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Difficulty-Low
2:00 h.
6.4 km.
Difficulty-Low
2:00 h.
6.4 km.
In the foothills of the Sierra de Leyre, in Lumbier, is developed this route that takes us to know some magnificent natural landscapes of the Navarrese Pre-Pyrenees. Inhabited by countless species, both animals and plants, this route allows us to enjoy a varied landscape that combines the width of the valley and the verticality of the rocky formations that form the crest of the Trinity, with the narrow walls formed for centuries by the flow of river Irati, resulting in the Foz of Lumbier a natural heritage site by itself.
The griffon vultures are the most visible inhabitants, but not the only ones that with some patience and luck we will be able to observe. The Trinity and Lumbier trail with just 6.4 km transports us from the welcome centre car park in the Foz de Lumbier to the vertical walls that form the crest of the Trinity, on whose edge the hermitage that gives its name to this crest seems to appear next to the main peak. To the hermitage, located at an altitude of 740 m, every year a pilgrimage goes up on foot from Lumbier and from there you can contemplate a magnificent panoramic view of the breccia that is the Foz de Lumbier. The itinerary takes us to the continuation of the Sierra de Leyre, allowing us to intuit the mouth of the Irati in the river Aragón.
After a quick descent, the old layout of the Irati train, now converted into a 3.6 km green track, will serve as a guide to take us to the entrance to the Foz de Lumbier, not without first giving us the opportunity to assume the responsibility of approaching the ruins of the Devil's Bridge or of Jesus 4.6 km. This part of the route is not only part of the history of the railway but also of the Jacobean as it was, and still is, used by pilgrims from Somport to Santiago. The transit through the Gorge of Lumbier, after crossing the tunnel that crosses the natural border that prevents us from access, is a privilege that will show us the careful architecture that the river has designed with its tireless blow of water. This section not only offers us the spectacular and vertical forms, it also shows the daily life of the inhabitants who populate its cliffs. Once again, a dark tunnel helps us to get out of this environment which, thanks to its inaccessible orography, has conserved an almost imperturbable habitat.
The route is better to do as it is described because this way we will not have to face the ascent near the ridge of the Trinity with the ramps that have a steeper slope.
We can reach Lumbier following the A-21 that joins Pamplona with Jaca, approximately 40 km from Pamplona in the direction of Jaca we will find exit 35, from here we only have to follow the NA-150 that will take us directly to Lumbier. This same road, but on the other side, also comes from Pamplona through Egües and Artieda. Another access road is the NA-178 that starts from Ezcároz towards Lumbier giving the possibility of joining Roncesvalles or the Irati Forest with the Foz de Lumbier. Once there, just at the entrance to the locality as we arrive from Pamplona by the highway, we will find the sign that indicates the detour that we must follow to our right. Shortly after crossing the Salazar River we will have to leave the road we are going along to continue to our right along an asphalt track that will take us to the car park where the route begins and where we can leave our vehicle for a cost of 2 € for cars.
A perfect route through a varied terrain that does not require much effort and where you can certainly enjoy the ride. The hot days can extend the effort by not counting, except in the tunnels, with shady areas where it refreshes.
Of course the water can not be missing especially in summer, we can find next to the car park a rest area that has a water point where you can replenish and just before entering the path in the other rest area there is also a fountain.
We are in a protected area so we must abide by established rules, otherwise it is not very common to find more animals than those who inhabit this place and a pet more than as our friend has come to know this beautiful environment.
The route starts at the Foz de Lumbier car park (0h 00min), from here we follow the greenway where the Irati train used to run in the past.
Shortly after leaving the recreational area next to the car park behind us we will arrive at a small rest area dominated by a large tree.
In front of us we can see the trench where the route that leads to the interior of the Foz continues. To our left next to an informative sign, the Detour (0h 05min), where the path begins where we have to continue.
This path brings us closer to the walls of the crest of the Trinity, where surely if we look well we can see the top of its vertical wall, part of the chapel that gives it its name. The path begins a demanding ascent that allows us to contemplate the spectacular landscape, along with the rich flora and fauna that inhabit the area.
The itinerary, marked out at all times by green and white markings, follows a well-defined path that on more than one occasion has to cross the torrents where on rainy days the water descends.
