Pedal alongside the Bidasoa

The Bidasoa Greenway is one of the most spectacular routes in the Basque Country, thanks to its scenery as well as the history hidden within its tunnels and the river that runs alongside it.

This almost flat route, surrounded by oak and beech forests and running alongside the River Bidasoa, has been surfaced for cyclists and walkers and follows the route of the old Bidasoa Railway (affectionately known as the “Tren Txikito”).

Although it was originally built to transport iron ore from the mines at Bera to the port of Pasajes and the stations at Irun, it has now been restored for use by walkers. It had a “metric” (narrow-gauge) track gauge, hence the name “Tren Txikito”.

In the early 20th century, the line was extended to Elizondo and adapted for passenger transport. It played a vital role in connecting the towns of the Bidasoa valley, but the advent of the car and improvements to the roads rendered it obsolete. In 1956, a severe flood caused serious damage to the infrastructure and the train ceased running for good.

After decades of neglect, the route was restored as part of the Greenways programme for walkers, cyclists and people with reduced mobility.

• Length: Approximately 39 km (between Irun and Oieregi/Bertiz).

• Difficulty: Not at all difficult. As it is a railway line, the gradients are minimal.

• Scenery and features: Atlantic forests, illuminated tunnels and small villages featuring traditional Navarran architecture.