Garbea and Kolitza Loop from Balmaseda

This circular route begins and ends in Balmaseda. You can find parking within the town itself, which serves as the primary access point for the trail.

No, this trail is generally considered difficult. It requires a good to very good fitness level due to significant altitude gain (over 860 meters) and constant ascents and descents. Sure-footedness is also essential for some sections.

The terrain is highly varied, taking you through a mix of unpaved tracks, paved tracks, gravel paths, natural paths, and even some streets within Balmaseda. You'll traverse forests, fields, and open areas, with abundant vegetation providing shade on hot days.

The route offers several notable sights. In Balmaseda, you'll pass the Old Bridge of Balmaseda and the Church of San Severino. As you ascend Mount Kolitza, you'll find the San Roque Hermitage on Mount Kolitza, a rare 13th-century Romanesque construction, and a historic 'Nevera' (ice house). The Garbea Peak (718 m), known as the "Balcón de Las Encartaciones," offers spectacular panoramic views.

The trail can be enjoyed for much of the year. However, the abundant vegetation provides welcome shade on hot days, suggesting spring and early autumn are ideal for comfortable temperatures. The Kolitza Balmatrail, a mountain sports event, is held around October, indicating good conditions then.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to hike this trail or access the Special Area of Conservation of Ordunte. However, always respect local regulations regarding nature conservation.

While the trail passes through natural areas, it's always best to keep dogs on a leash, especially when passing through livestock areas or within the Special Area of Conservation of Ordunte, to protect wildlife and ensure their safety.

Yes, this route shares sections with other official trails. You will find it intersects with parts of the Bizkaiko bira, Camino Olvidado (Bilbao-Villasante), Puente Viejo o de la muza, and Bidegorri.

From the summit of Mount Kolitza, you'll get expansive views of the surrounding landscape. From La Garbea, often called the "Balcón de Las Encartaciones," you can enjoy panoramic vistas stretching across the Salcedo Valley, the peaks of Ubieta, Larrea, Montes de Triano, Mello, Montes de Saldamando, Muskiz, and even the sea on clear days.

Yes, near the San Roque Hermitage on Mount Kolitza, about 100 meters away, there is a mountain refuge. This can be a useful spot for a break or shelter.

Mount Kolitza is one of the "montes bocineros" (horn-blowing mountains) of Bizkaia. Historically, horns were blown from its summit, along with Oiz, Gorbea, Sollube, and Ganekogorta, to call general assemblies.