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Waterfalls of Bridge Ra
Villoslada de Cameros, La Rioja
(2)
Colorful mosaic of forests, streams, waterfalls, culture and traditions
Difficulty-Medium
3:35 h.
12.2 km.
Villoslada de Cameros, La Rioja (2)
Colorful mosaic of forests, streams, waterfalls, culture and traditions
Difficulty-Medium
3:35 h.
12.2 km.
In the region of Los Cameros is the Natural Park of Sierra Cebollera, a group of mountains with rounded contours that cover several municipalities, in the belonging to Villoslada de Cameros is the Path of the Waterfalls of Bridge Ra. The existence of the Iberian System to the south of La Rioja, with mountains that exceed 2000 m in altitude, make up a unique ecosystem on a par with a great landscape change.
Sierra Cebollera welcomes us, with its characteristic relief, moulded by the action over the years of the snows and ice that cover its mountains, almost permanently during the winter, as well as its leafy forests with a great diversity of species that exhibit a wide range of colours depending on the time of year, species among which the black pine stands out, the only enclave of this species in the Northern Iberian System. The path goes through one of these forests allowing us to know and enjoy it and the work done for years by the stream of Bridge Ra, also serving to discover part of the history and traditions of the land and the people of Los Cameros.
The complete route consists of 12.2 km and begins next to the refuge of Achichuelo, follows the asphalted track, beginning and end of a large number of routes in the park. Without leaving this track we will arrive, after passing by Bridge Ra, to the Bridge Ra Waterfalls, to contemplate the games that the water has with the rocks, to return by the same track in search of the informative panel that we previously ignored and that indicates the beginning of the path that, Entering the forest, winding up among the pines to get out of their thickness in the Majada of the Desecadas, an old place where shepherds and cattle gathered to spend the night, remains of the ancient transhumant activity that took place in this area. The path leads us down to the path that leads us to the hermitage of Lomos de Orios, dating from the 18th century. It is a place of worship and traditional pilgrimages that recall the promises made by the shepherds to the Virgin. From here, avoiding the road that goes down to the refuge, we will follow another path that joins the hermitage with the Ra Bridge to return along the same asphalted track to the Achichuelo refuge.
The shepherds and their flocks returned to Villoslada, from Extremadura where they spent the winter, when they were surprised by bandits. Imploring Our Lady's protection, she covered them with a dense fog, thus preventing them from being seen by their opponents.
The access to Villoslada de Cameros, 50 km from Logroño, is made following the LR-333 that joins it with the N-111, between Logroño and Soria, and with the neighbouring town of Montenegro de Cameros. Villoslada has a bus service that, from Monday to Saturday, connects it with Logroño and nearby towns. Following the N-111 road from Logroño to Soria, we will arrive after crossing Villanueva de Cameros, at the detour of the LR-333 that will lead us towards Villoslada de Cameros. When arriving at Villoslada we continue straight for the highway, to the height of the building that lodges the Center of Interpretation of the Park we found an asphalted track by where we must turn aside, leaving the highway LR-333 that joins Villoslada with Montenegro and the two Viniegras, to continue in direction to the hermitage of Lomos de Orios and of the Achichuelo. This track crosses the valley of the high Iregua to after passing next to the main recreational area of the Achichuelo, to arrive at the surroundings of the refuge of the Achichuelo where yes we want we can leave our vehicle, if we follow the highway that crosses the bridge on the river we will arrive until the hermitage of Lomos de Orios and if we continue straight by the track that follows parallel to the river we will do it to the following recreational area of La Blanca.
It is a magnificent route, except for the asphalted stretch from the Achichuelo refuge to the proximities of Bridge Ra, which runs along dirt tracks and wide paths in the middle of the forest.
With plenty of shaded areas at any time of year also has water points both in the chapel of Lomos, as in recreational areas, streams by the altitude at which we are usually go down with force, although there are some backwaters with some accessibility.
Traditionally this has been a livestock area, so it is easy to find the cattle, also in the hermitage of Lomos we expect the pets of the guard.
Next to the Achichuelo Refuge (0h 00min), where we can leave our vehicle, is the beginning of this route. The route, marked with orange and green marks, continues straight on along the asphalt track that goes up the course of the Iregua, leaving to our left the road that crosses the river to ascend towards the hermitage of Lomos.
The track continues parallel to the river, crossing the splendid forest of beeches and pines that accompanied us in great part of the route, to our right we leave the two tracks that we will find, one of them the one that leads to the Hoyos del Iregua. After leaving behind these detours, on the banks of the river, is located the recreational area of La Blanca equipped with tables, chairs and a small parking area, shortly after the road forces us to cross the river and say goodbye to the Iregua to continue ascending gently, but already next to the stream of Bridge Ra.
The path, marked with beautiful bends where to stop, crosses the stream by Bridge Ra (0h 55min), to converge with the path that goes down from the hermitage and that we will use for our return, the track advances leaving behind this path and gaining height with certain comfort.
