Situation
Colungo
Station
All year round. Without snow
Duration (approx.)
3h 30min
Difficulty rating (M.I.D.E.)
M: 3. I: 2. D: 4. E: 4
Type of route
Circular
Elevation gain
+1050 -1050 m
BTT
Si
Car combination
No
A route with extremely steep gradients, both uphill and downhill, linking Colungo with another of the Somontano region’s most important towns, Naval.
Naval is known both for its salt flats and its old pottery workshops. The salt flats are still in operation and the pottery workshops continue to produce handicrafts and ceramics. Traditional pottery makes for a wonderful souvenir from the Somontano, although transporting it by bike is difficult these days. In any case, getting lost in the streets of Naval and visiting its buildings is highly recommended.
We begin the route by entering the Sierra de Guara Park. Cycling through the mountains always requires considerable effort, as we have to tackle steep gradients. In this case, the climb to La Cunarda and Camporroyo is tough and continuous, although we will have the satisfaction of the descent which, after passing a turn-off that would take us to Bárcabo, takes us on to Suelves and Naval.
After leaving Naval, we set out to climb the Sierra de Salinas. The gradient averages 11%, with sections far steeper than this, which will almost certainly force us to walk part of the way up. The track is in good condition in the first section; however, after a rest area, it deteriorates considerably, making the climb more difficult. After reaching the summit, there are a few kilometres of flat terrain before we begin the descent into the Barranco del Ramillar.
It is a steep descent where we must be careful, as the path is often in poor condition and overgrown with pine and holm oak.
Thus, this is a route of high physical and technical difficulty, but highly recommended, as we climb to vantage points that offer unbeatable views from which to admire the beauty of the area. In summer, it is important to carry plenty of water and to avoid the Barranco del Ramillar during the hunting season.
ITINERARY
Km 0.00. Altitude: 606 m. Colungo
We set off from the entrance to the village. We take the road towards Bárcabo.
Km 0.98. Altitude: 628 m.
After crossing a bridge over the Barranco Los Pilones ravine, we turn right onto a track that climbs gradually.
Km 3.00. Altitude: 837 m.
Another track branches off to the right. We continue on the left, climbing with some difficulty.
4.90 km. Altitude: 915 m.
We reach a firebreak that cuts through a reforested pine forest. The path runs alongside it. Right. Still climbing, but now more gently.
Km 8.65. Altitude: 1,005 m.
The path splits at a signpost. We turn right. We walk on level ground for a while and then descend steeply, taking care of the loose stones and open gullies to allow water to drain away.
Km 11.40. Altitude: 790 m. Suelves
We enter via Barrio Alto, cross through it, and continue descending. On the left we will see the old village. Follow the main track.
Km 16.89.
A cross marks the entrance to Naval. We turn right, which takes us directly to…
Km 17.49. Altitude: 631 m. Naval
La Plaza. From here, we continue along the street immediately to the right of the bakery. A steep descent to…
Km 17.91. Altitude: 600 m. River Llastre
We cross it. From here, a very tough climb with gradients of up to 20% over the first 800 m. Ignore any farm tracks that appear. Stay on the main track at all times.
Km. 20.31. Altitude: 862 m.
Once at the top and having regained our strength, we continue straight on. The terrain flattens out.
Km 20.51.
Turn left. We climb again. Section in poor condition.
Km 21.11. Altitude: 860 m.
Two tracks join from the right. We continue straight on.
Km 21.41. Altitude: 845 m.
This time we leave the main track and head right. A lovely descent through pine, juniper and holm oak trees.
Km 24.63. Altitude: 620 m.
We have crossed the Barranco de las Casetas; we walk on level ground before descending to the mouth of this ravine at…
Km 25.94. Altitude: 600 m.
Ramillar Ravine
We cross it via a small bridge. We head uphill along a track in good condition.
Km 27.61. Altitude: 645 m.
Junction. We continue straight on, descending until we reach…
Km 28.36. Altitude: 606 m.
Colungo
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