Situation
Bierge. Somontano de Barbastro
Station
All year round. Without snow
Duration (approx.)
5,5 - 10h
Difficulty rating (M.I.D.E.)
M:2. I:2. D: 3. E:4
Type of route
Circular
Elevation gain
+850 m
BTT
Si
Car combination
No
Bierge – Pedruel – Las Almunias – San Saturnino and Bierge
This route takes you on a tour of the area around the River Alcanadre. The Alcanadre holds a prominent place amongst the rivers of the Somontano, as it is into this river that the waters of the ravines and gorges of the Formiga, Barrasil, Mascún, Peonera and Gorgas Negras flow. All this makes it a well-known and much-visited river.
The start and end of the route must necessarily be covered by road, though this does not detract from the charm of our walk. Just bear in mind that, in summer, there is usually quite a lot of traffic. As for the tracks, their condition and gradient vary. The path between Morrano and Pedruel, which runs along the lower part of the Sierra de Arangol, is tough and is the most physically demanding section. After the pine forest at Morrano, the track climbs, and the steep gradient and large number of stones mean we have to do most of the ascent on foot. We climb with difficulty amidst magnificent scenery. It is advisable to head to the right to view the Alcanadre from an impressive rocky outcrop, at the base of which we can see the chapel of San Martín. Upon reaching the summit, we enter the Rodellar Valley, where the track improves slightly, although the surface remains stony.
In contrast, the tracks on the other side of the valley, in the Las Almunias and San Saturnino area, are in good condition and do not involve such steep gradients.
As we can see, this is a route that combines roads, single tracks and tracks in good condition. A mix that is also evident in the landscape. From the Scots pine and Aleppo pine of Morrano to the mixed forest of pine, gall oak, strawberry tree and holm oak in the Sierra de Rufas. The enormous oaks of the Naya pastures deserve a special mention; they are ancient survivors of ploughing, felling and fires.
Thus, this is a route that can be full of beauty, as we are familiar with the Alcanadre area and the rivers are undoubtedly the stars of the Sierra de Guara landscape. This route can be undertaken all year round, both on clear days when the Morrano pine forest and the Peonera Gorge can be admired in all their splendour, and on days when the mist rises up the Alcanadre, filling the area with mystery.
ITINERARY
Km 0.00. Altitude: 593 m. Bierge
We take the road to Morrano. We descend to the Bierge power station and waterfall on the River Alcanadre, then continue climbing along the river.
Km 7.85. Altitude: 680 m.
Once we have passed the turn-off for Morrano, a track begins on the right next to a bin and a sign from the Government of Aragon. We take this track and continue climbing.
Km 8.41. Altitude: 690 m.
Barrera. We begin a descent that takes us to the Pinar de Morrano
Km 9.18.
We continue straight on, descending with care amongst the pine trees.
Km 9.89. Altitude: 636 m.
We leave the track we have been following, just at a bend and opposite a small refuge. From here, a very steep climb forces us to dismount, although it gives us the chance to admire the beautiful landscape.
Km 12.41. Altitude: 738 m.
Upon reaching the top, we begin a dizzying descent, the steepest sections of which end at the so-called “Corrales de Naya”, where there are oak trees over 500 years old.
Km 12.85.
Turn right. To the left we can see the curious rock formation known as “Castillo de Naya”. We continue downhill.
Km 13.80. Altitude: 690 m.
The path crosses a small ravine, where, about 100 m upstream, lies the “Loma Juega” spring, which flows all year round.
Km 15.99. Altitude: 645 m.
Barrera. We turn left. Gradually ascending. The path in this section is quite rough.
Km 17.68. Altitude: 670 m.
A cross indicates that we have reached Pedruel. We cross the only street and descend to…
Km 18.45. Altitude: 618 m. Alcanadre River
We cross it via some perfectly aligned stone blocks and take the path straight ahead, which climbs steadily.
Km 19.84. Altitude: 681 m. Las Almunias de Rodellar
We take the first path on the right, between stone walls. We descend.
Km 20.55.
Turn left. Where there is a fenced-in field for livestock.
Km 20.65. Altitude: 640 m.
We continue straight on. We climb up a rather rough track.
Km 22.08. Altitude: 722 m.
We arrive at San Saturnino. We pass through the village and continue climbing through the pine trees. The track is now in good condition.
Km 23.51. Altitude: 800 m.
Road. We continue to the right, initially climbing until we reach the summit of the Sierra de Rufas pass. We then descend until we reach…
Km 34.55. Altitude: 593 m.
Bierge.
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