Aritzakun Akomendi circular from the Itzulegi pass

A circular walk along the western slope and then the ridges of Goramakil, offering magnificent views over the Baztan Valley and the Pyrenees. The path then joins the road leading back to the Itzulegi Pass. This walk presents no technical difficulties, and the path or tracks are well-marked and perfectly clear. However, it is best to avoid foggy days for safety reasons and because you’ll miss out on the superb views from the various vantage points offered by the peaks of this massif.

This circular route covers the peaks of the "Gorra" mountain range between 850 m and 1100 m above sea level. The 360° panorama from the ridges offers a selection of images of the Basque Country, including the Baztan valley (Alkurruntz, Autza), the Iparla mountain range, the green hills of Gorospil, Mondarrain, and the Sare valley with... La Rhune. The return trail to the west crosses a beautiful forest of oak and pine trees and several small, very bucolic streams.

For those familiar with the Irubelkaskoa route from the Basasagarra farm, this hike is much easier. The road leading to the start from the Otxondo Pass already offers magnificent views. The hike passes through a beautiful forest and continues along grassy paths, arriving – as is often the case in the Basque Country – at the summit with a 360° view. The return route follows a ridge line to Gorramakil and then Gorramendi for those wishing to extend the hike, with splendid views of all the peaks throughout. For this hike, I joined the track at the Otanarteko Pass.

Beautiful walk on the ridges between the Gorramendi and Gorramakil peaks, with a magnificent view of the Baztan valley and, on the other side, the Pyrenees. Not very difficult, it can be done with the whole family.

A series of five headlands near the Otxondo Pass offering lovely views of the Baztan and the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

A superb walk based on the PR®-NA 6 route proposed by the Comunidad Foral de Navarra, with the addition of the ascent to two peaks. You’ll be walking through fields or in the forest the whole time, surrounded by stunning mountains, and crossing or following streams. As this is a PR® route, it should be signposted in white and yellow. However, the almost complete absence of these markings, combined with numerous changes of direction, makes it essential to follow the route map. Finally, the length of the route, the elevation gain and, above all, the average gradient of between 20 per cent and 25 per cent – which occurs towards the end of the walk – mean that this route is only suitable for very experienced walkers. It should also be noted that the presence of numerous hunting posts means this walk is prohibited during the hunting season.

A very pleasant hike that takes in the beautiful restored villages of the Baztan valley.

A lovely hike which, despite a reasonable elevation gain, will allow you to admire many of the Basque Country’s key peaks and, on a clear day, offer you a breathtaking view of the coast.