Nava De Ordunte: Routes, Nature and Pilgrimage Trails

The Ordunte Reservoir lies between the Montes de Ordunte and Monte Rozuelas. Routes near Nava de Ordunte offer different points of interest for a stay: the reservoir, birdlife, historic trails and a stage of a pilgrimage route.

Circular Route around the Reservoir

The Camino del Calcolítico is a circular route for hiking and mountain biking. It runs along the reservoir’s north shore and crosses the Ordunte River over a bridge; the start and finish are at the dam. Along the way, you may spot mallards, Eurasian coots, northern shovelers and great crested grebes, among other species. This route therefore combines a clearly defined trail format with a specific connection to nature. If you would like to combine hiking or mountain biking with birdwatching, both activities are part of the same route.

Birdwatching in the Valle de Mena

Another perspective is offered by the birdwatching route in the Valle de Mena. One stage runs from Villasana de Mena via Nava de Ordunte to the Embalse de Ordunte, where it ends. The area around the reservoir is characterized by water, forests and meadows. Near Nava de Ordunte, the route offers the chance to hear, among other species, black-eared wheatears, nightingales and Iberian chiffchaffs; as part of the birdwatching route, the Cadagua riparian forest is also explored in Nava. Birdwatching offers two different points of interest: waterbirds along the reservoir and the possibility of listening for birds near Nava, where the Cadagua riparian forest is also explored.

Historic Camino Real and Waterfalls

There are two places to note in connection with the historic Camino Real. The Camino Real de las Enderrozas, also known as the Camino Real de Ordunte, crossed the Hijuela, Ordunte and Cadagua rivers between Irús and Nava de Ordunte. The best-preserved section between Irús and Arceo is signposted as a hiking route. The river crossings mark the historic route between Irús and Nava, while the signposted hiking route follows the preserved section between Irús and Arceo. Nearby, two waterfalls form on the Hijuela River during periods of heavy rain and snowfall. Their appearance depends on these weather conditions.

Pilgrimage Stage and Hostel

For pilgrims, Stage 3A of the Camino Olvidado provides another clear point of reference. It runs from Nava de Ordunte to Espinosa de los Monteros and is 34.4 kilometres long. There is a pilgrims’ hostel in Nava de Ordunte. If you would like to include the hostel in your stage planning, check whether it is currently operating before you travel.

Comparing Route Types

The route type is a useful point of comparison for planning your trip: the Camino del Calcolítico starts and finishes at the dam; the birdwatching route is a stage from Villasana via Nava to the Embalse de Ordunte; and Stage 3A of the Camino Olvidado runs for 34.4 kilometres from Nava to Espinosa de los Monteros. These three details describe a circular tour, a birdwatching stage with named places, and a pilgrimage route with a stated distance.

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