Axuria from the Sare Caves

From Saint-Jean-de-Luz (exit 3 from the A63), follow the D918 towards Ascain. Reach the centre of Ascain via the D504, then take the D4 towards Sare. On the Sare bypass, follow the D306 towards Col de Lizarrieta for 3.2 km. Leave the road by turning left towards the "Grottes de Sare" (Sare Caves). Continue for 2 km, then turn right at the fork (one-way road) and park 100 m further on in the car park on the right (150 m before the caves car park).

(S/E) Next to the car park, go through the metal barrier and immediately turn right onto a path made of wooden steps to reach the edge of the forest at an intersection: wooden barrier and water catchment on the left.

(1) Take the path to the right, which quickly leads to a track. Make a mental note of this intersection so you don't miss it on the way back.

(2) For now, climb the track to the left; a little further on, leave a track on the right and reach a crossroads with a barrier on the right, where the return path will come from.

(3) At this intersection of tracks, take the one on the left.Then, when you cross another track, follow it up to the right.

(4) Then leave a path that descends to the right and continue climbing to the left. When you reach the edge of a conifer plantation, the track curves to the right, then to the left. Leave the track and climb to the right onto a secondary, grassy path. It curves a few times then fades away. Make sure you climb diagonally to the left, gradually getting closer to the ridge, while staying 10 to 20 m below it. Reach the summit of Atxuria (large cairn).

(5) Go past the summit, moving away from the ridge by descending a few dozen metres to the left. After the summit, the path arrives at a pass on the ridge: there are remains of a wall on the ground and a cairn.

(6) Descend south (right) without difficulty. Cross over to the path on the right to reach a hawthorn grove.

(7) Climb slightly to the right, then, after a slight flat section, descend to the right along the cliffs of the summit. Pass in front of a first sheepfold. Continue on a track to an intersection near a sheepfold-bar (Loretxoa) located on the right in an enclosure.

(8) Leave the track and take a path on the left (oak trees). This comes out onto another path; turn right. Cross a stream bed, follow the track to the right, cross the stream again, and you will come to a fork.

(9) Leave the track and take a path on the left that runs alongside the stream. Further on, the path leads to a grassy track with a fork.

(10) Go up to the right, then right again at the flat spot 15 m before an enclosure. At the standing stones in front of the sheepfold, turn left towards a solitary oak tree, pass a first gate, then descend to the left after the second gate. Return to the crossroads you passed on the way up.

(3) Turn left and retrace the route you took on the way up to return to the car park (S/E).

(5) The black goat

During your last climb, you may spot a few semi-wild goats and billy goats roaming the mountains. This animal holds an important place in Basque mythology, particularly the places it frequents: Akelarre, "the goat's moor", is where witches celebrated their rituals. They worshipped Akerbeltz, "the black goat", associated with the cult of Satan, in order to obtain power and wealth.

(5) View of Zugarramurdi

From the summit, the village of Zugarramurdi can be clearly seen to the north-east and at the foot of the mountain. Like Sare, the village is also known for its caves. These were once the site of unusual pagan rituals, with extraordinary feasts and endless dancing around the fire. It was also, it is said, the meeting place of witches.

Griffon vultures

The griffon vulture, easily identified by its fawn-coloured plumage, short, square tail and white collar, is one of the largest birds of prey in Europe, with a wingspan of up to 2.8 metres! A scavenger and true mountain butcher, it cleans the slopes of dead animals and limits the spread of disease.