Canal Domiko and Embalse de Endara (Lake)

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A stroll along the Domiko Canal then a descent to Embalse de Endara before returning to the start via the GR®11.

Details

n°3105209
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.39 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 795 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 804 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 440 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 157 m
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Photos

continuation of the channel
Slab on the canal near the restaurant
Edging along the canal can be perilous at times
Maybe the 3 Crowns

Description of the walk

From Irun, head for the Aiako Harria Nature Park; the road winds up to the pass, with parking along the road that descends after the pass.

(S/E) Go down to the bottom of the car park and take the path supporting the GR®11 which heads South-West, into the forest opposite after crossing the road.

(1) At the crossroads, turn right, staying on the GR®11.

(2) At the next left-hand hairpin, turn right along the Canal Domiko.

(3) Continue straight ahead on the PR®- GI-1010 Aiako Harriko tontorrei bira (Tour of the Three Crowns summits in Basque). This also follows the Canal Domiko to the lake, passing beneath the Aialde restaurant, whose terrace overlooks the lake.

(4) At the hairpin bend in the road, turn left to the East onto PR®-NA-11 Sant Anton Domiko.

(5) At the entrance to the Lake Endara dam, turn left, heading North, on the cemented GR®-11.

(2) Turn right, still on the GR®-11. Return to the start via the path taken to reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 440 m - Parking on the nature park road
  2. 1 : km 0.86 - alt. 392 m - GR11 to the right
  3. 2 : km 1.41 - alt. 363 m - Canal Domiko
  4. 3 : km 3.36 - alt. 351 m - PR-GI-1010
  5. 4 : km 6.03 - alt. 357 m - PR-NA-11
  6. 5 : km 6.85 - alt. 252 m - Barrage du - Lac Endara
  7. S/E : km 12.39 - alt. 440 m - Parking on the nature park road

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.2 / 5
Auretnn
Auretnn
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : Not used / Not applicable
Very busy route : No

Do this in reverse, but the canal section is not interesting. You will be on a low wall with water on your left and thousands of mosquitoes. Avoid if you are prone to vertigo, and it could be dangerous in wet weather as there is no way to leave the canal once you are on it for 3 km.

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Patrick9464
Patrick9464

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant route, but if it's very hot do it in the opposite direction to finish in the shade along the canal.

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VL2
VL2

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 29, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike with varied landscapes, when you have the chance to look at them ....
Progress along the Dominko canal is made on the ledge, which is on average 30 to 40 cm wide, with :
On one side 80 to 1 m of water flowing through a fairly deep channel
On the other a steep slope, even a sheer drop.
So you progress slowly because you spend a lot of time looking at your feet for almost 3 km.
All the same, you're really glad you did it!
Not recommended in wet weather, with children, or for a group (especially if they are senior citizens).

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Audrey12345
Audrey12345

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 28, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike, to be reserved for days with dry weather to ensure safety.
The 3-4km walk along the low wall is a little long, but for those with a moderate fear of heights it's fine, otherwise avoid it.
There are some magnificent views, and the surrounding countryside also changes along the way.

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Rando du mardi ou jeudi
Rando du mardi ou jeudi

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 08, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

An original walk along a long path beside the canal. To be done in dry weather, as care must be taken in this area.

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Jean-Bernard
Jean-Bernard

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 31, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant walk in very hot weather because it's often in the forest; however, it's not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo because the section along the irrigation canal is dangerous and there are 3km to do! Personally, I did it the other way round and I think it's much nicer. Thanks to the author.

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