signposted. Take the gravel road to the right and in a few meters you will see the Azua walkway.
23.1
You are on Azua walkway. You have two options:
1- go straight (below the bridge) and go on with the full proposed route.
2-Alternative: crossing the walkway and tackle part of the route.
24.7
Following the first option, the full tour, you get to the Zadorra walkway. Drive along it until you reach a fork. Take the left path.
25.5
You will reach the Otxanda viewpoint.
26
Turn left and you will join the asphalt. Follow this road to Vitoria-Gasteiz.
26.3
You will find the Information Center of Garaio Provincial Park. Continue on that road to Vitoria-Gasteiz.
27
Crossing. Take the road to the left.

27.6
At the main entrance of Garaio Provincial Park, take the signposted path and follow it through a wooden step.
28
The path takes you to a long walkway. Cross these 300 meters.
28.6
You get to an small bird observatory. Turn left.
28.9
Go up that road until running into a crossing. Take the right path.
29.7
The route descends to reach a wooden step.
30
At the first intersection, take the right path. Second crossing. Turn right again and continue for about 100 meters along a stretch of asphalt.
30.2
Follow the path marked to the bank of the reservoir.
30.4
Cross the fence at the gate and turn left. Your route follows the edge of the reservoir.
31.1
Go straight.
34.5
Follow the path that runs closest to the reservoir.
35
You will reach the town of Azua. Go straight, leaving the town on your left.
35.6
Crossing. Go straight, leave the Azua walkway on your right.
38.5
Arrival at Nanclares de Gamboa. Continue along the bank.
38.9
Start of a steep slope.
39.5
Crossing. Turn to the right.
39.9
A new crossing. Go across the fence at the gate and turn to the left.
40
You will reach the A-4011 road. Turn right.
40.8
Take a right to reenter the green itinerary. New ascent!
41.8
Go cross the fence and follow the path.
42.1
Go cross another fence and ride through a field. In few hundred meters turn left.
42.5
The path becomes a track.
42.8
Take a right. Start the descent.
43.1
Go across the Zadorra walkway.
43.5
Get on an small asphalt road.
43.8
Mission accomplished! We are back to the dam again!