The “Barakaldo Natural / Barakaldo Naturala” route comprises 11 points of interest that will take you on a walk surrounded by nature from the urban area of Retuerto to the town of El Regato.
It is approximately 5.8 km long and can be covered in less than 1 hour 30 minutes.
The route follows the 11 points described below, forming a linear route from the Barakaldo BEC (Bec) to the small town of El Regato. You can return to the starting point along the same path, by public transport, or by an alternative route that follows the road. This option is shorter than the outward journey (approximately 50 minutes).
ACCESSIBILITY
In general terms, the route is very flat, with virtually no significant gradients, and will be followed along sidewalks in the more urban area (1.4 km) and along paved paths in the natural area (4.4 km), with some zebra crossings, tunnels, and small bridges to cross. In principle, we won't encounter any significant obstacles or physical barriers, with sidewalks and paths exceeding 2 meters wide at all times. As this is a mixed route, all streets in the first section are properly signposted and have adequate lighting for any time of day. However, in the second, more natural section, signage is somewhat sparse and there is no artificial lighting, making it more difficult. All zebra crossings are properly signposted and lowered, avoiding steps that hinder crossing sidewalks. The bridges and ramps also pose no additional difficulties and have handrails and non-slip surfaces. Additionally, along the entire route, we'll find benches, parks, and places to rest, creating a very pleasant and easy walk.
As a negative point, it should be noted that just after point number 7 of the route, we will have to go up to the level of the small dam that supports the Gorostiza reservoir, and we will find a section of about 3-4 minutes of ascent and Its respective descent, with a considerable gradient, is too difficult for a person with reduced mobility. Finally, signage along the route is quite scarce, although we can use references such as the river and the "PR - Short-Distance Trail" route, which we will find on the initial route panels. These will accompany us from beginning to end and are represented by yellow and white lines along the route on trees, crossroads, and stones.
In short, the urban route is fully accessible, but the second, more rural section is not entirely accessible, solely due to the steep slope encountered halfway through.
START AND TRANSPORT
The route will be easily accessible by both public transport and private vehicles, as these services will be distributed throughout the route at various locations. The route begins at the Bilbao Exhibition Center (BEC) through its rear entrance, next to the heliport, and will be accessible by metro at the Ansio stop. There is also paid and free parking nearby. The metro will drop us off at the main entrance of the BEC, which we will have to completely circle around to reach the starting point. We can also access the route by bus on lines A3129, A3136, A3144, and A3336. If you choose to drive your own vehicle, there is parking underneath the BEC itself, point number 1 on the route, and free parking under the tunnel that connects the starting point with the second point, Retuerto.
ROUTE
- (Start) Section 1-2: The route begins at the rear of the Bilbao Exhibition Center (BEC), specifically next to the helipad. There are no information panels, but there is a small rest area with a fountain and several benches. Looking toward the rear entrance of the BEC itself, we will see a tunnel behind us that will take us under the highway. Just after crossing the tunnel, we will find a small plaza with benches and another fountain on the left. Following the same sidewalk, we will reach a roundabout, and here we will find point number 2, the Retuerto neighborhood.
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- Section 2-3: Next to the aforementioned roundabout, we will also see the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church (point 3), a prominent building in the area, right at the end of Euskadi Avenue.
- Section 3-4: Continuing along the same sidewalk as the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Church, keeping it on your left at all times, you will reach another roundabout. At this point, you must cross to the right side of the road to take the detour. To do so, you can cross the road through a well-marked and illuminated underpass, which you can access via stairs or a ramp. Once in this underpass, you will follow the bike lane and reach the first signpost for the Barakaldo routes. Here, you will find information about the area and various routes, including this one, marked with a dashed white and yellow line. Continue straight ahead along Calle Ametzaga until you reach Tellaetxe Park (point 4), which you will access through a small tunnel on your left.
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- Section 4-5: After crossing the tunnel, we enter Tellaetxe Park (point 4), and we'll encounter the Castaños River for the first time, which will accompany us for almost the entire route. We can rest on any bench during our tour of the park, where we'll also find fountains. Following the course of the river (always keeping it on our right), we'll reach a second information panel, Gorostiza XC (point 5). On this panel, we'll find different cycling routes throughout the park, which extend over a large area, where we can practice different types of mountain biking.
- Section 5-6: From this point, we'll follow the path to the Gorostiza Sports Center (point 6), and we'll continue our route between the latter and the river. At the Sports Center, we'll also find a pilgrims' hostel.
- Section 6-7: Leaving the sports center on the left, we follow the river until we reach a small bridge that forces us to cross to the other side. At this point, we find a small park with tables, a fountain, and swings. After crossing the bridge, we follow the main road, passing a residential development on our left, and continue along a pedestrian road until we come across a detour. At this point, the most urban section of the route ends, and the natural section begins. We opt for the detour to the left, rejoining the river and abandoning the road. We continue along a path surrounded by nature until we come face to face with the dam that supports the reservoir. At this point, we see the Monto Farmhouse on the right (point 7).
- Section 7-8: From below the hamlet, we'll be forced to cross back to the other side of the river over a small bridge, opposite the dam, and begin our ascent up a fairly steep slope. Once at the level of the dam, the path becomes completely flat again, and the walk around the reservoir begins. It's a single paved path with no way of getting lost, always with the water on our right, which will take us almost to the end of the route. At the widest part of the water, we'll see the Gorostiza Reservoir (point 8). There are several benches along the way and plenty of places to take some nice photos of the area.
- Section 8-9: Just past point 8, the reservoir narrows again, and we'll find some benches and a fountain where we can hydrate. We'll continue along the path until we reach the first houses on the other side of the river, which mark the beginning of the town of El Regato (point 9).
- Section 9-10: We continue until we reach the town center. We'll reach a pelota court with a fountain and benches, right next to a small wooden bridge that will allow us to cross and reach the now visible Church of San Roque (point 10).
- (End) Section 10-11: From the main entrance to the church, a small square with trees expands, and a road crosses the town. On the other side, in addition to various restaurants, we find the end of the route, with the Historical Interpretation Center (point 11) as the main attraction.
At this point, we'll see a public parking lot with restrooms, as well as the "El Regato" Bizkaibus stop, from where we can return to the start of the route. However, there's also the option of retracing our steps, and even an alternative route, shorter than the previous one (approximately 50 minutes), which will take us along the road on the opposite side of the reservoir from which we arrived along a wide sidewalk. We'll encounter some slight but prolonged inclines on this other route, so it may be difficult for PRMs if we're a bit tired.
POINTS OF INTEREST ALONG THE ROUTE
- Rest areas and fountains: Throughout the route, you'll find benches and open areas where you can take a break. Highlights include those with fountains located at the BEC (point 1), Retuerto (point 2), the entrance to Tellaetxe Park (point 4), past the Gorostiza Sports Center (point 6), Gorostiza Reservoir (point 8), and in the town of El Regato (points 9, 10, and 11).
- Leisure areas: In the surroundings of the BEC (point 1), and towards Retuerto (point 2), we will find restaurants, shops and businesses, without forgetting the Mega Park commercial park, which will be less than 5 minutes away on foot.
- Information points: Between the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Tellaetxe Park, you'll find a large information map of the town, with marked routes. At Gorostiza XC (point 5), you'll find a sign showing the park's cycling routes. Along the route, you'll also find two-lined, white-and-yellow markers on trees and stones to guide you, and occasional directional signs to help you navigate. Until the end point, you won't find another sign like the one at the beginning, in the town of El Regato (point 9).