GR 38 Route of the wine and of the fish Section 4 Estíbaliz-Otxandio

Description of the GR 38 Route of the wine and of the fish Section 4 Estíbaliz - Otxandio

From the Sanctuary of Estíbaliz to Oreitia 1.6 Km

This stage of the GR 38 starts next to the main parking lot that we find in the middle of the access road to the Sanctuary of Estíbaliz (0h 00min).

We leave the stairs that go up to the sanctuary and follow the road that goes up to it for a few meters.

At the moment we will find the beginning of the trail that will allow us to continue bordering the parking lot.

When we reach the end of this side of the parking lot, our route turns again to go away definitively from the Sanctuary of Estíbaliz.

As on so many occasions, we will see ourselves walking along an ancient path that has now been converted into a trail by the vegetation. A path that we will not abandon and that will lead us to a gate that we must cross.

At this point we come across a crossroads, where another path is joining us, so that together we can continue to move forward.

The perfect path brings us closer with every step towards the cemetery of Oreitia.

When we reach it, we will have to say goodbye to the wide track we were on, to get ready to cross the train tracks.

After carefully crossing the tracks, another obstacle appears before us, the road that connects the towns of this area with nearby Vitoria-Gasteiz, which we must cross in order to continue with the route. To finish this first section we only have to follow the road that leads to the heart of Oreitia (0h 15min).​

From Oreitia to Arbulu 2.8 km

Once in the town, the GR continues to the right of the church without letting us turn at the different intersections that come out to look for us.

We cross Oreitia following the course of the road that links it to Argómaniz.

On the outskirts of the town we will say goodbye to the asphalt and continue along a wide track.

When we reach the first crossroads we will turn again to follow the path on the right.

After a short while, another road stands in our route, a road that we will cross to continue without turning off for the time being.

A little further on, at a new junction, the route did change direction and we went with it. The church of Arbulu serves as a reference to follow in case of doubt.

Once again another road intersects with our GR 38 forcing us to cross it to continue.

We must follow this section of track, without turning off at the different crossroads we find, until we reach the road that leads to the town we are about to visit. This road leads us without further delay to the interior of Arbulu (1h 00min).​

From Arbulu to Mendibil 9.2 Km

We go through the town without leaving the route marked out by the road until we reach the fork in the street that goes up to the church.

Church that we left on our right to continue gaining height in search of the outskirts of Arbulu.

Almost without realizing it, we will find ourselves advancing on a new dirt track that saves the highway thanks to a bridge.

A clue that for now we will not abandon at the different crossroads we pass. After saving a small hillock we arrive at the moment to say goodbye to the wide track, to follow a battered path.

Soon another fork in the path will test our ability to locate the markers that mark the Wine and Fish Route. From now on, these marks will not make it easy for us to follow the route of the GR 38.

After crossing a gate for the cattle, we continue to advance, while gaining height with each step, leaving the different detours that we are faced with.

Once again some gates prevent us from passing through, here as in other parts of the GR 38 the route marked on the ground differs from the explanations and tracks that we can find in most guides and websites that describe it. In this case the marks invite us to cross the gate we have in front of us while the descriptions and tracks send us along the path on the right.

We follow the signs of the GR and go through the gate to reach a new fork in the path, which is appropriately signposted, where the path on the right must be followed.

A few meters higher when the trail seems to disappear, another post warns us that the GR 38 turns slightly to the left heading towards the bushes.

Bushes where a couple of trails await us, the one on the left being the one marked, although in case of confusion both would end up taking us to the same point.

A wire fence must mark the course to follow and the beginning of the trail along which we will continue.

A narrow trail that takes us away and brings us closer to the fence that remains our reference to follow.

This especially poorly signposted area forces us to use our common sense and look for the best way to continue advancing when the vegetation and the barbed wire prevent us from passing.

There are several paths and trails that we will find and that will allow us to recover the course marked by the fence.

Luckily the access track to the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir is another of the references that come to our aid. A paved track that we will have to cross to follow the route of the GR 38.

A route that from now on returns to its usual state of signalling. Now, without so much trouble but without losing concentration, we are progressing and gaining height.

The trail we are following also helps us in moments of doubt. The Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir comes to greet us as we contemplate it from our privileged location.

This part of the route is getting further and further away from the reservoir. There will be many crossroads that we will encounter but for the moment we will not change the course.

Further on, yes we will be almost forced to turn to the left. But we'll quickly turn right again to try to regain our lost orientation.

An orientation that we will recover a few meters later. Luckily, we're in for a good stretch without too many complications.

