Monte Laturce - Clavijo Circular

Jim Arymar

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The hike sets off towards the imposing Monte Laturce and the massive ruins of the Monasterio de San Prudencio, which cling to its southern face. Soon our way climbs and begins to skirt the mountain, offering amazing views and mixed vegetation including almond and olive trees and vines. Above we are almost certain to see huge vultures slowly circling in the thermals. Circling the mountain to the north, we soon have the attractive village of Clavijo in view with its ancient 10th Century Moorish castle above.

After some time exploring the castle (well-explained on multi-language signboards), we continue north of the village, climbing up to the Hermitage of Santiago from where we can enjoy the breath-taking views as well as identify our future way along the cliff edge below. For those with the energy and in good visibility, there is a clear path up from beside the hermitage to the summit of Monte Laturce (1,039 metres), offering unbeatable views over much of the Ebro Valley to the north. This final ascent is not covered in this hike description. From the hermitage we retrace our footsteps a short way before turning off and descending to follow a spectacular cliff-edge path (tricky but safe), which takes us down to the ruined monastery of San Prudencio.

www.ayuntamientodeclavijo.org gives an excellent history of the place in Spanish. Click on 'monumentos' then on Monasterio de San Prudencio, or use http://tinyurl.com/cpsowb

After time spent in exploration, we make our way eastwards down the valley to re-join our outward path back to the start.

Spain - North East Spain - La Rioja - Sierra de Cameros

Features

Birds, Cafe, Castle, Great Views, Wildlife, Woodland
5/24/2022 - Ian Runcie

Great walk with good directions. Wonderful wild flora with recognisable garden flowers and herbs, which in the uk would need constant attention. The monastery is crumbling away and not the place to allow the kids to run about. The walk down from the monastery traverses a nature reserve. We stayed at Clavijo and did the walk from there. There's a single small hotel in Clavijo serving top class Spanish food by prior request, run by a young couple.

5/10/2022 - Jim Arymar

It has been a real delight to re-walk this hike in May 2022 some 14 years after I first submitted it. Pleased to say there are no navigational changes but I have sharpened the text and the directions as well as adding stage distances. It is a hike that needs care in places but is hard to beat for beauty and interest if you are in the La Rioja Region.