Shortly after starting the ascent, when it has not yet shown its true slope, we find a metal door that we have to cross, making sure after doing so that it is well closed.
There will be many trails and paths that we will cross, some of them marked by posts that indicate the way to follow. The path opens its way through the leafy bushes that surround it to begin with the real ascent that will make us bridge the gap that separates us from the top of the Foz de Lumbier.
The terrain, sometimes somewhat broken, and the slope that in this part of the route we must save invites us to advance calmly. The bushes gradually leave us a little more space almost at the same time that the slope is softening.
Without realizing it, we find ourselves walking along a false plain from which we can contemplate the whole valley behind us and the magnificent formations that form the crest of the Trinity.
Quickly the path that brought us here ends in a dirt track that follows parallel to the vertical wall that seems to mark the course. We, following the direction in which we arrived, continue on the right with the ascent that is still ahead of us.
The wide track leaves on its left a couple of paths, which lead to what looks like the ruins of some corrals, to gradually lose the inclination marking the end of the ascent.
On our right we find another path that we have to leave behind, as the route continues straight on towards the beginning of the vertiginous descent that awaits us.
Arriving just below the power line we see how the track splits in two, any of these options will take us to the same junction a few meters ahead. Although it is better to follow the track on the right, because if we don't do it we have a lot of possibilities to skip the track we have to follow.
At this junction, another signposted post indicates that you must turn right and begin the descent down a dirt track in worse condition than the previous one. This track forces us to leave behind the mountain range that forms part of the Sierra de Leyre, leading us, without knowing it for now, to the descent towards the Irati river valley.
The path we are on soon takes us to the track that climbs from Liédena to the top of the quarry where the limestone aggregates are extracted. When you reach this track the route turns right and begins a steep descent through it. The Irati River at our feet offers us a beautiful panoramic view while we continue with the descent.
A few metres after tracing one of the typical curves of the whole route, with a considerable slope, we find ourselves on our right with the beginning of a new path where we must follow.
After finishing a first slope of access to the path, somewhat decomposed, we continue with the descent and with a little less unevenness.
After crossing a new slope, turn sharply to the right, leaving on our left a path that leads to a privileged viewpoint where a bench will tempt us to have a good time contemplating the landscape. We continue with the descent, now oriented towards the Gorge clearly seeing the layout that followed the old train.
Shortly before we reach the greenway we find a new fork where, at our choice, we can go straight on, lengthening the path a little longer or turn left and go directly to an information area at the edge of the Greenway (1h 15min).
In any case both options are joined again to go up the course of the river until arriving at the mouth of the tunnel that gives entrance to the interior of the Foz of Lumbier.
It is in this place where hidden in the bushes is the beginning of the steep path that leads to the nearby Devil's Bridge (1h 30min).
This short route is quite dangerous due to its narrowness and verticality, as well as the slippery terrain through which it passes even though it is dry, but it is even more so due to the crowded nature of the terrain, which forces us to look for a way to pass two people where one barely passes.
Once back from the Devil's Bridge we only have to go through the dark tunnel and enjoy the spectacle offered by the tour inside the Gorge of Lumbier. This part of the route borders the riverbed that runs a few meters below, are not few cobblestone paths that allow us to descend to its shore to contemplate the place with a different perspective.
Accompanied by the inhabitants of the place, who will surely fly over our heads, we arrive until the beginning of the next tunnel that will take us out of the interior of this natural paradise.
The trench, through which we did not want to continue at the beginning of our tour, will guide us to the rest area where we had deviated, to continue from here the few meters that separate us from the car park (2h 00min), where this tour ends.
Distance. 6,4KmThis figure may vary depending on our starting point.
Time. 2:00hThe time we can lose in the ascent will surely be recovered in the rapid descent that follows, approaching or not the Devil's Bridge will not make almost any difference in the time spent on the route.
Time of yearIn periods of floods it is important to be informed before the state of the route since it is a floodable zone, otherwise the route allows to be enjoyed in any time of the year, contributing each one of them its special nuances that invite to visit it in more than one occasion in different periods of the year.
Required equipmentClothing and footwear according to the time of year and weather conditions, it is important especially in summer sunscreen, sunglasses and cap or hat. We also need a camera and a flashlight or headlamp that will be useful in the tunnels as they do not have lighting. On hot days the canteen with water has to accompany us since we will not find fountains except at the beginning of the route. Consult our list of material and equipment for hiking. Read more.
