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Depart from the car park at Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry church, Place de l'Église.
(S/E) Leave the car park and turn right, crossing the Nive river.
(1) Cross the crossroads and continue straight ahead (north-west) on the D949 road. Follow the sign for Le Chemin des Contrebandiers. After the left-hand bend, look for a road on the left.
(2) Continue slightly downhill on this small road on the left, which runs along the left bank of the Nive river in a south-westerly direction. After a few bends, this road climbs away from the Nive and heads due west, winding its way along. After a clearing, continue on, passing close to a sheepfold before a left-hand bend, to reach the end of the road.
(3) Continue straight ahead. Follow this path, which climbs gently westwards, runs alongside the forest on your left and turns right (north). After several hairpin bends, this path heads south-west through the meadows and, after a few more hairpin bends, leads to the Col d'Ispéguy (altitude 672).
(4) A well-deserved break can be taken here to enjoy the beautiful view. There is a hotel-bar located on the bend in the road. Cross the D949 road and climb up opposite, north, towards the summit (altitude 826 m). Follow the red and white marked SpanishGR®® trail to the left of this ridge, especially in windy conditions or if you are prone to vertigo.
Follow this ridge (north-east), taking care to avoid the rocks and holes that dot it. Descend to an altitude of 800 m, then climb back up to the rocky point (altitude 842 m).
(5) Here you will find the Spanish red and white markings again. Turn right due east, passing between the rocks, and descend to the Col d'Aintziaga at an altitude of 776 metres.
On the left, a large stone enclosure is still standing. Go around it on the right, following the red and white markings. Then head left towards the north-east to go around the forest and climb up, following various animal tracks, to the summit of Aintziaga at an altitude of 905 metres.
(6) Now head left towards the north-west, following the ridge, and descend to the Col de Buztanzelhaiko (elevation 847). A signpost indicates two directions for theGR®10: Bidarray and Pic d'Iparla. A plaque screwed onto a rock marks the border between France and Spain.
(7) Take the GR®10 to the right, heading north-east, following the red and white markings, and descend into the valley.
(8) A single tree near a small stream provides shelter from the sun. Continue descending in an east-southeast direction.
(9) A short, slightly uphill section (elevation 755) takes you to the other side of the rocky outcrop. Before descending, enjoy the view and watch the many vultures that often circle this very warm spot. Arrive at the Col d'Apaloy.
(10) There are two options:
- Turn right onto the GR®10 and return to the fork (elevation 298), then turn right again, still on the GR®10. Recommended or even mandatory during wood pigeon hunting season.
- Follow the route. Turn left (north-east) onto a tarmac track and leave the path that climbs up to the ridge. At the first left-hand bend, you can cut across future bends by following a marked, sloping path on the right. Further on, rejoin the tarmac track. This track heads due east on a wide spur. There is a drinking trough where you can quench your thirst and refresh yourself. Continue downhill.
Ignore two other tracks that branch off to the left and continue downhill towards the south-east. At the end of the spur, head towards the high point, passing between the pigeon shooting huts, then continue downhill.
(11) At an altitude of 430 m, turn completely left and descend due north. After 200 m, turn right to reach a road after a long descent down a wide, damaged path.
Turn right and follow this road.
(12) After the first left-hand bend, leave the road and take the GR®10 on the left, which cuts across the hairpin bends. Take the road heading north-east, turning left to arrive, after a right-hand bend, at a three-way intersection.
(13) Take the road on the right (GR®10) heading south until you reach the police station. After the police station, turn right, leaving a street on your left. Pass in front of the holiday village. Continue downhill to the main road (D948). Turn right and follow this road, taking care to watch out for traffic. After 300 m, continue straight ahead, passing the Roman bridge on your left.
(14). Leave the GR®10 trail. Follow the left bank of the Nive.
(15) Pass in front of the Château d'Etchaux. Leave the road on your right and continue along the Nive to the other bridge. Turn left to cross this bridge and return to the church car park on your left (S/E).
Visorando member
Difficult 
