The best gravel rides around Basaburúa Mayor

There are over 20 gravel bike routes documented in Basaburúa Mayor, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. The komoot community has explored these trails over 200 times.

While most routes in Basaburúa Mayor are rated moderate to difficult, the region's use of the Plazaola Greenway offers sections that are generally smoother and more accessible. For a moderate option, consider the Plazaola Greenway – Santa Cruz Tunnel loop from Leitza, which covers 31.1 km and has less elevation gain compared to the more challenging routes.

Basaburúa Mayor offers diverse terrain. You'll find routes that incorporate the relatively smooth Plazaola Greenway, as well as paths with hard gravel surfaces, packed earth, and potentially rockier sections within the ancient oak and beech forests. Some routes may require very good fitness and advanced riding skills, with occasional sections where pushing your bike might be necessary.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in Basaburúa Mayor are designed as loops. For example, the challenging Plazaola Greenway – Gulina Viaduct loop from Urritza is a 59.5 km circular route, and the Santa Cruz Tunnel – Plazaola Greenway loop from Etxaleku offers another circular option covering 49.2 km.

The routes often pass through picturesque green valleys, traditional villages, and ancient forests. Notable features include sections of the historic Plazaola Greenway, the unique Santa Cruz Tunnel, and the Witches' Bridge. You might also encounter historical sites like the Aixita Castle Ruins or the Doneztebe (Santesteban) Historic Centre.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews. Reviewers often praise the tranquil natural beauty, the diverse landscapes ranging from green valleys to ancient forests, and the unique experience of riding along the Plazaola Greenway and through features like the Santa Cruz Tunnel.

Basaburúa Mayor's lush green valleys and extensive forests suggest pleasant conditions during spring and autumn when temperatures are mild and the scenery is vibrant. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially with the shade provided by the abundant oak and beech forests. Winter might offer a different, more challenging experience, but conditions can vary.

Yes, many routes in Basaburúa Mayor are considered difficult, featuring significant elevation gains. For instance, the Plazaola Greenway – Santa Cruz Tunnel loop from Urritza is a demanding 88.2 km route with over 1000 meters of elevation gain, requiring very good fitness.

Absolutely. The region is known for its ancient oak and beech forests. The valleys of Ultzama and Basaburúa are home to centuries-old oak groves, including Natural Monuments like Jauntsarats I, Jauntsarats II, and Eltzaburu. The Orgi Forest Recreational Natural Area, south of Lizaso, also features ancient oaks up to 250 years old with various trails.

While specific parking locations are not detailed for every route, many of the loops start from villages like Urritza, Leitza, or Etxaleku. It's generally advisable to look for public parking areas within these villages, especially near the start points of the trails, to begin your ride.

The duration of rides varies significantly based on the route's length and difficulty. For example, a difficult route like the Witches' Bridge – Plazaola Greenway loop from Leitza (45.3 km) typically takes around 3 hours 27 minutes, while longer, more challenging routes can extend to over 7 hours.