Arbasoen aztarnak – Traces of the past

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This circular route follows the local SL-GI-1003 trail, which passes by the Landarbaso stream, the Aitzpitarte Caves and various megalithic monuments.

It is known by the Basque name “Arbasoen aztarnak” or its Spanish equivalent “Las huellas del pasado”, which translates into English as “Traces of the Past”.

Details

n°3152168
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.88 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 05 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 925 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 925 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,184 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 420 ft
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Photos

A dolmen at the Igorin Pass
A charcoal oven
The entrance to a cave
Landarbaso

Description of the walk

To reach the start point, cross the border at Béhobie and take the GI-636 towards San Sebastián (Donostia). As you approach Oiartzun, turn right towards the A-8 Oiartzun, go under the A-8 and take the GI-2132 towards Astigarraga. Drive through the shopping area, go under the motorway again a little further on, then cross over the A-8, go under a bridge and turn right at the junction to cross back over this bridge towards Oiartzun. Turn left at the hairpin bend to the right; this road passes in front of the Mugaritz restaurant (a prestigious Michelin-starred establishment) and then turns left.
The car park is on the right-hand side of this road.

(S/E) The start of the route is on the side of the road where the cars are parked. The SL-GI-1003 path heads east and follows the Landarbaso stream. Further on, take a detour to the left to visit the Aitzpitarte Caves.

(1) Retrace your steps, then rejoin the path which winds its way towards the summit of Malbazarko gaina (the summit of Malbazar at 443 m).

(2) Turn right towards the west, moving away from the summit; the path crosses a tarmac road next to a beautiful house. At the next junction, keep to the right and continue to the next crossroads.

(3) Continue along the path that branches off to the right. Near the row of pidgeon hunting huts, you’ll pass the site of the Igoringo Lepoa dolmen (the dolmen at Col d’Igorin).

(4) Turn right towards the north-east, continuing to follow the SL-GI-1003. Ignore the paths branching off on either side and carry on to the Landarbaso stream.

(5) Ignore the path branching off to the right, turn west and carry on until you reach a road.

(6) Follow the road to the right for about 50 metres, then take the first left towards Listorreta.

(7) Take the path on the right, climbing a few steps marked in white, yellow and green.

(8) Continue along the road to the right to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 577 ft - Listorreta Park car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.63 - alt. 850 ft - Aitzpitarte Caves
  3. 2 : mi 2.16 - alt. 1,184 ft - At the foot of Malbazar
  4. 3 : mi 2.99 - alt. 1,004 ft - Three-Way Junction
  5. 4 : mi 3.21 - alt. 938 ft - Hairpin bend to the right
  6. 5 : mi 4.17 - alt. 420 ft - Landarbaso stream, on the left
  7. 6 : mi 4.4 - alt. 482 ft - Turn right onto the road and then take the first left
  8. 7 : mi 4.63 - alt. 541 ft - Steps on the right
  9. 8 : mi 4.7 - alt. 571 ft - Road to the right
  10. S/E : mi 4.88 - alt. 577 ft - Listorreta Park car park

Notes

Make sure you bring plenty of water.

Worth a visit

If you wish to have lunch at Mugaritz, you must book in advance and bring a change of clothes other than your hiking gear.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
virginie Iriart
virginie Iriart

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 01, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This route is best done in hot, dry weather as it takes place mainly in the forest and through damp areas. It’s a lovely route!

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