The plan: walk to Gaztelugatxe
A half day plan. Or even a full day. In any case, a good plan. Our proposal is to walk from the Nafarrola Hotel to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
The plan starts early, as early as everyone likes. From Nafarrola we have just 3 kilometers that allow us to reach intermediate peaks at 400 meters high. In that climb there are sections that wind through forests, there are sections in which rushing streams can be seen at this time, and of course there are farms and country houses with livestock and agricultural activities.
Crossing paths with some wild animal will not be strange, Nafarrola and its surroundings are very quiet spaces for them as well. It is in these moments when we realize the value of nature, when we put ourselves at its level.
Since we reached the height of 400 meters we have the pleasure of flattening, the most pleasant effort observing nature has passed. From now on, the plain will take us 1 km to the Cannon restaurant, and after crossing the national highway we will enter through pine forests in the direction of Mount Burgoa.
Behind the pine forests the grijo tracks make their way to take us between eucalyptus and tree clearings to the foot of Burgoa. From that point you can make your way to Matxitxako or San Pelayo. This time we tell you the San Pelayo route. The descent from there lasts approximately half an hour and its south orientation makes it ideal for receiving the afternoon sun.
We arrive at the Romanesque hermitage of San Pelayo that dates back to the 12th century. A magical place. Especially inside. Outside, the arcades of the hermitage shelter the tired and provide shade for the overheated. The fountain next to it moistens the heads and throats of those in need of water. Inside, if it is open and you have the opportunity to visit it, there is a unique temple. There is no altarpiece, but there is a beautiful Romanesque arch, which together with the lack of space makes this place magical. Special. Only.
From here to Gaztelugatxe passing through Eneperi, today a very well-known restaurant. From Eneperi there is an enabled trail. 1 hour separates you from Gaztelugatxe. Arriving at its feet makes us see the 241 steps of its staircase, its bends, its thirteen metal crosses.
And above is the hermitage of San Juan Gaztelugatxe, a place of pilgrimage and pride for the Bermeans, very close to this emblematic place. Feeling privileged to see it, feel it, ring its bell three times as tradition dictates. Ultimately, enjoy it, that is our invitation.
We wish you a good route.
In future posts we will tell you more about Gaztelugatxe, its history and details.
