une étape de la HRP
de Béhérobie à ronceveaux
une journée déjà un peu longue que deux erreurs au petit matin et ne toute fin de journée ont allongé.la montée vers le col d'Orgambidé réserve une surprise le sentier trop peu fréquenté au delà de la grange de Matchardénéa est envahi par ronces et grandes fougères . Il faut garder le cap pour rejoindre la route à proximité du col.le plateau du col d'Orgambidé est étonnant par sa taille et sa fréquentation...le sentier attendu est relmlacé par une route que l'on suit sur environ 1km SSO.
A l'approche du col d'Arnostéguy une vision étonnante la tour Romaine d'Urculu.
This walk is part of a multi-day hike: traversée du pays basque partie Est
Details
Creation:
Last update:
–
–
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 26.06 km -
Average duration: 12 hrs -
Difficulty: Moderate -
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Back to start: No -
Ascent: + 1,687 m -
Descent: - 990 m -
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Highest point: 1,427 m -
Lowest point: 335 m
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Country:
France
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Areas: Pyrenees, Basque Country -
District:
Estérençuby (64220) -
Start: N 43.068287° / W 1.194781° -
End: N 43.021431° / W 1.325021° -
IGN map(s): Ref. 1346ET, 1346OT -
Hour-by-hour weather
Description of the walk
Waypoints
- S : km 0 - alt. 335 m
- E : km 26.06 - alt. 1,040 m
Notes
on trouve de l'eau à la cabane de Matchardénéa puis à l'approche du col de Bentarté.
Worth a visit
la tour Romaine sur le mont Urculu; le site de Ronceveaux.
Other walks in the area
Urkulu circular loop from the Col d'Orgambidé
Visorando member 
10.98 km
+555 m
-554 m
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Michel (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
We thoroughly enjoyed this route, which I "invented" to change my usual habit of climbing almost straight up through the forest and descending almost the same way. A variety of landscapes and atmospheres are on the menu during this fairly leisurely 3½-hour walk. I have fond memories of passing by the stream and its blue-green pools, surrounded by meadows covered with spring flowers. It's as romantic as you could wish for. In short, you want to take your time here, so those who are keen on sporting achievements should refrain!
Urkulu from the Organbide Pass
Visorando member 
11.87 km
+548 m
-557 m
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Estérençuby (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
A beautiful circular route on grassy slopes between 1,000 and 1,400 m takes you to an exceptional panorama, the ruins and the Roman tower, which rises to 1,423 m. A great moment and a great memory.
GPS essential.
L'Iramendy from Estérençuby
Visorando member 
12.85 km
+698 m
-697 m
5h 40
Difficult
Departure from Estérençuby (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
The Iramendy ridge is bristling with poudingue peaks (conglomerate of round pebbles). From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, this gives it the appearance of a dinosaur. Climbing to the summit via this ridge from north to south requires a bit of scrambling (level 2 lower). The proposed hike climbs to the summit via the other ridge. No difficulties other than the total elevation gain and a few steep sections. Magnificent 360° view of the surrounding mountains.
The Azketa huts
Visorando member 15.85 km
+802 m
-802 m
6h 50
Moderate
Departure from Estérençuby (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
From the Nive de Béhérobie in Estérençuby, head up one of its tributaries, the Bihurriko Erreka, to discover the peaceful heights where shepherds and their sheep reign supreme. The Azketa huts are inhabited during the summer grazing season. They shelter beautiful Basque-Béarnaise horned sheep. These pastures are also popular with pottoks, the small Basque horses.
The Urkulu Tower
Tourist office 
3.44 km
+214 m
-213 m
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Michel (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
The Urkulu Trophy: this imposing stone tower is thought to have been built in Roman times to intimidate invaders of the powerful Roman army... even though it is located off the route from Bordeaux to Astorga via Pamplona.
Iraukotuturu and return from the Errekaxaro pass via the Malbei ridges
Visorando member 
12.89 km
+907 m
-902 m
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from Lecumberry (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
The D'esternguibel valley is a wild site in Lower Navarre. Its steep sides are bristling with ridges and peaks. Iraukotuturu is the highest peak. To reach it, head for the Errékaxaro pass and from there follow a path carved into the rock in places, which was once used for transhumance of sheep.
The Urculu circular loop from Croix Thibault
Visorando member 
10.31 km
+530 m
-523 m
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Arnéguy (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
The D428 alone offers wonderful scenery. Unless you make frequent stops, you won't be able to enjoy it much as it's best to keep your eyes on the road. The Urculu offers different scenery along this route as you pass through plateaus with magnificent views of the surrounding area and the Basque and Béarn mountains.
Saint-Michel-Vierge d'Orisson circular on the old Saint-Jacques route
Visorando member 
21.55 km
+920 m
-920 m
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Michel (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) (Pyrénées-Atlantiques)
A sublime hike along part of the historic Way of St James. The weight of history is on your shoulders, but it feels light as the arrival at the Virgin of Orisson is so beautiful. A long climb on unpaved ground with a steady slope through the summer pastures of the Basque Country does not spoil the pleasure, especially as the path is shaded.
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