Abarratia

Date of your route : Apr 10, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

As I’ve only just started walking again, I chose this walk because it’s short and very close to my shop.

It’s very easy to get to, and there’s no problem finding a place to park. The route is very easy to follow. The view is superb.

Do make sure you wear good shoes, though; there were two slightly muddy sections, even though the weather was lovely.

For a beginner like me, I still found the final climb steep and tiring (I weigh 125kg, which probably doesn’t help 😂)

A big thank you for this route; I won’t hesitate to do it again and again to see my progress and enjoy the view of our beautiful country! 😁😁😁

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Date of your route : Feb 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very interesting tour, but little shade (be careful in hot weather). Dry ground.
Easy level. Magnificent view of the Pyrenees mountain range. I recommend it.

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Hello,

Many thanks for these explanations! And I can confirm that this hike is really enjoyable for walking in the mountains.

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Hello Damien,
As this is a hiking website, I posted this hike more for the interest of walking in the mountains than for the prehistoric aspect of the site.
I have, of course, heard about the protohistoric site (which I believe extends to the Oxocelhaya caves), but I have never seen any remains on Mount Abarratia. However, you should know that "Abarratia is a gaztelu, a hilltop fortified to serve as a place of defence and refuge during the various invasions of the pre-Roman period and probably until the Middle Ages. The triple earthen terraced enclosure surrounding its silhouette is visible to the naked eye." It seems that cannons were installed there during the Napoleonic period.
So much for the historical side of things.
I'm delighted that you enjoyed this little walk, that was the aim!

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

A nice walk that's accessible for families, best done in clear weather but not when it's too hot. A pretty view that's easy to reach without too much effort. It climbs a little before the summit, but it's nothing insurmountable, even for young children.

As for the "archaeological" site, I'm not sure I understand what it is. If it's the large metal pole at the top, it's not that impressive. Apart from that, there's nothing at the summit but a few stones... and don't count on the internet for more information, as there are no comments on Google Maps and no trace of this site anywhere else online (or maybe I didn't search properly). There's nothing on site to explain it either. Edit See Aiherra's very clear explanations below, thank you!

Views: lovely
Shade: very little
Mud: very little
Accessible to children: 6+
Duration: 1 hour

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Date of your route : Nov 12, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

An easy, short walk despite a brief steep section after the sheepfold, with a summit offering beautiful views over the Adour plain and the Basque and Béarn Pyrenees. Easy to reach by car, and not very busy.

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Date of your route : Jun 11, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Despite the green hue of the map, there is little shade.
However, at the Etxarteko Borda sheepfold, beautiful oak trees invite us to take a break.
This break is necessary because the "shortcut" is very steep due to the fences.

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Hello,
We may have crossed paths yesterday at the bottom of Abarratia because I also did this hike yesterday. Indeed, the route has been slightly modified, as you mentioned. I have updated the track accordingly.
It's a shame you didn't have very good weather up there... You'll have to come back to do the hike in good weather (and with less wind!).
I'm glad you enjoyed this little hike.

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Date of your route : Apr 17, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Small change to the route due to sheep grazing: shortly after the spring, the shepherds have fenced off the meadow, but they have created a very steep passage allowing you to cut across the right-hand bend. The normal path resumes a little further up.
A short, pleasant hike with beautiful views at the summit and lovely trees along the way.
At the bottom, it is possible to approach the quarry and find (outside, without entering the site) limestone with pyrite veins.

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Date of your route : Aug 23, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This hike does not go around Pic Abarratia but passes through the summit. The last part to reach the summit is not "easy"; hiking boots are necessary, and it is not suitable for young children.
Beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
No one else on the trail despite the date (23/8).

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