Atxuria or Arxuria Peña Plata and Col des Trois Bornes

Park at the uppermost car park at the Grottes de Sare, above the quarry.

(S/E) Take the yellow-marked route at the cattle grid, to the west. Continue to follow the yellow route along a wide path that winds upwards to a junction.

(1) Turn left onto the yellow-marked route. After about 300 m, turn right towards the ridge, following the markings to the summit, or walk further to the right across the slabs towards the ridge.

(2) From the summit, follow the ridge eastwards (yellow markings) to a pass that is clearly visible.

(3) Turn south and continue straight on towards a solitary oak tree, where you’ll join a lovely path.

(4) Turn right and follow this path, which becomes a track, to the Col des Trois Bornes. This path and track are very scenic and there are numerous springs.

(5) Once at the pass, take the track heading north, which descends slightly to a sheep shelter.

(6) Head up to the right across the meadow after the fence and reach a flat area where the shortcut joins (see Practical Information).

(7) Turn left.

(8) Cross the sheepfold and continue to the junction by the Loretxoa restaurant (closed at Easter when I was there).

(9) Take a detour to the right if you wish to visit it, then turn back. A sign reads: ‘Car park: 0h 55’. Do not take this path but continue to the right and rejoin the junction with the climb.

(1) Carry on straight ahead and follow the route back down to reach the car park at the Sare Caves (S/E).

Good, grippy footwear is essential, particularly if you take the flagstone path.

To reach the summit, allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, with a 550-metre elevation gain over 2.5 km. It’s quite steep from the car park.
You can do the route in the opposite direction; the climb will be gentler.

(3) You can take the path on the right, which also leads to the Col des Trois Bornes or directly back to the car park.