Loma De Montija can be explored through two distinct themes: the historical provision of care for pilgrims and routes through a landscape shaped by river and karst. The Camino Olvidado de Santiago passes through the village on the stage from Nava de Ordunte to Espinosa de los Monteros. The GR-1006 also passes through the village, following the Río Trueba on the section near Loma De Montija. Cueva de Humarraña adds another connection with nature: it is located in the karst landscape of Ojo Guareña. These starting points offer different focuses for planning your trip.
Pilgrim history and olla calderona
San Ginés in Loma De Montija was a monastic lodging where pilgrims were cared for. They were served a stew called olla calderona. The dish’s tradition led to the residents of Loma De Montija being given the nickname “calderones.” The lodging, food and nickname together offer a cultural and historical perspective on the village. For you, this is a different way to approach pilgrim history than following a stage: the focus is on welcoming pilgrims and the local food tradition associated with it.
Routes and orientation in the village
The Camino Olvidado de Santiago passes through Loma De Montija on the stage from Nava de Ordunte to Espinosa de los Monteros. On reaching the village, the route arrives at the first house; there it crosses the main road and then the bridge over the Trueba. This sequence provides specific guidance on the route through the village.
On the section near Loma De Montija, the GR-1006 follows the Río Trueba and passes through the village. The two routes have different emphases: the Camino Olvidado focuses on the stage as a whole and the waypoints in the village, while the GR-1006 follows the river. If you are interested in a pilgrimage route, the Camino Olvidado is the relevant choice; the GR-1006 offers a different perspective on the route along the Río Trueba.
Karst landscapes and seasonal nature
Cueva de Humarraña is located in Loma De Montija, in the karst landscape of Ojo Guareña. Around the GR-1006, meadows and pastures are covered with orchids in spring when rainfall is plentiful. This bloom is therefore tied to a particular season and condition. Nearby, Alto de Bedón rises along the GR-1006 route at the last foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains. The cave, spring bloom and nearby landscape each offer a distinct point of interest for anyone interested in nature and landscapes.
One detail with a specific date concerns the church in Loma De Montija: on 27 February 2024, bad weather caused part of the church to collapse; the bell gable, the espadaña, was reduced to rubble. If you are considering visiting the church, check in advance whether access is possible.
Routes in a wider context
In the province of Burgos, the Ruta de los Monteros links the Ojo Güareña Natural Monument, the Lagunas de Gayangos ZEPA area and the Montes Obarenes-San Zadornil Natural Park. This route connects several protected landscapes. It is distinct from the specific local routes of the Camino Olvidado and GR-1006, which pass through Loma De Montija or follow the Río Trueba there.
Discover more destinations: Noceco, San Pelayo, El Ribero, Escalada, Pradoluengo, Rublacedo De Abajo, Villalbilla de Burgos, Castrojeriz.
For the broader travel overview: Burgos.
