Route

Description

This linear route starts from the Interpretation Centre itself direction Mount Saibi. The surface is concrete, wide and without obstacles; however, there is a downward slope from the Centre which may hinder the use of non-motorised wheelchairs, although no difficulties if motorised. When it rains the surface may become slippery and some puddles may form. A short route, but with incredible views of Urkiola Sanctuary and the mountains of Duranguesado, like the Alluitz-Amboto massif. Wheelchair accessible WCs in the Interpretation Centre and public shelter next to Urkiola Sanctuary.

Highlight

Urkiola Natural Park groups the lands with the highest altitude of the Aramotz Massif, creating an enormous limestone barrier between the Bizkaian regions of Arratia, Duranguesado and the Alava valley of Aramaio, besides separating the Cantabrian and Mediterranean basins. If you love abrupt landscapes this is the place for you.
The Park has a series of limestone massifs and crags, ravines and gullies, and peaks which have fostered a great interest in mountaineering and hiking.
Anboto with the highest peak and Mari’s Cave (a mythological reference) is the most frequented.
The natural park takes its name from Urkiola Sanctuary built in honour of the Saints Antonio Abad and Antonio of Padua. There is a symbolic stone in front of the Sanctuary, which is a place of pilgrimage for those wishing to find their other half in a short space of time. Legend has it you only need to walk round the stone 3 times to achieve this.
In Urkiola Pass you will come across Toki Alai, Parketxe, that is, the natural park visitors’ centre.
(www.turismo.euskadi.eus )

How to get here

By car:
A8 motorway direction Donostia-San Sebastian exit 88 Durango
Regional road Bi-623

By bus:
Route connecting Vitoria-Gasteiz to Durango (Continental Auto, Tel. 945 28 64 66).

Bº Urkiola, Abadiño (Bizkaia) (Biscay)

Section 1
Section 2
Section 3

From Toki Alai parking to Mount Saibi

Suitable for people with reduced mobility (PRM)

Short linear section with wide concrete surface hindering transit of downward slope in non-motorised wheelchairs.
During the rainy season you slip and puddles may form.

Description of the section and its accessibility level

Section length

0,16 km

Pavement

Concrete, limestone pavers, fine gravel and asphalt

Obstacles

Gentle downward slope
Water pipelines
Possibility of slipping on wet roads

Equipment for receiving the external resource on the section

Is there reception equipment on the section?: Yes

Outdoor space: Parking areas and access to equipment

How close is it to means of transport?: From the bus-stop there’s a moderate 400m upward slope. The Interpretation Centre is 5m from the car park.
Is there a parking area?: Yes
Parking. Are there any minimum dimensions for adapted vehicles?: Yes
Is there any adapted access?: Yes
Are there slopes at the entrances?: No
Are the access slopes suitable for people with reduced mobility?: Yes, with no required assistance from third parties
Are there railings and/or handrails?: No
Is there an equipment entrance sign next to the access, and is it adapted?: No
Is the access properly signposted to guide users?: Yes

Indoor space: General features

Do the different equipment areas have adapted access?: No
Does the front door have a pre-landing?: Yes
Are the access slopes suitable for people with reduced mobility?: Yes, with no required assistance from third parties
Is there a minimum clearance of 150 cm around furniture where turning or manoeuvring is required?: No
Does the lighting system allow for correct reading with no reflections in each equipment area?: Yes
Is there a logical order to the exhibition hall's route, indicated by visible arrows and/or tactile foot signs?: No
Are there accessible ICTs "information and communication technologies" ?: No
Can these ICTs be seen by people with visual impairment?: No
Are there any resources so that people with cognitive disabilities can understand them?: Yes
What type of resource(s)?: Button panels and interactive displays.
Are there any resources so that people with hearing impairment can understand them?: No
Information in Braille and/or audioguide devices: No
Are there bathrooms, and is at least one of them accessible by transfer?: Yes
Is transfer possible on both sides?: No
Type of lavatory: Pushbutton
Is there an evacuation map in Braille and high relief??: No

