Bizkar Handi route

Hike proposed by the Syndicat Intercommunal Nive-Nivelle, transcribed here for use with Visorando.
This hike will take you to the heights of Halsou, through moors, forests and farmland offering superb panoramic views of the mountains and the Nive valley.
It includes a few slopes, but they are quite manageable.
The route is marked in yellow.

Details

2807303
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.97 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 273 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 273 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 129 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 19 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Head towards Halsou, the starting point is on the church square.

(S/E) Take the lower Cambo road for a few metres, then leave it via the path that branches off to the left, running alongside a building on the right and then following the stream.

(1) Continue straight ahead and a little further on, at the fork, turn right to reach another fork and continue straight ahead, then left to the D250.

(2) Turn left onto this road and continue to the first junction, then take the road on the right.

(3) Leave the road and take a path on the right. At the first fork, in a left-hand bend, turn right and cross the stream. Continue right under the high-voltage power lines. When you reach a road, follow it to the left.

(4) Take the path that branches off to the left and descends. Follow it to the right at the first fork. Pass under the high-voltage power lines again. At a right-hand bend, at the entrance to a property, take the path on the left.

(5) When it bends to the right, continue straight ahead. Cross a bridge. Continue straight ahead, then further on, take a path on the right that climbs towards the south-west, which is not easy to see as it is slightly hidden in the undergrowth. Look for ropes (handrails) on the right that have been placed on the side to help you climb it. Then continue straight ahead on the road until you reach the junction with another road.

(6) Continue right on this road for about 200 m.

(7) Leave the road and take the path that branches off to the left and joins a road just before Berreberria.

(8) Turn left onto the road (D650), which forms a circular route.

(9) In a very sharp right-hand bend, leave the road and take the path that branches off to the left and forms a circular loop to the right to rejoin the road further on at Arttoenea. Continue along a path until you reach a new road.

(10) Follow the road to the left and return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 19 m - Church car park
  2. 1 : km 0.88 - alt. 47 m - Path to the right
  3. 2 : km 2.15 - alt. 104 m - D250 on the left
  4. 3 : km 2.44 - alt. 102 m - Path to the right
  5. 4 : km 3.81 - alt. 129 m - Descent to the left.
  6. 5 : km 5.19 - alt. 53 m - Fork
  7. 6 : km 6.02 - alt. 91 m - Road on the right
  8. 7 : km 6.2 - alt. 96 m - Path on the left
  9. 8 : km 6.83 - alt. 65 m - Road on the left
  10. 9 : km 7.47 - alt. 31 m - Path on the left in a circular loop
  11. 10 : km 8.39 - alt. 21 m - Road on the left towards the church.
  12. S/E : km 8.97 - alt. 19 m - Church car park

Notes

Between (4) and (6) there are three steep sections, the first with a tree that serves as a handrail to climb up, the next two with ropes to hold on to as the path can be slippery.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 12 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
Matperes
Matperes

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

5 minutes from my house...easy walk

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HVD1465
HVD1465

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

An interesting route for beginners. A bit too much tarmac along the way, especially at the end of the return journey on a busy road. Pleasant in hot weather as there is plenty of shade in the forest.

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bemer82
bemer82

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike through woodland and valleys with beautiful scenery and stunning views of the Pyrenees.

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xaqtl
xaqtl

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

To echo Pascal's opinion
Note that between points 7 and 8, just before reaching the Berreberria road, the path follows a sort of deep ditch with quite a lot of water flowing over moss-covered stones: this section should be approached with great caution to avoid slipping and falling.
In addition, the circular that leaves the road at point 9 was not accessible due to many fallen trees on the slope.
It is possible to find the path again by taking a trail a little higher up on the left, which I admit is not easy and not of major interest
Otherwise, it's a very nice walk with beautiful scenery.

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Rando du mardi ou jeudi
Rando du mardi ou jeudi

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Easy walk. Just two short climbs with ropes as difficulties. Pleasant stroll.

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Pascal (Arbonne)
Pascal (Arbonne)

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike, undertaken in the afternoon in sunny weather.
The final remarks, particularly regarding the section with ropes, were useful for following the route. I should point out that wooden steps have been installed, making it easier to climb without needing to use the ropes.
Note that between points 7 and 8, just before reaching the Berreberria road, the path follows a kind of deep ditch with quite a lot of water running down moss-covered stones: this section should be approached with great caution to avoid slipping and falling.
In addition, the circular that leaves the road at point 9 was not accessible due to many fallen trees on the slope. We went directly to point 10 in the Xerrenda district via the road.

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Damien_Itxassou
Damien_Itxassou

Hello, thank you for your prompt response! It is now very clear.

I have edited my comment and my ratings.

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lemarcheur65
lemarcheur65 ★

Hello Damien_Itxassou

Thank you for your comments.
Route and description updated.

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Damien_Itxassou
Damien_Itxassou
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Two errors in the description. The first is in point 1, as already mentioned in other comments: the path on the right does not exist; you must continue straight ahead and a little further on, turn right to get back on track. It is difficult to go wrong, however.

The second "error" is between points 4 and 5, about two-thirds of the way along, where you cross a bridge in the forest. You then need to continue straight ahead for two minutes, then turn right onto a path that goes uphill, but which is not easy to see as it is somewhat hidden in the undergrowth. You will recognise it by the ropes (handrails) that have been placed on the side to help you climb it, which some people mention here in the comments.

Despite this, it's a fairly pleasant, very relaxing hike.

Views: nice
Shade: often (forest)
Mud: often
Accessible to children: 10+
Duration: 2 hours

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colan
colan

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Route suitable for beginners, lots of walking in the forest, only two short climbs with handrails
Picnic available on arrival

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Philippedu37
Philippedu37

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

At point 1, the route cannot be followed as the path no longer exists... Follow the yellow markings, which are correct. Point 8: road with little traffic but locals who do not respect speed limits. Very beautiful hike alternating between climbs, some of which are very steep (thank goodness for the rope), descents, flat sections, woodland and small roads. No particular difficulty except after rain, when the muddy terrain is dangerous.

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Marie240
Marie240

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 06, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

Please note that at point 1, the path to the right is impassable after crossing the stream. Continue straight ahead until you see a sign for KURUXALDEA. After a climb, you will rejoin the path.
This hike is best done after a good week without rain, as it can be very muddy.

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mayayi
mayayi

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 01, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant route through the forest and along streams. Quite muddy (it rains in the Basque Country!), so it's best to wear high-top shoes.
We found some nice spots on the grass and meadows for our picnic.
Please note: some large trees have fallen due to storms, making it a little more difficult to find your way.
Sometimes you find yourself looking for the markings (where are they?), but the trail is well marked.
In short, we highly recommend this short walk, and the timing of 3 hours and 15 minutes is perfect.

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Virdu64
Virdu64
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 13, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant route but the directions on Viso rando are sorely lacking in detail
Fortunately, the trail is very well marked on site (yellow line all along).
(S/E) To start after the church, you have to go around a building to find the stream to follow (you will find the yellow line on a post not far from the bins to the right of the building).

We took the indicated time: 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete the hike, which is great because there are many places with superb views.
At the moment, with the rain, make sure you wear good high-top shoes! Some places in the forest are tricky because they are muddy: you have to climb using the ropes provided! This may delight via ferrata enthusiasts :p

If, like us, you want to stop for a picnic, there are no specific places to do so. We stopped at the side of the path after point (4) (about 3.6km), after passing the houses, you have to go down the small road on the right and then cross a field with trees: here there is a splendid view to stop and enjoy.

Enjoy your walk!

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