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Waterfall of Altube
One of the beautiful corners of the Gorbeia Natural Park
Difficulty-Low
0:45 h.
2.2 km.
One of the beautiful corners of the Gorbeia Natural Park
Difficulty-Low
0:45 h.
2.2 km.
When we talk about the Gorbeia Natural Park, the figure of the majestic mountain that gives it its name immediately comes to mind. But this natural space includes numerous corners of great beauty and incalculable ecological value. One of these places that we can find is the Waterfall of Altube, located in the skirts of this well-known mountain port.
The route that takes us to visit this hidden corner is barely 2.2 km long in total and starts from a small car park next to the road, a short distance from the old Olabarrieta farmhouse. The wide path that guides us in this first part of the route makes us descend quickly in search of the course of the river Altube. Shortly after meeting it, we must leave the path we were following to continue descending. Our route takes us to the very bank of the river, where we will come across one of the many streams that feed its course. A stream that we will have to wade through to continue our journey. If we look closely, on our left, a narrow and tangled path goes up the stream leading to a small footbridge that allows us to wade the stream without problems on the days when it comes down strongly.
Once this obstacle has been overcome, all that remains is for us to follow the course of the wide path we are following, a path that looks more like an old road that struggles not to succumb under the vegetation. We will have to be careful because we will soon reach the point where we must leave the path to approach the Waterfall of Altube, thanks to an almost imperceptible trail. The rumour of the waterfall serves as a reference and welcomes us to this magnificent spot in the Gorbeia Natural Park. Enjoyed this place only remains to follow our steps to return to the starting point.
Many years ago, a dangerous group of bandits called the Granizos roamed these mountains. They were actually former charcoal burners who changed their profession in search of better and more fortune. This group had the whole region in fear, to the point that the people decided to ask for help to put an end to their misdeeds. The local people tell us that an army gathered to hunt them down, that they marched into the mountains in search of them, but that all they found of them was the remains of their tools and equipment on the banks of the waterfalls of Altube. These mountains are also inhabited by lamas, and according to legend, bandits, confident of their power, did not hesitate to attack a group of lamas to snatch their precious golden comb, an unforgivable mistake. Others, on the contrary, say that they were made prisoners and condemned to die by means of the cold drop, which consisted in letting a drop of molten lead fall on their heads at intervals.
The Olabarrieta farmhouse from where this hiking route starts is located right on the road that connects Vitoria with Amurrio and Llodio. More specifically, on the way down from the Altube pass, after crossing the motorway if coming from Vitoria, or on the way up shortly before crossing the motorway if coming from Amurrio or Llodio. Once there in the middle of the curve, next to the farmhouse is the beginning of the path we must follow. On this same road, as soon as we enter it we will have a small area where we can park our vehicle.
A perfect excursion to get used to us and our partner to practice trekking together. With hardly any difficulty, we will only have to contemplate the regulation that governs on pets in the Natural Park of the Gorbeia.
Except for very punctual days we should not have problems to find water for our friend, that yes is not very advisable to let him enter the river.
It is not at all strange to meet some of the inhabitants of the forest, to which we will have to try to bother as little as possible.
Distance. 2.2KmThe parking place and the different places from where we want to observe the waterfall can vary this figure.
Time. 0:45hThe return, given the slope to be saved, is what will take us the longest, along with that dedicated to the waterfall.
Time of yearWithout a doubt, there are great attractions throughout the year that justify the excursion to the Waterfall of Altube, but all of them are conditioned by the volume of water that the waterfall will bring when we visit it.
Required equipmentInitially we are in front of a pleasant walk in which a pair of hiking shoes, a cane and the essential for any activity that we realize of this type is how much in general we should take, that yes, you cannot forget the photo camera. Consult our list of material and equipment for hiking. Read more.
Difficulty. LowPhysical
With hardly any distance, the slope at the end of the route is what will cause us the most difficulty. Luckily it is neither a ramp nor the entity, nor the distance to worry about it as long as we have an acceptable physical condition.
Severity of the environment
Without signaling at any time we must be aware of the various detours through which we will pass so as not to be confused. The river and the rumour of the waterfall serve as a reference to follow, so it is not superfluous to take something that helps us to orientate ourselves in case of need, GPS, map...
Orientation
Special attention must be paid to the environment of the waterfall to avoid slips and falls, it is usually wet. So is the path of the stream, whether we wade through it or take a detour along the path to the bridge. Otherwise the mud that we can find is what can cause us more problems.
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| 1-Parking | 0:00h | 455m | 0Km | 30T 509888 4759684 |
| 2-Waterfall of Altube | 0:15h | 403m | 1.1Km | 30T 509634 4758942 |
| 3-Parking | 0:45h | 455m | 2.2Km | 30T 509888 4759684 |
Coordinates UTM Datum WGS84
Slope : 170m
Slope +: 85m
Slope -: 85m
Maximum altitude: 455m
Minimum altitude: 395m
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 111-2, 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.
Una excursión para hacer con los niños bonita, sencilla y sin complicaciones, un paseo por la naturaleza.
According to historians, Alava's best-preserved fortified complex
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¿Did you know that...
In the area there are other waterfalls of great importance and beauty such as the Waterfall of Corraladas or the impressive Waterfall of Gujuli. In fact there is a hiking route that links the waterfall of Altube and Corraladas with the Lamioxin Lagoon not far from Gujuli.
Don't miss out...
The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Gold, which can be reached from the nearby town of Murgia. In addition to the cultural and historical importance of this sanctuary, you can enjoy the magnificent natural environment that surrounds it, a place worth visiting.
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 16-03-2019. 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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