VASCO NAVARRO. VITORIA ARLABAN basque country spain

VASCO NAVARRO. VITORIA ARLABAN
Distance: 15,2 km
Duration: 1,5 h.
The old railway line Vasco-Navarro recovered for the enjoyment of hikers and cyclists, leaves behind the reminiscence of the old train stations wrapped by a landscape full of contrasts and natural areas of outstanding beauty. The total itinerary of the Vasco-Navarro line crosses Alava, from north to south, linking the mountainpass of Arlabán and Estella.
In this walk of just over 15 kilometers we propose to reach the border with Gipuzkoa from Vitoria.
The popularly known as "Trenico" or "Anglo" stopped at different stations in Alava. You will find them all along the old railway route. Some just retain their structure while others maintain that charm stations converted into housing or community centers.
A simple route where you will find oak trees included in the Natura 2000 network, farmland, you will shortly enter the Green Belt of Vitoria-Gasteiz and you will enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Gorbea, Zadorra river and the Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir.
ITINERARY
Over the first few kms, we will find several crossings and bifurcations. Always head on straight towards Retana.
0
From the Gamarra parkinglot take the cycleway „bidegorri“, north towards Durana.
0.2
We crossed the river Zadorra. Straight ahead.
0.7
Crossing. Continue straight and go under a bridge in the N-1 motorway. We go up the bank of the Zadorra river, included in the Natura 2000 network.
1.1
We approach Durana. The road forks. We continue to the right and pass under a viaduct of TAV: (high speed train). Within a few meters we get back to the original track of the ancient Vasco Navarro.
2
Durana. Straight ahead, but beware! because we have to go across the A-3004 road.
4
Retana old station. Again a crossing, where you continue straight to Landa.
-Alternative: LINK WITH THE PERIMETER ROAD ULLIBARRI- GAMBOA: If we take the path to the right, it will take us to the village of Amárita (about 1 km), and we will join, after 3.2 kilometers, at the Ullíbarri dam with itinerary of the perimeter of the Ullibarri-Gamboa reservoir.
6
Crossing. Continue straight (slightly left), on the road that leads below the TAV and AP-1. Continue until you reach Urbina.
7.6
We arrived at Urbina. Descend down the street on the left and continue straight.
7.7
Turn right and follow this road about 2 kms (9.1 km) where we turn right and follow the signs of the Vasco Navarro line and retake the gravel road.
9.3
Turn right and pass under the TAV.
10.2
Crossing. Straight on. A little further on, we will see on our right the old train station Villareal, in ruins. Within a few meters we cross a leafy oak forest. Continue straight, passing under the AP-1 (km 10.8).
We approach the village of Landa. To our right Ullíbarri- Gamboa reservoir.
Approaching the kilometer 12.5 of our route, we can link back to the perimeter of the reservoir and further to the GR-25.
13
We have reached Landa, with the old train station to the right. Straight ahead.
14
Limit to Gipuzkoa.
15.2
Arlabán mountain pass. We will come to a bar-restaurant. End of tour.