Eltxumendi and San Gregorio Loop via Plazaola Greenway

The route offers a mix of terrain. The Plazaola Greenway section primarily features well-maintained gravel paths, following an old railway line with gentle gradients, numerous tunnels, and bridges. In contrast, the Eltxumendi area provides more traditional mountain biking terrain, including singletrack descents, forest paths, rocky sections, and demanding climbs through pine forests.

This circular mountain biking route typically takes around 2 hours and 29 minutes to complete. This duration is an estimate and can vary based on your pace, skill level, and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

You'll encounter several notable features. The route includes sections of the scenic Plazaola Greenway, known for its historic tunnels and bridges, including the impressive 2.7 km Uitzi Tunnel. You'll also pass the Eltxumendi Summit and enjoy a View of the Pamplona Basin from Monasterio de San Esteban de Juslapeña, offering spectacular vistas.

This route is rated as moderate. While the Plazaola Greenway sections are generally easy to moderate with gentle gradients, the Eltxumendi area includes more challenging mountain biking terrain with demanding climbs and potentially technical descents. Beginners with some experience might find it manageable, but those new to mountain biking may find certain sections difficult.

The best time to ride this route is generally during spring, summer, and autumn. These seasons offer more favorable weather conditions, making the trails more enjoyable and safer. Winter riding might be possible but could involve colder temperatures, potential snow or ice, and wet, muddy conditions, especially in the mountain sections.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the Plazaola Greenway and most mountain biking trails in the Eltxumendi area. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially in shared-use areas, near livestock, or in protected natural zones, to ensure their safety and the comfort of other users.

No, you do not need a permit or have to pay any entrance fees to access the Plazaola Greenway or the Eltxumendi mountain biking trails. They are publicly accessible.

Specific parking details for the exact starting point of this circular route are not provided, but access points to the Plazaola Greenway are available in various villages along its length, such as Lekunberri. For the Eltxumendi area, parking can typically be found near trailheads or in nearby towns like Oteiza de Berrioplano, which offer convenient access to the mountain trails.

Yes, this route incorporates sections of several other trails. It extensively uses the Plazaolako bide berdea and the Vía Verde del Plazaola. You will also find parts of the Asturian Way and the Tour of the Pamplona Basin along the route.

You can expect diverse and beautiful scenery. The Plazaola Greenway takes you through lush green landscapes, dense forests (including beech and oak groves), picturesque valleys, and charming villages. The Eltxumendi area offers spectacular views from higher elevations, overlooking varied landscapes, including the Pamplona Basin.

While the Plazaola Greenway is mostly gentle, there can be sections where it deviates from the original railway line that present quite hard, steep slopes, sometimes exceeding 10%. The Eltxumendi area also features demanding climbs and hard pedaling sections, especially when ascending towards the summit.