In the Pyrenean foothills in eastern Navarre, at some 40 kilometres from Pamplona, there is a place which, although slightly out of the way, receives many visitors.
And, as is often the case in Navarre, the attraction is the scenery. Yet you're not going to find a desert or a leafy beechwood here.
The allure of this area located in the foothills of the Pyrenees in eastern Navarre, are its two gorges, carved by the Irati and Salazar Rivers over millions of years. So, awaiting you here is a land of rugged walls, whose recesses are home to great birds of prey, among others.
Were you expecting this?
Well here it is, another wonder of nature in Navarre.
The Gorge of Lumbier
As we've already mentioned, this really striking natural area was carved by the waters of the Irati River. Striking and, it has to be said, with a host of leisure options.
And the first is none other than to get there. Because, if you like winding roads and driving through mountain passes, then you're going to love the route to the Gorge of Lumbier. Particularly if you're coming by motorbike. So, don't be surprised if you come across two-wheel fanatics who take these roads to burn off adrenaline while enjoying some superb scenery.
When you get to the Gorge of Lumbier, you will be greeted by a rugged, green and steep-walled landscape that was declared a Nature Reserve in 1987. But don't let yourself be deceived by appearances, because it's really easy to explore and we'll tell you all about it in just a minute.
But before going into details, you may like to know that you can park your vehicle in a car park that is very close to the entrance to the gorge. In the high season, there's a charge to park - but the rates are reasonable. Next to the car park you'll find an information point, a picnic area and public toilets.
After clearing this up, let's get started.
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Irati Rail Trail
When we say that visiting the Gorge of Lumbier is very accessible, it’s because it’s possible to explore it on foot, by bike, with a pram or in a wheelchair.
There's no excuse! It's an outing for all the family!
The Irati Rail Trail is a flat path running along the former tracks of the electric train linking Pamplona to Sangûesa.
Its little more than 6 kilometres follow the course of the river and pass through two tunnels hewn in the rock.
The route passes alongside the Devil's Bridge, a bridge in ruins destroyed by the French in the War of Independence which, legend has it, was built with the help of the devil. The last stretch (last 2 km) leaves the banks of the Irati river and passes through cereal fields before reaching the village of Liédena
Check out the trail on Wikiloc -
A demanding round trip of the Gorge of Lumbier
There’s a second, more demanding way to get around the gorge. For this route, you have to take a signposted local path to the left before going through the first tunnel. The trail leads you along the slopes around the gorge and comes back through it on the rail trail to the car park 3 km later.
It’s a 6.4-km round trip with an elevation gain of 360 metres which gives you a slightly fuller view of the environment in which the gorge sits.
But, whatever trail you take, short or long, the stunning scenery, the sound of the water and the soaring of the birds are yours to remember. That's for sure!
Check out the trail on Wikiloc
And if you feel like taking a tour that goes more into the scenic side of the trail, then stop by the Interpretation Centre to get information on the activities offered by the companies in the area:
Water activities in Lumbier
Another option for exploring the Gorge of Lumbier is, in this case, “to get in”. That is, getting in the water!
If you're there during the hot season and you feel like taking a dip, you can do so at a few places along the path going through the gorge. All the same, remember that this is a Pyrenean river and the water will be pretty cold, so don't crazily jump in.
Or you might prefer to feel the excitement of skimming the waters of the Irati River and exploring the area from another point of view. Well, that's easy to do. In an inflatable raft, for example. The perfect activity for friends or family.
Birdwatching
We've been gradually letting it drop and yes, we are now going to confirm it: the Gorge of Lumbier is a paradise for large birds of prey and for everyone who enjoys seeing them in their natural habitat.
In fact, the rough crags are the ideal refuge for these raptors and that's why they thrive here.
Alpine swifts, peregrine falcons, bearded vultures, golden eagles, eagle owls and, of course, griffon vultures. The latter are the most representative birds of the gorges, with something more than 200 established pairs.
And, best of all, to enjoy the spectacle, all you have to do is to look upwards and observe their flight as you explore the gorge.
The Gorge of Arbaiun – Iso Viewpoint
Gorge in sight!
Yes, there's life beyond Lumbier. Lots of life, in fact, because the Gorge of Arbaiun is the most extensive and impressive gorge in Navarre.
It's just a 20 minute drive from Lumbier. Just take the NA-178 road in the direction of Ochagavía and you'll be able to see for yourself that we're not exaggerating at all.
