Meatza | Iron and water

Montes del Hierro Greenway

The Iron and Water Trail is one of the most iconic routes in the Mining Area (Meatzaldea) of Bizkaia. Stretching for almost 24 kilometres, it winds through the Barbadun Valley, following its course from the coast to the mountains, connecting natural landscapes, historic forges and mining ruins that tell the story of five centuries of industrial activity.

It is a long route, but one of low difficulty, accessible on foot or by bike, with numerous entry points that allow it to be adapted to any plan. It is also possible to join the route at various points along the way, notably via the El Pobal Forge.

We’ll start the walk in the San Juan neighbourhood, right in the heart of Muskiz. Gradually, the path will take on a more rural environment, until we enter a valley that grows increasingly secluded and quiet. The river will run alongside the path through meadows, old farmhouses and riverside woods until we reach one of the route’s major landmarks: the El Pobal Forge.

This hydraulic complex, which operated from the 16th to the 20th century, still houses much of the machinery that for centuries transformed iron ore into tools and gadgets. The guided tours, particularly the live demonstration by the master blacksmith, are one of the most authentic experiences in the area.

After crossing the El Pobal bridge, the route splits. One option climbs towards the Montes de Hierro Greenway, which follows the old route of the Galdames mining railway, opened in 1876. The current route allows you to recreate that journey: winding through woods and passing through two tunnels, we reach the La Aceña neighbourhood (Galdames). From this point, the Greenway continues towards Sopuerta.

The other option continues along the Barbadún river path towards El Bentorro, taking the path on the right. Along the way, you’ll come across the remains of forges (such as those at La Olla or Valdibián, in Galdames) that evoke a past in which rivers were the driving force behind industry.

This narrow, natural stretch is suitable only for walking or cycling. Further, once in Sopuerta, the route rejoins the Greenway at Arenao.

Once in Sopuerta, after passing the Sopuerta Abentura tree-top adventure park and going through a small tunnel, we arrive at the Castaño neighbourhood. If we take the road on our right, just opposite the motorhome park, we reach the Sarachaga Mining Reserve, where the calcination kilns of the Catalina mine are located.

Photo courtesy of the Mining Museum

Standing twenty metres tall and built of stone, it serves as a reminder of the process by which the ore was prepared before being transported. From here, you can also see the Herreros Tunnel, a monumental structure stretching almost two kilometres, dug out by hand to link Bizkaia with the Cantabrian valley of Otañes.

We return to the greenway, which offers us some beautiful views of Sopuerta before we enter a wooded area leading to the mining district of Las Barrietas. From here, the road leads to the mining village of Alén, around 6 km away. A century ago, it had over 1,000 inhabitants who enjoyed a chapel, a school, a cooperative shop and a pelota court. Of all these, only the pelota court and the chapel of San Luis remain today.

Continuing along the route, we come across the remains of two mine shafts that served the María and Cecilia mines on Mount Alén. The Cecilia shaft, built in 1898, is impressive because of its scale: the ore was transported 700 metres down an inclined plane to the loading bay.

Travelling upstream along the River Kolitza, we reach the Olabarrieta rolling mill, built in 1762, which incorporated European technology for mechanically rolling iron; it is the only one of its kind preserved in the Basque Country. The route ends in Artzentales, after passing through two tunnels alongside the crystal-clear waters of the Kolitza.

Must-see

Loizaga Tower

In a hilltop village in Galdames, a 13th-century medieval fortress harbours an unexpected secret: Europe’s largest private collection of Rolls-Royces. Within its walls, Loizaga Tower houses every model produced by the British firm between 1910 and 1998. The collection is rounded off with gems from other legendary brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Hispano-Suiza.

Sopuerta Abentura

Sopuerta Abentura is the largest tree-top adventure park in the Basque Country. It offers a unique way to unwind and get your adrenaline pumping in the heart of nature, with Tibetan bridges, vines, climbing nets and zip-line courses for all levels. Don’t forget to round off the experience with the best-tasting chicken at the park’s own chicken restaurant.

El Pobal Forge

Located in the Barbadun valley, amidst the ruins of mills, forges… and an exotic bamboo forest, this watermill has been in continuous operation since the 16th century. Here, nails, ploughs and even swords were forged. Centuries later, every Saturday at 12 pm, the blacksmith once again brings the old building to life with a live demonstration.

Practical Information

How to get there

The route can be accessed from multiple places. From Muskiz, via the Pobeña neighbourhood or from the town centre, or from Traslaviña railway station (Artzentales), on the Montes de Hierro Greenway. You can also access the route from various intermediate points, notably via the El Pobal forge in Muskiz, La Aceña in Galdames, or via the El Bentorro neighbourhood and the town centre itself in Sopuerta.

Autobús

See Bizkaibus lines

Tren

Muskiz (43.321026, -3.112240) Schedule

Traslaviña (43.233204, -3.197804) Schedule

Vehículo privado

Sopuerta (43.2744342,-3.1528667) See on Google Maps

Muskiz (43.320897, -3.123709) See on Google Maps

Galdames (43.2728841,-3.11917) See on Google Maps

Artzentales (43.233204, -3.197804) See on Google Maps

Alquiler y excursiones en bici

Beroutes Visit website

Urgebi Bikes Visit website

Lunch break!

Enjoy the gastronomy of Meatzaldea along your route

Mugarri

Muskiz

Basilio

Sopuerta

Mendiondo

Sopuerta

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Where to stay

Discover the best accommodations available in Meatzaldea, surrounded by mining history, tradition, and nature. Rural hotels and modern spaces near the best routes and viewpoints in our land. Wake up every day in a unique environment!