THE ARBAYUN GOLF, THE GREAT CLIFFS
Linear route. Long Jump 4,8 km. Elevation 286 metres. Estimated tour time: 2 hours.
The route to the impressive balcony of the Foz de Arbayun is easy and with unbeatable views. The path runs through forests of evergreen boxwood bushes, during which you can spot majestic birds of prey. The place is considered a nature reserve and special protection area for birds, such as the griffon vulture that nests there.
The route begins in Alto de Iso, next to the parking lot that is located on the detour to the viewpoint; It is a wide esplanade. After traveling the first 100 meters along the north face of Mount Idorra, 832 meters high, we find an intersection, the two paths lead to the viewpoint: the one on the left crosses the boxwood forest and is signposted at some points and at the intersections. with piles of stone, so it is necessary to be very careful to avoid losing the path. The path on the right is clearer, wider and easier to follow and is the one we took for this round trip route.
After walking 500 meters, we find an information point and a chain to prevent the passage of cars, which is prohibited, after which we begin a gentle but long ascent of 2,2 kilometers until we reach the highest point of the path. We looked carefully until we found the way to the balcony of the Foz de Arbayun.
During the last part of the tour, instead of looking up to enjoy the majestic flight of the birds of prey, we looked down and around us.
The limestone rock walls of the ravine are up to 300 meters high in some points and almost 6 kilometers long, which is why it is considered the queen of the Navarra gorges.
We can return along the path on the left between the boxwood forest or along the same path we went up.
PRACTICAL TIPS
– To travel the 51 kilometers from Pamplona to Usún we take the AP-15 highway.
– The parking lot is located in Alto de Iso, 17 kilometers along the NA-178 highway from the town of Usún. It is paved and has points with information of interest to the visitor.
– In autumn and winter it is important to start this route early in the morning to avoid visibility problems during the descent.
– The path is very clear in its first section, but once you reach the gorge you have to be very careful to take a poorly marked path, with only a few small piles of stones.
– In the same gorge the stone walls give vertigo. There is no type of protection so be careful, especially if you go with children.
– Once back in the vehicle, we recommend taking a look at the viewpoint of the gorge, which already has safety railings and impressive views.