A part of the route where we will follow the battered road that will guide us at all times. A path that will definitely take us away from the spectacular Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir.

Later on we will come across new crossroads. Luckily we will soon be out on a wide dirt track.

This track in quite good condition will lead us without major complications allowing us to move forward quickly and without leaving too many moments for doubts in the different junctions that we go through.

After climbing a small hill, it is time to say goodbye to the wide track to return to the less conditioned paths.

We then start a rapid descent in which we should not have too many orientation problems either.

Just as we reach the end of this first stretch of descent, a new crossroads awaits us, with the path on the left being the one we have to follow, of the two that we have in front of us.

This new path changes direction, setting a course for our next goal. Further on the route turns sharply to lead us in search of a conditioned dirt track.

Track we'll follow, regaining lost orientation.

We will not leave this wide dirt track until we reach the fork in the path that will take us to the town of Mendibil.

Once in Mendibil (3h 25min) we only have to follow the road that crosses it for a few meters.

From Mendibil to Amarita 1.3 Km

In Mendibil, the beginning of the road that connects it to Amarita awaits us.

Road by which we will continue to say goodbye to this town that we have just visited.

As soon as we cross the bridge over the Zadorra River we will leave the road to go up the river. A footpath awaits us, which runs alongside this symbolic river Zadorra.

The trail leads us to the encounter with the path that reaches the river from Amarita. This path leads us to this new town through which the GR 38 passes.

Amarita (3h 40min) welcomes us by tempting us with a visit to her church.

From Amarita to Legutio 10.5 Km

We enter Amarita following the course of the road that crosses it.

This road takes us to the very heart of the town from where we will go in search of the long stretch that separates us from the next town through which the Wine and Fish Route passes.

We will have a long but demanding climb, which will take us back to the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir.

To do this we just have to keep gaining height without paying attention to the paths that come our way.

A climb that seems to come to an end as it passes under the high voltage line that crowns the hill.

The path leads us to the small opening provided by the vegetation that flanks it, where the trail we will now follow begins.

A trail that allows us to enjoy spectacular views of the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir.

This trail continues to border the reservoir, although not as close to it as before. The route runs through the thick vegetation of the area, crossing an improvised gate.

The slope to be overcome continues to provide us with some demanding sections. The wire fence that has been with us for some time now takes us to the last part of the ascent of Mount Urbina.

Another place where the marks of the GR 38 do not coincide with the descriptions and tracks that we can find in most websites and written guides.

To crown the summit of this Basque mountain gives us beautiful panoramic views. Once we have enjoyed the views and recovered our breath, we start our descent, following, as it could not be otherwise, the course marked by the wire fence that has been accompanying us.

A wire fence and a path that seem to lead us to meet the antennas that crown the mountain in front of us.

But just before reaching these antennas the route turns sharply making us cross the fence to continue with the descent.

A descent that takes us to the noisy highway that runs through here. A highway that we will cross thanks to the bridge that crosses it.

On the other side we will continue descending, marked by the motorway on our right and the inert railway line that also runs here on our left.

A railway route that we will cross thanks to a tunnel, to meet the itinerary of the Greenway of the Basque and Navarre Railway that we will follow.

Immediately, the greenway will make us go under the train again. This part of the GR 38 in which we share the route with the old Basque/Navarrese railway does not present any complications.

Step by step we are approaching the ancient station of Villarreal. When we get there we will say goodbye to the Greenway of the Basque and Navarre Railway.

The path that separates us from the Villarreal station takes us instantly to the encounter with the road. The road we will have to cross to find the beginning of the path that borders the factory in front of us.

A trail that takes us to another new road that this time we will have no choice but to continue. This stretch of road runs along the limits of the golf course located here.

Boundaries that we will continue to follow leaving the road we were following. Now a narrow trail is in charge of guiding us in this part of the route.

A trail that leads directly to the golf course urbanization.

Without the need to make a detour, our route will take us to the road that leads to the urbanization, which we will now follow.

It is in this new stretch of road that the bidegorri that will take us to Legutio awaits us. This asphalted bike path holds a few surprises for us.

The fact is that we have a hard ramp, which with the kilometres already covered can be even more demanding than it is in reality. Luckily the slope does not take long to soften and even begins to lose height.

A descent that also has steep ramps this time in our favor. The first buildings of Legutio can already be seen on our left.

Also on our left is the detour that will take us to this town. Not without first having to overcome a short but remarkable ramp.

The church of Legutio (6h 45min) welcomes us to the town.

From Legutio to Otxandio 9.4 Km

We bordered the church of Legutio in search of the main street of the village.

