Hocinos Gorge, footbridges and Rioseco Monastery

Submitted by maria on Sun, 18/04/2021 - 18:24

Our route starts in the Burgos town of Valdenoceda in the Valdivielso valley on the banks of the river Ebro, between the Tudanca and Tesla mountain ranges.

Air bridge

On this occasion we propose a circular route that starts from the Air bridge in Valdenoceda where there is a small car park and a recreational area with tables.

Aire bridge

We start from the recreational area where we take the path parallel to the river marked GR99. It is a shady area, so we recommend that you take warm clothing. Bear in mind the flow of the river, so before starting the route, please inform yourself as the path runs parallel to the river and sometimes very close to the bank. The river Ebro is famous for its strong currents, so bathing is not recommended.

Bridge

The gorge is beautiful, the vegetation is very varied, boxwood, oak and beech trees. The path winds parallel to the river and the colour of the water is beautiful.

Path

Our first stop is the Marfil Fountain. A footbridge allows us to cross the stream that flows into the Ebro. The upper part of the canyon is rocky and you can enjoy different types of birds.

Ebro river

Path

After just two kilometres of beautiful scenery we find the first footbridge suspended over the river to cross a rocky area that would otherwise be impossible to continue.

Ebro river

Firs footbridge

First footbridge

The views of the river and the path are impressive.....

Footbridge

Stairs

A kilometre further on we come to the second footbridge, which is longer and higher than the previous one.

Path

Second footbridge

We continue along the path parallel to the river through the forest. Leaving the forest the path continues parallel to a meadow with a wooden fence that leads to the ruins of Remolino. Here the path gets a little lost but soon reappears parallel to the river Ebro.

Path

Meadow

Remolino

We continue for a kilometre and a half until we climb a small slope and reach some gates where we can see that there is a stretch of private property, livestock and loose dogs. It is one of the most beautiful areas of the route. We saw neither dogs nor livestock. It is about a hundred metres.

Farm

We leave the farm again and walk for a couple of kilometres parallel to a beautiful farm with a huge fenced meadow until we reach the Bailera hydroelectric power station. We cross the bridge and climb up to the Rioseco Monastery.

Bridge hydroelectric power plant

Rioseco Monastery

The ruins of the Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria of Rioseco are spectacular. The setting is marvellous.

Rioseco Monastery

Located in the Manzanedo Valley, the Rioseco Monastery was one of the largest of its time (13th-14th century). It housed more than a hundred people, with a livestock herd of more than two thousand head of sheep and a model agricultural exploitation, introducing crops such as wheat, grapes and flax. Its hydraulic plan also stands out thanks to its enclave next to the river Ebro.

Rioseco Monastery

It is well worth a visit to get to know its history. If you don't want to do the whole route on foot, you can visit the walkways and come to the monastery by car.

Rioseco Monastery

Except in summer (the visits are guided as conservation and restoration work is being carried out) the visit is free of charge.

Rioseco Monastery

We leave the Monastery, to do the circular route we have to drive a couple of kilometres along the road until we take a path on the right to reach the Remolino bridge.

Remolino bridge

Footbridge

Gorge

Reflex

Once at Remolino we return to the Air bridge by the same road parallel to the river Ebro.

Map

Type of route: circular.
Distance: 18 kilometres.
Difference in altitude: 200 metres.
Tips: comfortable shoes, sun cream, water. Signposting: good.
Difficulty: low.
We recommend you follow the route on the wikiloc app.
The route we propose is circular but if you don't want to do the whole route, you can do the gorge section (about 11 kilometres round trip) and reach the Monastery by car, following the BU and then the BU towards the Manzanedo Valley.

If you do the whole route you will cross a private estate and several bridges, don't forget to close all the gates.

Whoever makes use and follows all or part of this track and its additional information, assumes full responsibility for the risks inherent in the practice of the activity, as this information is only indicative.

Etiquetas