The Vuelta al Valle de Ollo gives your planning a clear framework: the circular route is 18.8 kilometres long and gently graded. It is considered suitable for all audiences. If you prefer a shorter route, you can choose from connected shorter loops. This lets you explore the valley’s landscape on routes of different lengths, without implying a specific walking time for the shorter sections.

Circular route, spring and natural area

The signposted Vuelta al Valle de Ollo passes through the nine villages of Anotz, Arteta, Beasoain, Egillor, Iltzarbe, Ollo, Saldise, Senosiáin and Ultzurrun. The shorter options listed are the 5.9-kilometre Nacedero–Ultzurrun–Arteta–Nacedero loop and the 4-kilometre Ollo–Iltzarbe–Ollo loop. When planning your day, you can choose between the 18.8-kilometre full circular route and the shorter loops of 5.9 and 4 kilometres.

A notable natural landmark is the Manantial de Arteta in Ultzurrun. The karst spring lies at an altitude of 530 metres and is the main outlet of the Arteta karst aquifer. The River Udarbe also rises here. The area of the Reserva Natural Subterránea de Arteta belongs to the Natura 2000 network and the Parque Natural de Sierra de Urbasa y Andía.

For geological context, the Arteta route leads to the Manantial de Arteta and the Centro de Información y Educación Ambiental. The centre explains the geological history and features of the spring, the Sierra de Urbasa-Andía and the Valle de Ollo. The route therefore links a specific natural landmark with topics that extend beyond the spring itself. Those primarily interested in the source of the water will find a different focus here than on the circular route through the nine villages.

Hikes with different stages

The starting point and key details for the walk to Castillo de Garaño are provided: the hike begins in Egillor, is 6.8 kilometres long, includes 260 metres of ascent and has a stated duration of two hours and 15 minutes. The climb follows a wooden staircase to the ruins on the summit of Gaztelu hill. Allow the stated two hours and 15 minutes for the hike.

Another hike from Arteta leads to the Manantial de Arteta and the Saleras de Arteta. It is listed as 5.3 kilometres long, with 130 metres of ascent and a duration of one hour and 30 minutes. With a stated duration of one hour and 30 minutes, the hike from Arteta is 45 minutes shorter than the one from Egillor; the distance and ascent are also lower: 5.3 rather than 6.8 kilometres and 130 rather than 260 metres of ascent. The duration details help you weigh up the time available; on their own, they do not indicate the level of difficulty.

The Cascada de Artazul can also be reached via a paved path followed by a footpath. Take seasonal flooding and slippery sections into account when planning. This gives you several specific destinations to choose from: a summit with castle ruins, a karst spring with an information centre, and a waterfall with an approach described as two sections of path.

Archaeology, architectural history and salt

Castillo de Garaño brings together several historical layers. Material remains from the Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as medieval defensive structures, have been preserved there. The double defensive wall around the central tower is particularly distinctive. On the climb, the wooden staircase leads to the ruins on Gaztelu; once there, you can connect the site’s architectural centrepiece with its history.

The Ermita de Donamaría is another historical landmark. Its portal and the rest of the building are dated to the last third of the 12th century. In the early modern period, the ermita appears to have served as a meeting place for the mayors and council members of the valley’s villages; meetings there are recorded for the 17th century.

The Saleras de Arteta are saltworks where salt is extracted from salt water. The Paseo de las Saleras offers insights into earlier ways of life and people’s relationship with salt. On display are tools from traditional crafts, toys, and household items made of wood and clay. Arches also recall how water once flowed through them and powered millstones for grinding wheat. The Saleras are open to visitors without charge; visitors are advised to inform the municipality and take care in the area of the saltworks heritage site.

Discover more destinations: Erratzu, Milagro, Legaria, Betelu, Bizkarreta-Gerendiain, Azuelo, Cintruénigo, Villanueva De Aezkoa.

For the overview of the wider region: Navarra.