Azkua from Etxala

From Irun (France/Spain border, Basque Country), take the N121 road to Pamplona. After about 15 km, take the Etxalar exit and continue on the NA 4400 road to Etxalar. At the entrance to the village, the car park is just past the bridge on the right.

(S/E) From the car park, head east along the main road.

(1) At the church, turn right and walk up the street. You will soon spot the red and white markings of the GR®11. At the three-way junction, the road slopes slightly to the left, then south-east, and finally east. It turns back south-east. After four bends, it continues south-south-east. Pass through a gate, closing it behind you, and continue along a small track.

(2) Leave the track and take the small path opposite which climbs into the woods, still following the GR®11 markings, and head up this fairly steep section of the ridge.

(3) At the junction with a wide path marked by a signpost, head up to the right, following the red and white markings.

(4) After 400 m, the markings indicate you should leave the path and take the marked ridge path on the left, which leads to the summit.

(5) A large concrete cube, approximately 1.20 metres on each side and almost as high, topped with a cairn and a GR®11 marker, indicates the summit of Azkua (786 m). From the summit, leave the GR®11 markers and begin the descent towards a pass, heading north-north-west. From the pass, continue north-west up to the summit of Kokori (738 m). (This is the standard route up Azkua, which is used for a round trip from Etxalar).

(6) From Kokori, make sure you take the correct ridge; head north-north-west, find a small path and continue in the same direction.

(7) Pass a final tiny peak, Mendixorrorx. After a slight bend, continue the descent north-north-west.

(8) At the junction with a wide path, follow it down to the junction with a track (old plough at the side of the path).

(9) Continue in the same direction. Before reaching the summit of Arotzeneko Borda (366 m), take a hairpin bend to the left, continue with a sharp bend to the right and head north towards Iturraldeko Borda.

(10) Follow the road to the right and continue along the next road on the right, heading north. Continue along this road. Pass the Chapel of Fatima on your right, then at the crossroads, turn left to reach the car park (S/E).

At the summit of Azcua: 360° view featuring the legendary mountains of the Basque Country such as Mendaur, La Rhune, Les Trois Couronnes, etc. You can also see the Atlantic Ocean and the coastal villages. At our feet, to the north, lies the village of Etxalar.

A lovely village to visit, with a superb church, bars and restaurants.