The GR 190, also known as the Iberian High Valleys trail, runs through a mosaic of interesting landscapes: high mountain wetlands, incredible forests, and pastures with a rich nomadic history.

The route runs through the Iberian mountain ranges of La Rioja – La Demanda, Urbión and La Cebollera – exploring the highest mountains of this incredible region. You’ll walk along old roads and bridle paths, hidden trails and ancestral cattle tracks. You’ll be transported back to another time, discovering the curious traditions of the shepherds and the typical architecture of the mountains. Along the way, you’ll cross the impressive high Iberian valleys: first the Alto Oja valley, which is the Rioja territory with the highest number of high peaks; second the Alto Najerilla, which has an important history of livestock farming; and finally, the Alto Iregua, which hides imposing peaks in the Sierra de la Cebollera and the largest mass of trees in La Rioja.

This Collection covers a total of 75 kilometres (47 mi) divided into four stages. The official route of the GR 190 divides the route into three days and adds two links that connect the route with another long-distance trail, the GR 93. I’ve chosen to include the three stages and combine them with one of these two links to add an extra day. After all, the longer the route, the more fun it is!

The route starts in Ezcaray and ends in Ortigosa de Cameros. Both towns connect by bus to Logroño. Check the timetables here: ezcaray.org/movilidad-y-transporte and larioja.org/transportes/es/interurbano/linea-transporte-publico-interurbano-logrono-montenegro-cam

Each stage ends in a village with accommodation and all the services you’ll need on your journey. There are also mountain refuges close to the route – these are free to use but don’t have services and can be a bit dirty; however, they can save you in case of emergency. They include:

- Refugio Paramanos, located at 852 metres (2,795 ft)
- Refugio de Peñahincada, located at 1,363 metres (4,472 ft)
- Las Cruces hut, located at 1,395 metres (4,577 ft)
- Mojón Alto hut, located at 1,736 metres (5,696 ft)

The trail is certified and well signposted. Although the final stage is quite short, the first three stages are very long, so it’s helpful to have a good level of mountain fitness. While the route can be undertaken at any time of the year, spring, summer and autumn are the best times. In winter, you’re likely to encounter snow. In the upper Oja valley it usually rains a lot throughout the year, but temperatures are less extreme than in the Najerilla and Iregua valleys, where ice and snow take a long time to disappear.

Take good hiking shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, plenty of water and snacks to recharge your batteries during the long walks. If you’re visiting during the hunting season, you may not be allowed to pass if there are scheduled game drives, so check before you set out. Finally, if you decide to adapt the route to use the refuges, don't forget to bring your bivouac equipment and enough food to be self-sufficient.

Have fun!