Trekking routes
Any time of the year is suitable for exploring many of the natural treasures that are present in the municipality of Balmaseda. Many routes cross the natural environment of the Historic Town through which you can discover its interesting heritage.
Garbea route
- Distance: 9.9km.
- Slope +: 570m.
- Slope –: 565m.
Route details
If the Kolitza is the banner of the town for Balmasedanas and Balmasedans, La Garbea is the “Balcón de Las Encartaciones”. With its 718 m it is the last peak of the Sierra de Ordunte, watershed between the valleys of Sopuerta and Artzentales with that of Balmaseda.
The ascent to the summit is constant, surrounded by abundant vegetation, which on hot days provides us with the necessary shade to navigate the path better.
Before passing through La Garbea we go through the summit of Pelayos 716 m, also called Campazos or Pico del Mojón, at the junction of the municipalities of Artzentales, Balmaseda and Sopuerta. From here the views are many, to the Salcedo Valley, the peaks of Ubieta, Larrea, Montes de Triano, Mello, Montes de Saldamando, Muskiz and the sea.
550 m separate it from the summit of La Garbea, it is reached immediately. The views on clear days are a lot, you have to be there.
The descent is also constant, but clearer of vegetation, which allows us to enjoy the views until we reach the Plaza de San Severino.
Useful resources
- Distance: 18,58 km.
- Slope +: 930 m.
- Slope –: 930 m.
Route details
The first historical tour focuses on the Battle of Kolitza and proposes visiting trenches and craters in El Pastizal, getting to know the main scene of the battle starting from the Hermitage, and going to the shelters in the Terreros and Cerro Cuchillo area.
Useful resources
- Distance: 12,3 km.
- Slope +: 568 m.
- Slope –: 563 m.
Route details
The second historical itinerary begins with visits to various places in the town, then goes to the top of Arbalitza to tell everything related to the defensive post that was on its top and also takes the opportunity to add small brushstrokes about the battles of the Sierra de la Celladilla during Carlism.
Useful resources
- Stage: Balmaseda-Kolitza.
- Distance: 6,07km.
- Approximate time: 1h 55min
Route details
From the church of San Severino you have to go, through the back of the Town Hall, towards the neighborhood of Pandozales.
After passing by the old farmhouses, txakoli vineyards and the San Isidro Labrador chapel, continue the ascent following the white and red marks, among conifer plantations, until you reach the top crowned by the chapel. Under its summit, a municipal refuge opens its doors during the weekends.
Useful resources
- Stage: Balmaseda-Gordexola.
- Distance: 21,52km.
- Approximate time: 5h 20 min
Route details
The GR-123 trail is known as the Vuelta a Bizkaia. This stage starts in Balmaseda and goes up to the Celadilla mountain range, which offers a spectacular view of the Encartaciones, Valle de Mena and Valle de Aiala.
It then descends to the Ayega River and runs along its bank under the cool shade of the riverside forest. After a stretch of ascent through the pine forest, it will lose height again until it reaches the Herrerías River, next to which it will approach the palaces and manor houses of Gordexola.
Useful resources
- Stage: Bolunburu-Traslaviña.
- Distance: 21,11km.
- Approximate time: 5h
Route details
It starts from the recreational area of Bolumburu, in Zalla, and goes towards the Historic Town of Balmaseda, crossing the neighborhood of La Herrera and the monumental complex of La Mella.
It will go up by the path that leads to the Kolitza. Halfway up, it will take the detour towards La Porqueriza. From this recreational area there is a track that will take you to the top of La Garbea. From this point, the route begins to descend towards La Estación and the Traslaviña neighbourhood.
