The Plazaola Tourism Consortium is the driving force behind the reconstruction of the old Plazaola railway track that used to run between Pamplona and San Sebastián. The project has been financed by the Ministry for the Environment with the further participation of local groups and the Government of Navarre. So far,19 km of the 85 km-long track have been reconstructed at different points.

The section of the track between Mugiro and the Uitzi tunnel was finished in the winter of 2000. It is a relaxing 7-km walk through beautiful countryside. In May 2003, 12 km of track were opened in the Leitza area. This new stretch runs through a total of 14 tunnels, 3 of which are illuminated. The whole path has been prepared for walking and is noted for its stunning scenery.

In the Declaration of Lille 2000, the European Association of Green Routes defined the Green Routes as « independent links reserved for non-motorised use and developed in keeping with, and highlighting the value of, the environment and quality of life; meeting a wide number of prerequisites and guaranteeing the welcome participation and safety of users of all physical abilities».

The Consortium has formed part of the European Association of Green Routes since 2000, the first two years as a member of the directive committee and more recently as a permanent member.

The location of the green route
Nearly 40 km of the route, dominated by beech and oak forests, can now be enjoyed between Mugiro (Navarre) and Andoain (Guipúzcoa).

The Plazaola Tourism Consortium has reconditioned a 7-km stretch of the Green Route between Mugiro, Lekunberri and Uitzi, villages in the Larraun Valley; and another 12 km in the Leitza area.

Accessibility
This is an easy walk that is suitable for all ages either on foot, with a pushchair or wheelchair, by bike or on horseback. The use of motorised vehicles however is prohibited; these can be taken on the fast route, the A-15 motorway which runs parallel with the Plazaola route.

Restored sections of the route
Lekunberri – Mugiro: 2 km. Restored section.
Lekunberri – Uitzi: 5 km. Restored section.
Túnel de Uitzi: 2’700km. Not restored.
Túnel de Uitzi – Leitza: 5 km. Restored section.
Leitza – Guipúzcoa border: 7 km. Restored section.
Guipúzcoa border - Andoain: 20 km. Officially this is not a restored section of the Green Route; however there is a perfectly adequate gravel and mud track. Lorries use this route to extract and transport timber from the forests.

Sections under restoration
Tramo Mugiro- Irurtzun
Túnel de Uitzi(Larraun)
Túnel de Telleria(Leitza)

The plazaola environment
Plazaola forms part of the mountainous region in the north-west of Navarre known as “la Navarre húmeda”, which refers to its wet climate. The predominate rainfall in the area accounts for the vegetation and wildlife that is found here.

A large part of the landscape is taken up by beech forests with an undergrowth of bracken, holly and hawthorn. The oak forests are less extensive and are mixed with chestnuts, ashes, hazels, birches, maples, elms and limes. In reforestation areas it is not unusual to find plantations of pine occupying what were previously areas of oak forest.