Hikes in Mendata

The sixth stage of the Wine and Fish route leads from Durango to Gernika

The fifth stage of the Camino de Santiago along the Basque Atlantic coast leads from Markina-Xemein to the center of the famous town of Gernika.

Gently undulating stage through green, shady forests to the historic town of Gernika.

When it rains, forest trails become muddy; the trail up the mountain to Santo Tomas is particularly problematic in this regard. During heavy rain, the trails in the low-lying areas may also flood.▶ Just past the Monasterio de Zenarruza 01, a well-maintained forest trail leads us along the mountainside to a farmstead. Shortly afterward, we take the road straight ahead, which offers great views as it leads us to another farmstead. Across the property, we cross the pastures immediately to the left of the house. The steep path leading down from there is very easy to navigate thanks to new wooden steps. Once at the bottom, we walk straight ahead past enchanting gardens and continue through the village. We keep to the right along the road and pass under it at the town entrance sign. Then, turning left, we emerge right next to the church in Munitibar 02 (fountain, shop). Leaving the church square, we head left along the road and, shortly afterward, turn left again onto a side road that climbs steeply uphill. At the top, walking past farmyards, we leave the built-up area behind and turn left again at the next T-intersection. On the right is the Ermita Done Jakue (Basque for Ermita Santiago). On good terrain, we reach the main road; however, the Camino branches off to the left just before it. (During or after heavy rain, it’s best to take the road with caution, as flooding can occur further down). For quite some time, we hike beneath the high-voltage power lines, as the asphalt gives way to a washed-out gravel and rubble path. Sometimes going up, sometimes down, we stay on course. Upon reaching the next farmstead, we cross the river and, immediately after, turn right to walk along the water’s edge. A beautiful, wild path takes us past several farms. Staying on the left bank of the river, we reach a bridge and turn left at the road. Soon we reach a tavern (closed in winter; there is a well), behind which we turn right toward Zarra 03. Going uphill, we pass the Ermita San Pedro. We continue to the last house, hike once more on forest trails, and keep to the right at a fork. The path is good at first but gets worse later on; we follow the main trail and cross the very old Puente Artzubi 04. Shortly afterward, we find ourselves in front of the Santo Tomas 05 church. After walking just under 200 m along the road, we reach another fork 06. The new route branches off to the right, or continues straight ahead. This path is mostly paved but flat and should be chosen when it rains. The original path to Gernika-Lumo branches off to the left, which adds a few more meters of elevation gain but also offers occasional views. Turning left, we walk along forest trails, from which we soon catch sight of Marmiz 07. Walking along the right side of the village outskirts, we once again find ourselves on rough forest trails. Staying on the main path (signposts are available at critical points), we have to climb a few meters in elevation before we reach a relatively flat stretch along the mountainside. After some time on the main path, we reach a solitary farmstead; there, the Camino leads down a rocky path to the left, where we emerge onto a road and reach the town of Ajangiz 08. Between the church’s backyard and the tavern, we walk straight ahead, down the very slippery wooden steps. Immediately afterward, it’s very easy to overlook the unattractive shortcut on the right, which leads us through the next small village. Other small paths lead directly onto the main road. To the left of the guardrail, we cross the road—which runs like a tunnel beneath us—and, after the right-hand curve, continue along a sidewalk. Running parallel to the road, the quiet path takes us to a large intersection, where we turn left and follow the road as it crosses the river and the railroad tracks. At the large main square, we turn left toward the Tourist Information Center 09, where we end today’s stage.

Ruta de ida y vuelta para realizar las siguientes cimas Kanpona 505m. Minarria 457m. Elbitzuaga 465m. Arrola 537m. La ruta circula por senderos con continuos sube y bajas por el cortado. Para la subida al Arrola, se pasa por un caserío abandonado.

Spain: Camino de Santiago: Camino del Norte: Stage 05: Markina-Xemein to Gernika-Lumo[ cami caminho cammino chemin compostela itineraire jacob jacobsweg jacques james james’ jaume sant Santiago st ste saint san saint-jacques st-jacques path pilgrim’s pilgrims route ruta via voie way of weg ]