Route 9: CAMPING ARBIZU
BERIAIN AND LIZARRAGA MOUNTAINS
Type: MTB

The ascent to Mount Beriain or also called San Donato is a desire that seizes us as soon as we see its silhouette from the valley. In this physically hard route we will ascend to the Hermitage located at the top through an acceptable path that will lead us first to the place called Dukenasa where the outward and return branch that leads to the hermitage and viewpoint.

This branch is about 13 km long and is worth the trip for the spectacular views alone. Then, we continue bordering the mountain range until we reach the Lizarraga tunnel, where the Borda and Benta are located and where we can recharge our batteries. At this point it should be clarified that the only technical area through which this route is cataloged as difficult is just after the passage of the road so if you do not dominate the bike in technical areas, we recommend that you go down the campsite directly on the road.

On the other hand, if you continue with the route, we continue along the edge of the mountain range and after a brief incursion to the Ermita de San Adrián and its viewpoint, we begin the descent along a path with a more technical first part and an easier final area.

If you like technical descents, you’re sure to enjoy it.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Type: MTB
Distance: 44.3 km.
Accumulated positive elevation gain (according to IBP index): 1445 m.
Difficulty (IBP index): 121

DIFFICULTY

Physical difficulty: HARD
To define the physical difficulty of the routes we have used the IBP index.
IBP index is an automatic rating system that scores the physical difficulty of a route ridden on a mountain bike, road bike or gravel bike. This index is very useful to know the degree of physical difficulty of different routes by comparing them with each other.
It is important not to confuse the degree of physical difficulty of a route with the effort it will take to complete it: an IBP index of 60 will be a very hard route for an uninitiated person, normal for someone with average preparation and very easy for a professional.
In our case, we have taken as a reference a normal physical preparation to assess the physical difficulty of the routes.

Technical difficulty: HARD
For this section there is no mathematical formula that gives us a number, so the assessment is based on knowledge gained from experience.

We have defined the technical difficulty in 3 levels:
Green color: simple. There is no notable technical difficulty on the route.
Blue color: medium. We can find areas that present some technical difficulties. In the case of gravel routes, these will be areas with steep uphill or downhill slopes on non-compacted soil, sections of trail or soil in poor condition. In the case of MTB routes, they may be uphill or downhill sections of trail with some complicated passages, due to the state of the terrain or because they are natural trails with a very damaged floor. In both cases, these sections represent a small percentage of the total length of the route.
Red color: difficult. In both gravel and MTB we find complicated areas such as those defined in the blue color, but with greater frequency and intensity.
On road routes the technical difficulty will always be green, but if the ground is wet or there are ice slabs present, the situation will change completely.

MAP

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • The Navarre Campsites Association does not guarantee the maintenance of the routes, so it is possible to encounter obstacles on the routes. However, if this should happen, we would appreciate it if visitors would let us know so that we can take this into account for the future passage of other people.
  • It is highly recommended to carry the tracks in the GPS. In some remote areas it is easy to become disoriented.
  • It is essential to carry plenty of water for all routes, especially in summer.
  • The use of helmets is mandatory.
  • Practice low-impact driving to avoid erosion.
  • If you are going out unaccompanied, leave notice of the route you are going to take.
  • The trails are shared with hikers and horseback riders. Always yield the right of way, these people have priority.
  • If you find a livestock closure, leave it as you found it after your passage.
  • Facilitates the passage of livestock on all roads.
  • Avoid leaving the marked road and accessing private properties.
  • Respect the environment and do not leave waste.
  • Avoid shouting and disturbing wildlife.
  • If you see a hunting sign, turn around and choose another road.
  • Respect traffic regulations.
  • Be respectful of people on village crossings.

And enjoy the routes of our campsites in Navarra!