Personal care area

Are there personnel trained in accessibility in the facilities?: No
Do staff wear name badges or equivalent to show their communication skills with people with disabilities?: No
Unobstructed distance around the sign of over 150 cm for wheelchair users' mobility: Yes
Nearby counter visible from the entrance for easy access, with an accessible area width greater than 80cm: Yes
Minimum unobstructed distance around the counter greater than 150cm: Yes
Benches or supports for people with reduced mobility: No
Are there accessible ICTs "information and communication technologies" ?: Yes
Can these ICTs be seen by people with visual impairment?: No
Are there any resources so that people with cognitive disabilities can understand them?: Yes
What type of resource(s)?: Button panels and illuminated signs on panels and models.
Are there any resources so that people with hearing impairment can understand them?: No
Are ICTs available so that the location and services are publicized in different languages?: No

Rest zone

Is there a rest area at the reception?: Yes
Maximum table height of 80cm (measured on the table top). Lower part of the hollow table top 70cm high, 50cm deep and over 80cm wide: Yes

Store

Is there one or more stores at the reception?: No

Children’s area

Is there a children’s area at the reception?: Yes
Adequate floor and unobstructed: Yes
Adapted educational materials: No

Exhibition room

Is there an exhibition room at the reception?: Yes
Obstacle-free clearance greater than 150cm: Yes
Maximum table height 80cm. Lower part of the hollow table top more than 70cm high, 50cm deep and over 80cm wide: Yes
Enhanced senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch): No
Braille, light, sound, etc. buttons and push buttons: No

Exhibition Hall

Is there an exhibition hall at the reception?: Yes

Exhibition Hall: Diorama

Clearance around obstacles of more than 90 cm: Yes
Height of reading panel between 70 and 120 cm: Yes
Adequate lighting for proper viewing of the exhibits: No

Exhibition Hall: Model

Maximum model height 80 cm. Lower hollow part more than 70cm high, 50cm deep and over 80 cm wide: Yes
Clearance around obstacles of more than 90 cm: Yes

Exhibition Hall: Interactive module

Clearance around obstacles of more than 90 cm: Yes
Easy push buttons: Yes
Previous, clear and concise operation explanation: No
Are ICTs available so that the location and services are publicized in different languages?

Exhibition Hall: Panel

Clearance around obstacles of more than 90 cm: Yes
Eye-catching, clear and short texts with a main title and no more than five key ideas: Yes
Adequate lighting system that allows for correct reading with no reflections or considerable effort: No
There are pictograms, graphic information...: Yes
Information in Braille language: No
Information in audio format: No
Information in written format: Yes
Are ICTs available so that the location and services are publicized in different languages?: No
Are there accessible ICTs "information and communication technologies" ?: No
Can these ICTs be seen by people with visual impairment?: No
Are there any resources so that people with cognitive disabilities can understand them?: Yes
What type of resource(s)?: Button panels and lights on panels, multimedia displays.
Are there any resources so that people with hearing impairment can understand them?: No

Exhibition Hall: Texts and graphs

High contrast between background and text: Yes
Eye-catching, clear and short texts with a main title and no more than five key ideas: No
Adequate lighting system that allows for correct reading with no reflections or considerable effort: No
In general, for interpretive content, easy to understand concepts have been used: No
Appropriate typography according to reading distances: No

Exhibition Hall: Audiovisuals

Audiovisual material in subtitled and/or in Spanish Sign Language version: No
Audiovisual voiceovers using easy to understand language: No

Exhibition Hall: Multipurpose room

1% of places reserved for wheelchair users: No
Location of accessible places near the emergency exit with a width greater than 120cm: No
Retractable seats or seats with folding arms to facilitate user transfer: No

Interpretive equipment

Are there trails on the section?: Yes

Access

Is there lighting at night?: No
Minimum accessible connection between parking spaces, if any, the start of the obstacle-free trail: Yes
Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?: Yes, with staff assistance
Parking spaces reserved for vehicles used to transport disabled people according to current regulations. At least 5% of the total spaces: No
Parking signage, if any, with the International Accessibility Symbol on the floor and/or on walls: No
Informative poster at the start of the trail indicating the length, route, difficulty, duration and slopes by sections: Yes
Path start sign positioned no higher than 195cm: Yes

