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The Montes de Hierro Greenw. |
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LOCATION
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Traslaviña (Artzentales) - Kobaron (Muskiz).
VIZCAYA |
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Length: 42,5 Kms.
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Users:    *
(*) Km 8: In the area of the Sopuerta quarry there is a short section with a significant slope.
(*) Km 16: At the recreational area of La Aceña there is a steep incline and the temporary closure of a tunnel obliges users to take a provisional detour along a dirt track.
(*) Km 39: On arriving at Playa de La Arena beach it is necessary to cross a short stretch of sand. For cyclists, skaters, those with baby buggies, and persons of restricted mobility, access to the section of the Itsaslur Greenway should be made via the village of Kobaron since the access via Pobeña requires negotiating a steep flight of steps.
These latter obstacles are expected to be removed in the medium term thanks to an inter-territorial initiative affecting the costal path between Muskiz and Mioño (Cantabria) under the auspices of the Ministry of the Environment, Rural and Marine Affairs.
 : Section of bidegorri or cycle path between Gallarta – Playa de La Arena and the Pobeña – Kobaron section of the Itsaslur Greenway
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Type of surface:
Compacted gravel between the FEVE station at Traslaviña (Km 0) and Santelices (Muskiz) (Km 25). Tarmac between Santelices (Km 25) and Kobaron (Muskiz) (Km 42.5). |
Natural settings:
Mercadillo or Barbadun Valley. Salt marshes of the river Barbadun and Playa de La Arena in Muskiz. Regeneration forests. Views over the sea and of beautiful valleys covered with either Atlantic forest or plantations of pine and eucalyptus.
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Cultural heritage:
Blast furnace in Sestao.
Vizcaya suspension bridge, historical town centre, Salazar Tower, Basilica of Santa María, Santa Clara convent, Plaza de la Ranchería, Iron Pier, Town Hall, and Museum of Industry in Portugalete.
San Félix de Cantalicio church in Ortuella.
Peñas Negras interpretation centre (La Arboleda).Museum of Mining in the Basque Country (Gallarta), calcining kilns of the San José and Lorenza mines, limestone needles at the Cristina mine, mine head belonging to the Ezequiela pit, Church of San Pedro (Las Carreras) and Church of Santa Juliana de Abanto-Ciérvana/Abanto-Zierbena. Muñatones Castle and the El Pobal ironworks in Muskiz. Cave paintings in the Arenaza cave, Eskatxabel dolmen and Loizaga Tower/Rolls Royce Museum in Galdames. Museum of Las Encartaciones (former House of Assemblies) in the village of Avellaneda, calcining kilns and the old mining village and recreational area of Alén (Sopuerta). Remains of ironworks and iron mills on the banks of the river Barbadun, along which the Ironworks Route runs, a route which brings together the highest density of proto-industrial remains in Vizcaya, the star of which is the restored El Pobal ironworks. Moreover, the entire route of the Greenways is scattered with mining remains: minefields, mines, loaders, villages… |
Infraestructure:
Greenway (Traslaviña – Gallarta, and Pobeña-Kobaron) and bidegorri/cycle path (Gallarta – Playa de La Arena). 7 tunnels (3 with lighting), 7 buildings linked to mining operations (3 in ruins), 7 rest areas, 11 recreational areas, 1 play area in the recreational area of La Aceña, water fountains, benches, waste bins, and signage. The Santelices-Gallarta section is illuminated by lampposts.
Recreational areas of Tuetxe, Santa Cruz and La Toba in Artzentales; Alén, San Roque de Carral, El Alisal and La Baluga in Sopuerta; La Aceña/Atxuriaga and Aguasjuntas in Galdames; Siete Robles and El Cerrillo in Abanto-Zierbena; and Rebortun in Muskiz
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How to get there:
Feve. Bilbao – Santander Line. Traslaviña Station (Artzentales)
Metro Bilbao. Sestao Station. Line 2.
Railway. Suburban network. Line C 1. Bilbao-Santurtzi: Sestao and Portugalete stations. Line C 2. Bilbao-Muskiz: Urioste (Ortuella), Gallarta (Abanto-Zierbena), Putxeta (Abanto-Zierbena) and Muskiz.
Galdames stations: Bus Empresa Encartaciones (Bizkaibus). Lines A3323, A3334, A3336 and A3337.
Artzentales: Bus (Bizkaibus). Line A0652
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Connections:
Bilbao: 20 km to Gallarta. |
Maps to use:
National Geographic Institute Map:scale 1:25.000. Sheet 61-I.
Ministry of Development Official Road Map. |
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Further information in the Greenways Guide, volume III |
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