The province of Burgos, in Castile and León, has some unmissable natural sites. Throughout its territory it is possible to enjoy unique nature, among which waterfalls and steep mountains stand out. The enclave has become an ideal option for carrying out different outdoor activities in which you can walk along picturesque trails and enjoy nature thanks to its unique flora and fauna.
One of the biggest attractions in the territory of Burgos is in the north of the province, in the Las Merindades region. Here it is possible to take a hiking route where you can admire green slopes covered with oak trees and a natural arch more than 20 meters high.
The Ventanón Trail stands out for its simplicity, with a circular route of just over 11 kilometers, which can be completed in approximately four to five hours. In addition, the route is fully signposted with markers located along the different sections and has a maximum slope of 280 meters. However, it is advisable to be extremely careful during the route, as there is a possibility of landslides in some sections where the rocks are looser.
Visit to the Ventanón Trail
To start the route you will need to go to the Alto de la Concha car park, located an hour and a half from Burgos and Santander, and which will be accessible via the CL-629 and N-623 respectively. There it will be possible to leave the car to begin the walking tour.
In the first section, the path will travel along a small green slope of the Sotoscueva valley, covered with various species of trees, among which the holm oaks stand out, and along which you will have to continue until reaching the natural bridge of ‘El Ventanón.
This natural monument consists of a stone arch 30 meters wide and 20 meters high, created by an ancient water conduit which, over the centuries, dissolved the limestone, giving it this unique appearance. Thanks to it it is possible to appreciate the mountains of Somo and some of the neighboring towns of Merindad de Valdaporres.
After enjoying the landscape, we will have to start the descent continuing to the right at the first marker and left at the second until Villamartín de Sotoscueva. South of this town it will be possible to enjoy the Dulla Canals, a complex and labyrinthine river network that collects rainwater and meltwater to flow towards Quintanilla Valdebodres.
If you continue on the PR.C.BU-33 road, through the Sotoscueva valley, you can appreciate the characteristic agrarian architecture of the area, with large meadows full of grass, several mansions, a water fountain , a bowling alley. and the Church of San Esteban, which completes the rural core of the enclave.
After enjoying the territory, we will have to descend from the top of La Concha, where it will be possible to discover the Ojo de Guareña, a chasm through which the waters of the river to which it gives its name are introduced and which has a number infinity of cavities which give birth to space.
Here it is also possible to enjoy the hermitages of San Bernabé and San Tirso, at the main entrance to the karst complex, in the municipality of Cueva de Sotoscueva. It is possible to admire natural vaults with wall paintings of the martyrs of San Barnabas and San Tirso, as well as an altar with the sculpture of the latter.
Both natural monuments are unique and it is advisable to stop to enjoy them during the descent, before finally finishing the route. Then the tour ends where it started, at the Alto de la Concha parking lot.
Other tips
Although the route is not particularly difficult, it is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and special mountain shoes, which will allow you to complete the route calmly and without setbacks. In addition, it is advisable to hydrate frequently, which is why it is advisable to go to the enclave with a container of water that can be refilled along the trail at different sources found throughout the territory .
On the other hand, it is always advisable to check the weather forecast before starting a mountain route, since adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow or winds can hamper the completion of the route, the in some cases even preventing it from being completed and putting us in danger.