Itinerary

Vertical start signage: Yes
Vertical signage type: Read
Compact, non-slip and with no projections along their entire length, allowing wheelchair transit: Concrete, gravel and pavers.
2 m. paved trails with non-deformable and non-slip material, with a different texture and different from the rest: Yes
The route is more than 150cm wide, with occasional narrowings of 90cm: Yes
Minimum clearance height of 220 cm: Yes
Rest areas: No
Urban furniture (fountains, dispensers...) arranged along the pedestrian route to provide sound orientation: No
Guiding partition and/or tactile foot signs to draw attention to an important feature: No
Islands with a minimum width of 150 cm to facilitate two wheelchairs passing each other: Yes
Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?: Yes, with staff assistance
Tree branches do not obstruct the route at below 2.20 m: Yes
Ramps, bridges and walkways with more than 50cm of unevenness, 90cm handrails and with handrails at two heights: 65-75 cm and 95-105 cm: Yes
Route length dimensions and time: 200 meters one way 10 minutes walk

Cycle touring lane

Does the section have a cycle touring lane?: No

Lookout and observatory

Is there a lookout or observatory on the section?: No

Educational Facilities

Nature classroom

Is there a nature classroom on this section?: Yes

Nature classroom: Outdoor space

Accessible connection between the parking and inside the nature classroom: Yes
Parking spaces reserved for vehicles used to transport disabled people according to current regulations. At least 5% of the total spaces: No
Parking signage, if any, with the International Accessibility Symbol on the floor and/or on walls: No

Nature classroom: Indoor space

Is there adequate lighting?: Yes
There are accessible changing rooms, showers and fitting rooms in a 1/10 proportion or fraction: No
There is at least 1 accessible bathroom or 1/10 fraction: Yes

Recreational facilities

Is there a recreational area on this section?: No

Access

Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?: No

Beaches

Is there a beach on this section?: No

From the Sanctuary car park to the Hermitage of Santa Apolonia

Suitable for people with reduced mobility (PRM)

A section which starts from one the Urkiola Sanctuary side car parks. The surface is cobbled with large plaques of limestone, although doesn’t hinder the transit of non-motorised wheelchairs, but there may be some potholes. Path width doesn’t exceed 1.50m. Access to the beginning of the trail is where there are more access problems (between the restaurant-hotel and the farm cottage on the right), since you have to walk some 20m along the gravel surface mixed with grass, but with care non-motorised wheelchairs can pass.
The trail runs through forests of incredible centenary beech trees not to mention offering spectacular panoramic views of Duranguesado massifs. WCs with wheelchair access in the public shelter.

Description of the section and its accessibility level

Section length

0,33 km

Pavement

Asphalt, cobblestones, gravel with grass

Obstacles

Narrow pass at the beginning of the trail.
Firm at the beginning of the fine gravel path with grass.
Pothole patching due to the paved surface of the pathway.
Possibility of slipping on wet or damp floors.

Equipment for receiving the external resource on the section

Is there reception equipment on the section?: No

Outdoor space: Parking areas and access to equipment

Are the access slopes suitable for people with reduced mobility?: No
Are there railings and/or handrails?: No

Indoor space: General features

Are the access slopes suitable for people with reduced mobility?: No

Personal care area

Are there personnel trained in accessibility in the facilities?: No

Rest zone

Is there a rest area at the reception?: No

Store

Is there one or more stores at the reception?: No

Children’s area

Is there a children’s area at the reception?: No

Exhibition room

Is there an exhibition room at the reception?: No

Exhibition Hall

Is there an exhibition hall at the reception?: No

Interpretive equipment

Are there trails on the section?: Yes

Access

Is there lighting at night?: No
Minimum accessible connection between parking spaces, if any, the start of the obstacle-free trail: Yes
Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?: Yes, without assistance from third parties
Parking spaces reserved for vehicles used to transport disabled people according to current regulations. At least 5% of the total spaces: Yes
Parking signage, if any, with the International Accessibility Symbol on the floor and/or on walls: Yes
Informative poster at the start of the trail indicating the length, route, difficulty, duration and slopes by sections: No
Path start sign positioned no higher than 195cm: Yes

