El Río: Río Cárdenas, Trails and Cultural Traces
Accommodation in El Río
El Río can be explored through trails, river landscapes and cultural traces around Lugar del Río. One specific route leads to the old Mostajo del río. The 17-kilometre GR-93 stage from Ezcaray to San Millán de la Cogolla passes through Turza, Pazuengos and Lugar del Río.
Trails and River Course
The 9.23-kilometre footpath to the Mostajo del río begins in Lugar del Río and takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from there. A longer connection is provided by the 17-kilometre GR-93 stage from Ezcaray to San Millán de la Cogolla, which passes through Turza, Pazuengos and Lugar del Río. The GR-93 reaches Lugar del Río via a pronounced zigzag descent from the path running above it.
On the section of road in Lugar del Río, there is a fountain on the left and the Ermita del Carmen on the right. After the first houses, the GR-93 leads hikers left towards the Ermita del Carmen. Once the trail has left the road near Lugar del Río, the route crosses the Río Cárdenas over a bridge. After this river crossing, it runs along the river between poplar trees, with the river always on the right.
The route also follows a path halfway up the slope around the Barranco de los Encinares to a saddle, then continues along the boundary wall of the lands belonging to the Monasterio de Yuso. Along the path below Lugar del Río, the river is considered to be hemmed in between rocks.
Nature and Landscape
In the immediate surroundings of Lugar del Río, the La Eméndula recreation area has riverside vegetation as well as Scots pines, oaks and beech trees. The area is located on the Río Cárdenas, after passing San Millán de la Cogolla and Lugar del Río. Near Lugar del Río, the landscape along the GR-93 includes terraced, now-abandoned fields overgrown with broom. Livestock uses these terraced areas as extensive grazing land.
The Mostajo del río is estimated to be more than 350 years old. The strength of its trunk and the volume of its crown have earned the tree recognition in nationwide publications. Lugar del Río is also home to the Antigua Ferrería, located within La Rioja’s Natura 2000 network.
Culture and History
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Lugar del Río dates from the 18th century. On 16 July, the Fiestas in honour of the Virgen del Carmen are held there. The main programme items include a mass and a procession during which participants may carry the image of the Virgin.
The base of the furnace has been preserved at the Antigua Ferrería because iron penetrated the walls during the smelting process, thereby preventing the rest of the building from being demolished.
To the main travel overview: San Millán De La Cogolla.