Difficulty. MediumPhysical
Without a remarkable distance, it is the ascent as well as the strong descent that must be the most demanding for us without this being anything remarkable for someone accustomed to hiking. The direction in which the route is described is the most advisable, when facing the less demanding section of ascent. In any case the relative short distance allows us to take it with the necessary calm so that the effort that suppose these sections is more bearable.
Severity of the environment
Much of the route is perfectly conditioned and the sections of path are generally in good condition, except on the descent where we will find two short steps in which it is easy to slip. It is important to bear in mind that in certain parts of the route there is a risk of landslides, so it is advisable to be extremely cautious. The paths that descend towards the river do not form part of the route, being stony, slippery and sometimes, like the one that leads to the Devil's Bridge, dangerous, not being advisable to do it with children or for people who suffer from vertigo.
Orientation
Marked at all times by white and green marks or by the typical signposts we would not have to have any problem to follow in normal conditions the route. It is not superfluous to ask for the state of the footpath to the guard of the parking lot. Keep in mind that the path crosses torrents that can vary its state.
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| 1-Parking | 0:00h | 430m | 0Km | 30T 638755 4722036 |
| 2-Detour | 0:05h | 428m | 0.3Km | 30T 638908 4721821 |
| 3-Greenway | 1:15h | 415m | 3.6Km | 30T 640175 4720413 |
| 4-Devil's Bridge | 1:30h | 420m | 4.6Km | 30T 639187 4720604 |
| 5-Parking | 2:00h | 430m | 6.4Km | 30T 638755 4722036 |
Coordenadas UTM Datum WGS84
Slope: 409m
Slope +: 202m
Slope -: 207m
Maximum altitude: 525m
Minimum altitude: 415m
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 174-2 1:25.000"
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.
Un recorrido muy bonito!! Impresionante la Foz para no perdersela.
Pilgrimage destination in honour of the patron saint of Navarre, Saint Francis Xavier
Jewel of Ujué, ordered to be constructed by kings
Find out what to see in...
¿Did you know that...
Close to the Foz of Lumbier is the Foz of Arbaiun which due to its characteristics, more than 6 km long, vertical walls of about 200 m and its inaccessibility, could well be the most important of Navarrese foces.
Don't miss out...
The Way of the Bridges, that from Lumbier takes us to cross this historical locality and its bridges over the river Salazar or Irati, allowing us to contemplate the old wall and the diverse buildings of its main street, between which they emphasize the City council, the church or the palace of Jauregizar.
From the commitment of SENDITUR with Nature and the respect to the balance of the environment, SENDITUR urges you to travel in a responsible way, with low environmental impact and respecting at all times the Natural, Cultural and Social environment wherever you go.
Besides sharing with all of us your experience on the route we would be grateful if you could write to us to inform us of any erroneous or outdated information you may have found, or simply to let us know what you think at Thank you.
This route has been carried out in the field by SENDITUR on 16-05-2019. The route may vary greatly depending on the time of year, weather conditions and terrain, as well as the actions of third parties and the evolution suffered in the natural environment where it is located. All opinions, advice and/or assessments made by SENDITUR in their descriptions are for guidance only and are subject to and/or refer to the specific conditions of the specific day of the route, referring to that specific day, taken from trained people, with the appropriate experience and with a high level of physical and technical preparation as a reference, as well as correctly equipped.
All the times are approximate and take an orientative character, the stops have not been taken into account, no matter how small they are. All the information related to the route, texts, images, videos, maps, diagrams, tracks, towns, and places of tourist interest are published as a guide, and may not coincide with the current state of each place. Before undertaking any activity, assess your technical knowledge, your physical condition, find out about the weather and the variations that the route may undergo, equip yourself correctly, be prudent and responsible at all times, and do not exceed your capabilities. SENDITUR is not responsible for any misuse or inappropriate use of the comprehensive guides of its routes and/or publications as well as its electronic guides, nor for any variations in their descriptions for the aforementioned reasons, and recommends that everyone be responsible and prudent in carrying out the activity. We also encourage you to read books and specialised guides to complement the information described above.
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