Itinerary

Vertical start signage: Yes
Vertical signage type: Read
Compact, non-slip and with no projections along their entire length, allowing wheelchair transit: Asphalt and wide pavers.
2 m. paved trails with non-deformable and non-slip material, with a different texture and different from the rest: No
The route is more than 150cm wide, with occasional narrowings of 90cm: No
Minimum clearance height of 220 cm: Yes
Rest areas: Yes
Urban furniture (fountains, dispensers...) arranged along the pedestrian route to provide sound orientation: No
Guiding partition and/or tactile foot signs to draw attention to an important feature: No
Islands with a minimum width of 150 cm to facilitate two wheelchairs passing each other: No
Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?: Yes, with no assistance
Tree branches do not obstruct the route at below 2.20 m: Yes
Ramps, bridges and walkways with more than 50cm of unevenness, 90cm handrails and with handrails at two heights: 65-75 cm and 95-105 cm: No
Route length dimensions and time: 500 meters 20 minutes

Cycle touring lane

Does the section have a cycle touring lane?: No

Lookout and observatory

Is there a lookout or observatory on the section?: No

Educational Facilities

Nature classroom

Is there a nature classroom on this section?: No

Recreational facilities

Is there a recreational area on this section?: Yes

Access

Is there adequate lighting?: No
Accessible connection from the parking, if there is one, to the premises, adapted to current regulations. Unobstructed area with a minimum width of 90 cm, an unobstructed height of 220 cm and a compact floor which allows for wheelchair access: Yes
Parking spaces reserved for vehicles used to transport disabled people according to current regulations. At least 5% of the total spaces: Yes
Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?: Yes, without assistance from third parties
Parking signage, if any, with the International Accessibility Symbol on the floor and/or on walls: Yes

Outdoor space

Are 10% of the tables and benches accessible?: No
At least one accessible access, if any: No

Beaches

Is there a beach on this section?: No

From the Sanctuary parking to the Three crosses viewpoint

Not suitable for people with reduced mobility (PRM)

The linear section which starts from the Sanctuary side car park towards the Via Crucis or the vantage point of the Three Crosses. It is a wide trail with a gravel surface and wooden kerbs delimiting the width of the path almost the whole facilitating access for the blind or those with impaired vision. The gravel has disappeared in some areas due to the action of rainwater, with limestone pebbles springing up which can be virtually avoided on one side of the path.
This section is not particularly apt for people with reduced mobility, since you have to overcome a couple of obstacles at the beginning, one of which is a narrow channel for water circulation and the other two wooden steps. Both obstacles could be avoided on one side, by carefully walking along the grass with help from another person.
This section runs through a forest of pruned beech trees, with incredible views of the Duranguesado mountains from the vantage point of the Three Crosses.

Description of the section and its accessibility level

Section length

0,48 km

Pavement

Compacted fine gravel type zahorra

Obstacles

Water channel
Two steps

Equipment for receiving the external resource on the section

Is there reception equipment on the section?: No

Outdoor space: Parking areas and access to equipment

Are the access slopes suitable for people with reduced mobility?: No
Are there railings and/or handrails?: No

Indoor space: General features

Are the access slopes suitable for people with reduced mobility?: No

Personal care area

Are there personnel trained in accessibility in the facilities?: No

Rest zone

Is there a rest area at the reception?: No

Store

Is there one or more stores at the reception?: No

Children’s area

Is there a children’s area at the reception?: No

Exhibition room

Is there an exhibition room at the reception?: No

Exhibition Hall

Is there an exhibition hall at the reception?: No

Interpretive equipment

Are there trails on the section?: Yes

Access

Is there lighting at night?: No
Minimum accessible connection between parking spaces, if any, the start of the obstacle-free trail: Yes
Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?: Yes, with staff assistance
Parking spaces reserved for vehicles used to transport disabled people according to current regulations. At least 5% of the total spaces: Yes
Parking signage, if any, with the International Accessibility Symbol on the floor and/or on walls: Yes
Informative poster at the start of the trail indicating the length, route, difficulty, duration and slopes by sections: No
Path start sign positioned no higher than 195cm: Yes

