Situation
Station
Spring–summer
Duration (approx.)
1,5 - 2,5h
Difficulty rating (M.I.D.E.)
Type of route
Circular
Elevation gain
+353m
BTT
98%
Car combination
Yes
Abiego is a major transport hub for visitors to the Somontano region and, in particular, to the Sierra de Guara. Two roads converge here from the N-240, and from there, roads lead to Bierge and Adahuesca-Alquézar. This crossroads location has allowed Abiego to flourish since ancient times, from Avicum (Roman Abiego) and al-Byego (Muslim Abiego) to the Abiego of the late 20th century.
This route aimed to revive the old path that linked Abiego with Junzano and crossed the River Alcanadre via the Roman bridge. Although the bridge still defies the passage of time, the path is in a terrible state and forces us to drag our bikes for several kilometres. This has led us to take the route via Fuente Famiñosa, as there is a suitable spot nearby to cross the River Alcanadre without detracting from the interest and beauty of the route. The second crossing of the River Alcanadre, on the return journey, takes place near the confluence of this river with the Formiga. On neither occasion are there any bridges, so we have to get our feet wet. Although there are only a few metres of calm, shallow water, this limits the route to the summer, as the rest of the year the river’s flow increases and the water is quite cold.
Abiego, Junzano and Casbas are villages situated on a gently undulating plain that gives way to the more mountainous terrain of the Sierra de Guara. It is a plain with a distinctive Somontano landscape where fields of cereals, almond trees and olive groves intermingle. Holm oaks grow along the banks, mingling with pines in the ravines. These ravines are abundant due to the numerous rivers that cross the area, and crossing them requires considerable effort.
Casbas is situated halfway along the route, making it a good place to replenish the energy we have expended. We have made a strenuous effort and the return journey is long, though not as arduous as the outward one. Casbas is famous for its monastery. It was built in the Cistercian style, although it has undergone countless renovations and extensions over the centuries, leaving little trace of its original appearance. The history of the village is closely linked to that of this monastery, which has brought fame and renown to the whole area. But we mustn’t miss out on seeing the village of Casbas itself, with its medieval layout full of extraordinary examples of well-preserved traditional architecture.
ITINERARY
Km 0.00. Altitude: 537 m. Abiego. Square
Take the street leading to the municipal swimming pools and, at the end where the tarmac ends, follow a path to the right.
Km 0.50.
Continue along the main track, descending.
Km 2.22.
On reaching this point, there is a path leading down to the River Alcanadre; we continue along the track we have been following.
Km 3.06. Altitude: 460 m.
Turn left. We leave the main track. Steep descent. On our right we find the “Famiñosa” spring, and continue descending until…
Km 3.74. Altitude: 402 m. Alcanadre River.
We cross it with care. On the other side of the river, we walk for about 150 m along its right bank until we take a path on the right that climbs steeply.
Km 4.35. Altitude: 480 m.
At this point, the path has been cut through the field, so we skirt around the field for about 200 m until the path reappears.
Km 5.59. Altitude: 526 m.
At the top, opposite a vineyard, we turn right. We descend into a ravine before climbing back up.
Km 6.43. Altitude: 522 m.
We reach a track in good condition. We turn right onto it and, after a few metres, turn left to reach…
Km 6.91. Altitude: 505 m. Junzano.
Plaza Mayor. We head out towards the old road to Casbas.
Km 7.75. Altitude: 532 m.
Junction. Right. We walk on flat ground through farmland.
Km 9.40. Altitude: 557 m. Casbas.
We arrive at the square by the parish church. We continue to the square where the entrance to Casbas Monastery is located.
Km 9.52.
After passing the municipal weighbridge, we take a path to the right.
Km 9.74.
Right again. We go round the monastery fence.
Km 9.92.
Turn left. The path is in good condition and runs through fields of grain.
Km 10.92.
T-junction; rubble on the right. We descend.
Km 13.61. Altitude: 430 m.
We have crossed the River Formiga and reach the Alcanadre shortly before it joins the main river. A tough climb through pine trees.
Km 13.92. Altitude: 480 m.
Once past the steepest slopes, we continue along a path to the right.
Km 15.59.
A path emerges, ascending and lined with almond trees. We continue along the path we have been following.
Km 16.29.
We reach another track. Turn left. We pass the hut and reservoir known as ‘El Vedador’ and descend to the Barranco del Tejar before climbing again.
Km 18.89. Altitude: 543 m.
Road from Abiego to Bierge. We continue to the right.
Km 19.24. Altitude: 537 m.
Abiego.
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