Hikes in Monreal

From Monreal to Tiebas, the trail constantly winds up and down. In addition, the paths can quickly become soft and very slippery.> With Monreal/Elo 01 behind us, we head west. On the gravel path, we soon reach the river, which we follow along its right bank. We cross a bridge into the fields and now zigzag along partly muddy paths toward the small village of Yarnoz 02, which is already visible. We pass it by, as well as the next village, Otano. From there, the inclines are more moderate and easier to manage. Continuing along the mountainside, there are some difficult sections. When we reach a paved road, we look down on a small factory and Ezperun 03. Behind a cave in the rock, the Camino turns right. Back uphill, the final kilometer to the idyllic village of Gurendiain 04 is generally slippery and rough. The path to Tiebas, however, is quite easy to walk and alternates between field and forest trails, always following the slope. When we reach the gravel road from the quarry, the Camino continues briefly on the other side before rejoining the track. We follow this path, cross the road, and shortly thereafter reach Tiebas 05, home to the old—though unfortunately dilapidated—castle.We head up the road through the village, past the hostel, until the path splits at the “Concejo de Tiebas.” We keep to the left, briefly taking the path to the quarry, and then take the next right, passing by the soccer field. From there, we follow the unpaved paths to the road crossing at the roundabout and take the left tunnel. After crossing the road again and passing through another tunnel, we turn slightly right on the other side and continue down a path. This path leads us to Muruarte de Reta 06, which isn’t too far away. As soon as we reach the green trash containers, we turn right and continue under the Camino tracks. At the road, we turn left, where signs point us in the right direction. We arrive in Olkotz/Olcoz 07 with its distinctive, angular tower. After passing the edge of town, we immediately turn right. The Camino runs over the striking chain of hills ahead of us, offering us great views of the landscape. Soon we keep to the left, passing olive trees. On the gravel path, we reach a vineyard and then turn right just behind it (on paths that are sometimes muddy) to reach the road. The Camino leads over the next dirt road toward Enériz/Eneritz 08. From the town center, the trail first goes straight ahead and then turns left out of town, where we hike the next 2 km on a dirt road. When this road turns sharply to the left, a small path appears right behind the bushes and trees. Although it is marked with signposts, it’s easy to miss. Here, too, you can expect mud and wet ground depending on the weather. This path leads directly to Santa María de Eunante 09. Just beyond it, a narrow path continues straight ahead across farmland. Then, turning right, we follow the path across the road and on to Obanos 10, which we can see ahead of us.

If we walk in or during the rain, the middle section of the stage in particular can become extremely muddy for kilometers on end; it would therefore be classified as “black.” In that case, we should also allow for more time! In addition, we’ll be walking through pastureland where we may encounter not only sheep but also cows and, above all, bulls.> Passing through Sangüesa 01, we leave the town heading west, passing the Church of Our Lady and the tourist information office. After crossing the Río Aragón, we follow the trail markers to the right, but on the left side of the road (shoulder). After passing the gas station, we take the second left and head toward the prominent mountain ahead of us. After a few meters on asphalt, a narrow path branches off to the right, leading us up the fairly steep Rocaforte 02 to the lookout point. The views are outstanding; only the unpleasant odor from the factory mars the otherwise perfect picture. We leave the town heading west again (be careful on the descent!) and walk along the following gravel road for a few kilometers until we reach the main road. You should refill your water supplies one last time before setting off. Although we’ll come across a spring with a cattle trough 03 along the way, it’s uncertain whether the water is safe to drink. The trail climbs steadily, and by the next cattle trough (rest area) at the latest, it becomes a narrow, rocky path and significantly rougher. We cross the main road with caution; there isn’t much room, and cars are driving fast. We reach the Alto de Aibar Pass, which takes us to the other side of the slope. From here on, the trail for the next few kilometers can be either a true stroll or agonizingly long and grueling, depending on whether the ground is wet or not. The first trail after the pass, leading up to the gates (close them again), is still passable, and we’re treated to excellent views of the valley and the mountains beyond. After walking briefly on a gravel road, the Camino soon branches off to the right again, leading onto pastureland. Since we’ll be hiking very close to a steep, unsecured slope and the ground can be very uneven due to livestock, we must be extra careful and watch out especially for hidden hazards. When we reach another gravel path, we soon cross a grazing grate in the ground and turn left again through a gate onto pasture 04. We stay on the left of the two paths.For the next 3.5 km or so, we walk on relatively flat ground, but the trail conditions remain the same as before. Watch out for cows and bulls, which may also be lying in the bushes! Over the last 1.5 km, the trail improves somewhat. After leaving the farm grounds, the Camino turns right and immediately enters the grove. As long as we’re still on the slope, there’s always a risk of mud; only once we reach the flat terrain and walk on dirt roads does it become more pleasant, with solid ground underfoot all the way to the finish. Ahead of us lies the little village of Izko/Izco 05, where we can refill our water bottles at the second fountain. Our destination lies at the foot of the large mountain ahead of us; a good 10 km to go, which may once again feel like it drags on. We pass through Abinzano and, a short while later, reach Salinas de Ibargoiti 06 (snack machine), where we can decide whether to go into the village or continue straight on to Monreal/Elo, which is only 2 km away. The last two kilometers lead mainly through a beautiful oak forest. The hostel in Monreal/Elo 07 is located below the church and is signposted. There’s a small corner store near the main street, as well as the restaurant “El Centro.”

Spain: Camino de Santiago: Camino Aragones: Stage 07b: Sanguesa-Monreal[ 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 ]

Spain: Camino de Santiago: Camino Aragones Stage 08: Monreal-Puente la Reina[ 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 ]

Spain: Camino de Santiago: Camino Aragones: Stage 07: Sanguesa-Monreal[ 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 ]

De Pamplona a Javier pasando por Sangüesa vía camino de santiago.

Compostela

Compostela

Circular por la zona de Monreal y Zoroquiain