Itinerary

Vertical start signage: Yes
Vertical signage type: Read
Compact, non-slip and with no projections along their entire length, allowing wheelchair transit: Fine gravel
2 m. paved trails with non-deformable and non-slip material, with a different texture and different from the rest: No
The route is more than 150cm wide, with occasional narrowings of 90cm: Yes
Minimum clearance height of 220 cm: Yes
Rest areas: Yes
Urban furniture (fountains, dispensers...) arranged along the pedestrian route to provide sound orientation: No
Guiding partition and/or tactile foot signs to draw attention to an important feature: No
Islands with a minimum width of 150 cm to facilitate two wheelchairs passing each other: No
Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?: Yes, with staff assistance
Tree branches do not obstruct the route at below 2.20 m: Yes
Route length dimensions and time: 500 metres 10 minutes

Cycle touring lane

Does the section have a cycle touring lane?: No

Lookout and observatory

Is there a lookout or observatory on the section?: Yes
Accessible connection from the parking, if there is one, to the premises, adapted to current regulations. Unobstructed area with a minimum width of 90 cm, an unobstructed height of 220 cm and a compact floor which allows for wheelchair access: No
Parking spaces reserved for vehicles used to transport disabled people according to current regulations. At least 5% of the total spaces: Yes
Parking signage, if any, with the International Accessibility Symbol on the floor and/or on walls: Yes
Height of interpretive panel between 45 and 195 cm: Yes
Route length dimensions and time: 500 metres 10 minutes

Educational Facilities

Nature classroom

Is there a nature classroom on this section?: No

Recreational facilities

Is there a recreational area on this section?: Yes

Access

Is there adequate lighting?: No
Accessible connection from the parking, if there is one, to the premises, adapted to current regulations. Unobstructed area with a minimum width of 90 cm, an unobstructed height of 220 cm and a compact floor which allows for wheelchair access: No
Parking spaces reserved for vehicles used to transport disabled people according to current regulations. At least 5% of the total spaces: Yes
Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?: Yes, with staff assistance
Parking signage, if any, with the International Accessibility Symbol on the floor and/or on walls: Yes

Outdoor space

Are 10% of the tables and benches accessible?: No
At least one accessible access, if any: No

Beaches

Is there a beach on this section?: No

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Route - Urkiola and Toki-Alai Interpretation Centre

Description

Highlight

How to get here

Route

Section 1

From Toki Alai parking to Mount Saibi

Outdoor space: Parking areas and access to equipment

Indoor space: General features

Personal care area

Rest zone

Store

Children’s area

Exhibition room

Exhibition Hall

Exhibition Hall: Diorama

Exhibition Hall: Model

Exhibition Hall: Interactive module

Exhibition Hall: Panel

Exhibition Hall: Texts and graphs

Exhibition Hall: Audiovisuals

Exhibition Hall: Multipurpose room

Access

Itinerary

Cycle touring lane

Lookout and observatory

Nature classroom

Nature classroom: Outdoor space

Nature classroom: Indoor space

Access

Section 2

From the Sanctuary car park to the Hermitage of Santa Apolonia

Outdoor space: Parking areas and access to equipment

Indoor space: General features

Personal care area

Rest zone

Store

Children’s area

Exhibition room

Exhibition Hall

Access

Itinerary

Cycle touring lane

Lookout and observatory

Nature classroom

Access

Outdoor space

Section 3

From the Sanctuary parking to the Three crosses viewpoint

Outdoor space: Parking areas and access to equipment

Indoor space: General features

Personal care area

Rest zone

Store

Children’s area

Exhibition room

Exhibition Hall

Access

Itinerary

Cycle touring lane

Lookout and observatory

Nature classroom

Access

Outdoor space

Reviews

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