Shortly after the bridge we will find the signposting of another path, which comes down from the sheepfold and climbs up the slope of the mountain, the path crosses the torrent next to this path to continue climbing until it reaches the Bridge Ra Waterfalls (1h 30min).
We can follow the course of the stream a little more, discovering the different waterfalls that it has formed, although in this place the signposted route ends and we will have to return by our steps to the signposted detour of the path that goes up the mountain next to the stream.
The beginning of the path is the steepest stretch and it is uncomfortable, the first meters gain height quickly entering the forest, to quickly soften the demand undertaking the typical zigzagging that allows us to enjoy the impressive forest where the route runs. With some more steep slopes, the forest gives way to a large clearing from where we can observe one of the emblematic peaks of the park, such as the Mesa Cebollera.
In this clearing is the Majada of the Desecadas (2h 05min), a place where cattle and shepherds used to gather to spend the night. From here, a sign indicates that the path turns to go back into the forest and continues for a short time, as the path ends in the path that comes from the hermitage.
We follow this comfortable path descending through it, after having left behind a large firebreak that climbs from Puente Ra and a track that continues on our right, to reach the great staircase that leads to the esplanade where is the Hermitage of Lomos de Orios (2h 30min).
Just where the path that led us to this place reaches the parking area of the chapel, at the foot of the staircase, is a cabin that serves as a reference to find the beginning of the path where our journey continues.
Passing by this hut we start the descent along the path, leaving on our left a small meadow, the path is thrown descending quickly.
The route goes back into the leafy forest following the course of another of the streams that feed the Puente Ra stream, finding us again with the old firebreak, which we will cross to face the short remaining descent to Bridge Ra (2h 50min).
From here crossing the bridge we will return by the asphalted track following our steps to arrive at the Achichuelo Refuge (3h 35min), where the journey ends.
Distance. 12.2KmThis figure may vary depending on the route we decide to take, within the possible routes, as well as our starting point.
Time. 3:35hIf we make the complete tour from the Achichuelo refuge. The park offers us multiple possibilities to carry out the part of the route that adapts more to us, diminishing the necessary time.
Time of yearIn spring or autumn, a spectacle of colour, in summer, contrasts between the valley and the mountains, in winter we can find the route covered with snow and the icy waterfalls totally or partially, with which the spectacularity of the same one expands considerably.
Required equipmentClothes and sports or mountain footwear according to the time of the year and the weather, backpack, canteen with water if we do the route in summer. If we do the tour in winter, we will have to assess the need for specific material for snow and ice, depending on the conditions we find. Consult our list of material and equipment for hiking. Read more.
Difficulty. MediumPhysical
The difficulty of this route is marked by the distance of it and the unevenness of some of its areas, finding the greatest unevenness in the paths that connect the chapel with the track of the waterfalls, more specifically in the sections near this asphalted track are located the steepest slopes.
Severity of the environment
This assessment is estimated for summer periods, since in winter the situation of the area and its orientation make it very likely that we will find snow and ice sheets that can considerably increase the difficulty of the route.
Orientation
The route runs largely on asphalted track and in good condition, the paths we must travel are, except in very short sections, in good condition, perfectly defined and signposted both by information boards, and by orange and green marks.
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| 1-Achichuelo Refuge | 0:00h | 1157m | 0Km | 30T 526036 4657363 |
| 2-Bridge Ra | 0:55h | 1284m | 3Km | 30T 526041 4654650 |
| 3-Bridge Ra Waterfalls | 1:30h | 1395m | 5Km | 30T 526184 4653211 |
| 4-Majada of the Desecadas | 2:05h | 1480m | 6.7Km | 30T 526683 4654022 |
| 5-Hermitage of Lomos de Orios | 2:30h | 1431m | 8.3Km | 30T 526730 4655114 |
| 6-Bridge Ra | 2:50h | 1284m | 9.1Km | 30T 526041 4654650 |
| 7-Achichuelo Refuge | 3:35h | 1157m | 12.1Km | 30T 526036 4657363 |
Coordenadas UTM Datum WGS84
Slope: 872m
Slope +: 436m
Slope -: 436m
Maximum altitude: 1480m
Minimum altitude: 1157m
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 279, 1:50.000".
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.
Location of the Virgin of Valvanera, Patron Saint of La Rioja
Place of burial of a holy body, Saint of the River, Saint of the Duero
Rocks polished by natural elements that hold the memory of millions of years
Find out what to see in...
¿Did you know that...
The Charities are celebrated in the hermitage of Lomos de Orios in honour of the Virgin. The Great Charity is the first Sunday of July, in it is distributed between all the pilgrims bread and meat. The Small Charity is celebrated the following Sunday to the Resurrection and in her bread and chorizo is distributed between the pilgrims.
Don't miss out...
We can take the opportunity to visit the interpretation center of the Sierra Cebollera Natural Park located in the town of Villoslada next to the detour for the hermitage, consists of permanent exhibitions and activities.
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 10-08-2020. 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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