This gorge, carved by the waters of the Salazar River, is not so accessible as its neighbour in Lumbier. That's why we would recommend enjoying it from the Iso Viewpoint, which allows you to appreciate the sheer scale of the gorge. The viewpoint is a concrete platform which overlooks a precipice. Information panels are available and there's a free car park.
The views: indescribable.
The almost 6 kilometres of walls reaching heights of up to 400 metres has led the Gorge of Arbaiun to be declared a Nature Reserve and a Special Protection Area for Birds.
One more thing. It's our duty to insist that you come with your camera. The beauty of the flora and the spectacular colony of vultures are not easy to find elsewhere, and you're sure to want to instagram them. Don't forget to put the #visitnavarra hashtag to re-post on our social media! And all the more so if you're coming in autumn, when this wonder of nature is doubled.
Nature Interpretation Centre in Lumbier
As a final remark on the Gorges of Lumbier and Arbaiun, we would suggest stopping by the Gorge Interpretation Centre located in the town of Lumbier.
There, you'll find all kinds of information on life in the Valley of Lumbier — about its people, professions and traditions - through information panels, audiovisual projections and bibliographical material. Tourist information on the area is also available, so that you can extend your stay for as long as you like.
Visit the area surrounding the Gorge of Lumbier
And while we're talking about extending your stay, we've got a few suggestions for you: We're going to give you a few ideas about places that are relatively close to the Gorge of Lumbier, set to add the finishing touch to your break.
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Other gorges
If you'd still like to visit some more gorges - and it must be said that they really are beautiful - you simply need to head north for continued enjoyment.
The Gorge of Benasa is the closest - just 10 minutes away from the Gorge of Arbaiun- it is also a Nature Reserve of great biological diversity. The path running alongside the ravine will give you a superb view of the magnificence of its woodland.
And, just 20 minutes from here, heading eastwards, stands the Gorge of Burgui. Its 3.5 kilometre trail runs alongside the Esca River and takes you to the impressive walls of this gorge.
Finally, half an hour from Burgui, now in the Roncal Valley, you'll find the Gorge of Mintxate. There's an easy path to walk through the ravine and, when the river flows down swiftly, it offers some stunning views of the waterfalls and cascades.
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Sangüesa
This town is well worth a visit: although small in size, it is rich in heritage.
The Way of St James passes through its streets and its economic power during the Middle Ages led to the construction of architectural jewels such as the Church of Santa María la Real (don't miss its incredible Romanesque portal). And also palaces and convents, making a stroll through its old quarters well worth your while.
By the way, its cuisine is just as delicious, so if you feel like tasting some pochas navarras (locally-grown fresh haricot beans), then this is where the beans are grown and it is therefore the ideal place to sample this dish.
I'd like information on things to do in Sangüesa -
Aibar
Very close to Sangüesa, you'll find this medieval hamlet, constructed at the time as a defensive stronghold.
Its narrow, cobbled streets, its noblemen's homes and its arcaded square of the Virgen will guide you up to the top of the village where the Romanesque Church of San Pedro stands. It's well worth going up the hill, just to stroll through the streets and to admire the architecture of this temple.
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Castle of Javier
Also close to Sangüesa, this castle is very special for those of us living here. It was the home and birthplace of St Francisco Javier, the patron saint of Navarre, who was born there in 1506.
In his honour, the Javieradas are organised each year: two pilgrimages to Javier during the month of March, which gather together thousands of people from Navarre to worship the saint.
In your tour of the castle, you'll discover the main parts of this medieval fortress: towers, dungeons, machicolations and even a drawbridge, taking you back in time in a blink of an eye.
What can I do in Javier? -
Monastery of Leyre
Just 25 minutes away from the gorge, there's the option to visit this corner of Navarre in which nature and the peace of the monastery go hand in hand.
An austere architectural complex that shelters the tomb of kings of Navarre, a unique Romanesque crypt, the beautiful, medieval Porta Speciosa doorway and, of course, the powerful Gregorian chants of the Benedictine monks.
A visit that will comfort your spirit, regardless of your beliefs. There's no doubt about that.
What to do at the Monastery of Leyre
Plans in the area of the Gorges of Lumbier and Arbaiun
I've done that... But what if I want to do other things as well?
Well, if you want to extend your stay, don't worry, there're loads of things to do.
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Irati Forest
Irati Forest
A beech and fir forest with magical shades, in which nature, sport and beauty reign.
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Baztan Valley
Baztan Valley
A land that's always green, in which nature and the beautiful villages eclipse all else.
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Collegiate Church of Orreaga/Roncesvalles
Collegiate Church of Orreaga/Roncesvalles
The most beautiful entrance to the Way of St James, opens its doors to you too.