7. Saint Pelayo

The most iconic ascent in Zona Media is the climb to Saint Pelayo. There are several options to reach its summit, where a hermitage with the same name is located.

On this short but intense route the chosen option is the climb from Artariain, passing by the so-called Ariztonborraga area. The climb begins with a gravel road which gradually becomes narrower, until it turns into a beautiful singletrack surrounded by greenery. Once at the top, it’s advisable to stray some metres from the track to visit the chapel and enjoy the views.

The subsequent descent follows the rocky Amatriain trail, with more than 2 kilometres through the forests of the mountain’s southern slope. The trail goes downhill very straight, testing our arms strength and crossing one of Zona Media’s wilder areas. In short, pure adrenaline.