Leitzaran: A threatened river

Although the Leitzaran river and the valley itself had not been very much in people's consciousness for quite some time, since the building of the Irunea-Donostia [Spanish names:( Pamplona-San Sebastian] highway began, it has been an important topic for everybody. As is well known, the work of ecologist groups, popular pressure, and talks among the parties involved have been able to ensure the preservation of this environment.

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There are many possible ways of entering the valley. Here we will propose one possible trip or excursion, beginning at the Urto bridge, located between Berastegi and the town of Leitzaran, and proceeding until Andoain, the best way of traversing the whole valley.

We will take turns following the what was the path of the old railway, which was built in order to transport the production of the iron mines of Plazaola, and the path along the river. ...

The trip is somewhat long, about 22 km. (16.7 miles), without many hills or obstacles, except for the flooded sections in the tunnels. The trip can be made on foot or by mountain bike...

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The banks of the Leitzaran river are covered with willows, "altz" and poplars; in higher areas on the other hand we find ferns, Atlantic brushwood, oak trees, beech trees, fir trees, larch trees and pine trees, in competition with each other. In the air we find water ouzels (thrush), kingfishers and yellow wagtails, mutually struggling [!]. In addition, you can also see trout, minnow, and "mazkara" [?], trying to catch insects flying above the water.

Suddenly we reach the Plazaola bridge, which is next to the dilapidated train station and the Plazaola power station.

The path continues with the first of the more than 30 tunnels found we will have to cross. The tunnels are dark and flashlights are a must. Although sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel can be seen, other times there is nothing but darkness and one gets the feeling that the tunnel will never end. ... entering a tunnel is almost always a little adventure.

Along with the tunnels we come across many bridges, some quite high above the river's deep ravines, true wonders of engineering.

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After crossing several more tunnels, we reach a beautiful aqueduct/canal which carries water to the power plant which is closest to the tunnels and canals. In the valley there are many hydroelectric plants and also pools, small dikes, canals and aqueducts, which give the landscape and the scenery a very special touch indeed.

Next to the power plants we see the old train stations ...

A little bit after passing by a bridge which goes to a farm house, we enter the witch's gorge, which goes down vertically towards to river, after passing the rock of Bertxin.

The path widens progressively and begins to go down towards Andoain, passing next to a fish nursery.

After crossing the main road and the last tunnel you will begin to see lots of people and you will be almost in Andoain.

This page is part of Buber's Basque Page and is maintained by Blas Uberuaga. Please report any problems or suggestions to Blas. Eskerrik asko!