Around Sardinola from the Elurretxe Pass

The starting point for this walk is at the Elurretxe Pass. To get to this starting point by car, see the ‘Practical information’ section below.

(S/E) From the car park, cross the road and immediately turn left onto the very narrow path that runs alongside the road. Most of the trees on the right have been cut down. Continue straight on and, a little further down the slope, follow the fence. There are a few gaps in the fence, but ignore them and continue down to the bottom. You will then reach a wide, broad path; take this by turning right.

(1) Leave the wide path and head straight up the slope in front of you. You’ll then come to a path that widens; follow it. Further on, you’ll pass at the foot of Arburu peak; you might want to make a short detour to visit it (it’s only about fifty metres away). Carry on.

(2) Leave the path and take the one on the left. You’ll then pass very close to Sardinola.

(3) Head towards the post which you can see a little way down. Then head towards Aireko Palazioa, noting a lovely snow well on your left (do take a look and read the information board). The Basque word ‘elurzulo’ means ‘snow well’, so you are now on the Snow Wells Trail (elurzuloen bidea), marked in white and green.

(4) Cross the river via a bridge – actually a tree trunk that’s been slightly modified – and proceed carefully, step by step.

Continue at a leisurely pace along a wide path. Further on, cross the river again, but this time over a ‘proper’ wooden bridge.

(5) Cross the road and head towards the gate

(6) Walk past some ruins: this is the Aireko Palazioa, better known as the Englishman’s Castle . It was built in 1887 by an English mining company. In reality, it is not a castle. It served as accommodation for the mine’s engineers.

(7) Head towards the gate and make sure to close it properly behind you.

(8) Walk past another large snow pit. Then continue on to return to the car park. (S/E)

Drive to the starting point of the walk.

Head to Behobia to cross the border. After crossing the bridge, at the roundabout take the^first exit towards the GI-636 San Sebastián.
Go all the way round the next roundabout and then turn back, taking the exit towards Behobia. Then take the first road on the right towards Aiako Harria and Peña de Aia.
Continue along this road (GI-3454) for a long way. You will then reach the Elurretxe Pass.