Circular route on the southern slope of La Rhune

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This is the ideal route for tackling La Rhune in winter or on a cool day in mid-season. Indeed, much of this hike faces south and is sheltered from the north wind. Whilst the ascent is steep, the descent will also leave you with pleasant memories, over grassy terrain with few stones. In any case, your efforts will be rewarded by the unforgettable view from the summit of La Rhune. Depending on the time of year, you may even be able to enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat in one of the summit huts (closed in winter). On the way up, you’ll come across a magnificent cromlech, a prehistoric Basque monument and a sacred burial site.

Details

n°68457977
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.31 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,306 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,297 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,907 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 722 ft
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Description of the walk

Park in one of the spaces along the cul-de-sac called Zazpi Fagoko Bidea.

(S/E) Take the path running parallel to the road and, heading north-west, begin the sometimes steep climb up to the cromlech.

(1) At the crossroads, turn right and head for the cromlech.

(2) Continue along the path on the left. Reach the ridge and continue towards the summit of La Rhune, which is recognisable by its antennas.

(3) Ignore the tarmac road, which you will take on the way down, and head straight on to the summit of La Rhune.

(4) Enjoy the sweeping views and return along the route you took up.

(3) Follow the tarmac road down towards the south, negotiating a few bends.

(5) Leave the road and take a clearly visible path on the left which winds down in a hairpin bend and leads to a sheepfold.

(6) Head straight on along a narrow track that follows the contour line. Continue to a flat area from where you can see the route you took on the way up.

(7) Follow the wide, carriageable track opposite, which descends steadily and leads directly back to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 722 ft - Roadside car park
  2. 1 : mi 1.01 - alt. 1,890 ft - Junction
  3. 2 : mi 1.28 - alt. 2,228 ft - Cromlech
  4. 3 : mi 1.82 - alt. 2,841 ft - Tarmac road
  5. 4 : mi 2.07 - alt. 2,907 ft - La Rhune
  6. 5 : mi 2.6 - alt. 2,585 ft - Path on the left
  7. 6 : mi 3.74 - alt. 1,827 ft - Sheepfold
  8. 7 : mi 4.19 - alt. 1,801 ft - Flat area
  9. S/E : mi 5.31 - alt. 732 ft - Roadside car park

Notes

Take a windbreaker as it is often windy at (3).

Worth a visit

Plenty of wild horses (pottoks) and vultures.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
FREDBOCQUET
FREDBOCQUET

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A challenging route with little shade, where it is sometimes difficult to find the right path
but the result is spectacular, the view is magnificent and encountering pottoks remains an unforgettable memory
I highly recommend walking sticks for the descent

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gtymen
gtymen

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 31, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely alternative route up to La Rhune. It was overcast and a weekday, so there weren’t many people at the start; we were able to park on the (new and narrow) road at the foot of the trailhead. We were glad we didn’t have to scramble over the rocks on the final stretch before the summit, as on other routes. Thank you for the explanations; the real-time guidance on the map was very helpful.

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fourcade
fourcade

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed on 23 March 2025, taking 3½ hours of actual walking time, following this alternative route which starts from a different point to the slightly more ‘well-known’ ones.

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Verojoel
Verojoel
• Edited:

A lovely walk, but the description of the descent isn’t accurate – it’s not a grassy path but mostly stony.
The climb is steep but manageable.
Perhaps it should be classified as ‘difficult’ rather than ‘moderate’?

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Mimi+-
Mimi+-
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful hike, view of the Pyrenees and the Basque coast from the summit of Rhune. (To be done in good weather, of course!!!.....)

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