The street where the GR 38 sets its course for the final destination of this stage. Little by little we are leaving the town, leaving behind us the different streets that come out in our path.

Now we see ourselves traveling the road that links Legutio with Otxandio and Durango.

But before leaving the village for good, we will have to take a detour on the road that connects it to Aramaio.

And almost immediately, we turn off again, this time on the track that leads to the Albina dam.

This area, although well signposted, forces us to be vigilant due to the many junctions we pass.

A few meters further on, it is time to leave the comfort of the track we were following and start the demanding climb ahead of us.

This part of the route runs again through a trodden trail. Luckily the crossroads the trail passes through are quite well signposted.

From the road that runs to our left, there are a few paths that lead to it. But we at least for the moment do not have to step on its asphalt.

A beautiful journey through the thick forest that populates this area awaits us. A forest that is crossed by a path that looks for the shore of the reservoir.

The road seems to warn us that the moment to cross it is not far away, although we should not do so for now.

On the contrary, we will get even closer to the edge of the Albina Reservoir by walking along part of its shore as we move away and get closer to it.

Later, now, the time has come to cross the road that had been accompanying us for some time.

On the other side continues the beautiful route that we have enjoyed and that with each step is moving us away from the Albina Dam. We follow the marked path through the forest.

A forest crossed by countless trails that come to add to the GR 38. We began to lose some of the height gained while we continued to enjoy the landscape around us.

This part of the route is not very complicated and has the corresponding signposting that guides us. Although sometimes the marks or posts that signalize it are surrounded or almost covered by vegetation.

After a while the trail reaches its end when it encounters a path. We should not be confused by the marks and signs of the different routes with those we will coincide with.

A paved track that seems to come to warn us of the relative closeness of our target.

Although for the time being we will follow the trails and paths that run through the forest. Trying to be attentive to the marks and signs at the different crossroads we will go through.

Crossroads which, given the proximity of Otxandio, seem to be increasing in number. Even so, we would not have to have problems in any of them to follow our path.

A path that takes us through one of the roads leading to the town.

After a while we'll go out to the road that will take us to it.

Once in Otxandio (9h 20min) those who finish the stage here can enter the town heading towards the church and those who continue and do not want to make a detour can follow the street on the right that will take them without detours to the monument to the blacksmiths where they will resume the course of the GR 38.

Technical data sheet of the route

Distance. 34.8Km

Areas that are more difficult to follow may cause us to cover more distance than necessary.

Time. 9:20h

How accustomed we are to this type of route will determine how much time we will have to spend on this entire route.

Time of year

Given the total distance of the route, we will find a great diversity of landscapes that throughout the year mark this stage of the GR 38 with their singularities. The beech forests in autumn, the cultivated fields in spring, without forgetting the microclimate generated by the reservoirs, contribute a great part of the attraction. In winter it is more than likely that we will have to endure low temperatures and bad weather while in summer the heat will not make it easy, especially at the beginning of the route.

Required equipment

Although the type of terrain allows us to wear trekking shoes, we must take into account the previous climate and the one that will accompany us the day of the route. We will have to face three long stretches without water points, which forces us not to forget the canteen. On a route as demanding and long as this one, getting hydrated and eating properly is essential. Hiking poles will also be good companions. Consult our list of material and equipment for hiking. Read more.

Difficulty. Remarkable

Physical

The distance added to the unevenness to overcome should not deceive us as they are important enough that our physical condition and our preparation must be good, otherwise we can get to have difficulties apart from having a bad time without need.

Severity of the environment

The road sections next to the different crossroads that we will have to face are responsible for the greatest complications that we should encounter in this stage of the Wine and Fish Route.

Orientation

This is another section to take into account, not only because of the many crossroads and the different routes with their relevant marks and signs that we will find along the route, but also because of the deficient signposting of some sections that add to the variations that the route has suffered and that have not been properly updated in some guides.

Coordinates UTM Datum WGS84

Profile of the route

Cartography, maps and tracks

This sketch of the route is not made to scale nor does it contain all the information relating to the area, it is merely indicative.

This schematic with the path is approximate and has been created from the derived cartographic base © Instituto Geográfico Nacional "Cuadrante 112-4, 112-2 y 087-4, 25.000"

Senditur has manipulated the tracks to correct the aberrant points that may exist, caused by problems with the reception of the GPS signal. In any case the tracks are always approximate. SENDITUR encourages you to use the new technologies within your reach, using them as support and consultation in your activity, not basing the realization and orientation of the same only and exclusively on them, since they may see their functioning altered by very diverse causes, not functioning correctly and their indications may not be precise.