Hernio via Gazume from Iturrioitz

A lovely circular route to Hernio. The path is very steep for the final ascent from the hunters’ hut.
From Gazume (1002 m), you can head straight down the ridge to reach the hunters’ hut.

Details

29890535
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.72 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,900 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,909 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,461 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,926 ft

Description of the walk

Access to the car park from the AP8: take the Zarautz exit, then head towards Aia, following the Gi 2631 then the Gi 4143 to Iturriotz.

(S/E) From the car park, head south past the old farmhouse inn. Then follow the yellow signposts (GR®35) to the crossroads of paths.

(1) Take the path on the right heading south-west, leaving theGR®35on your left.

(2) On the plateau, turn right (west) and head towards a clearly visible sheepfold on the ridge.

(3) Follow the ridge towards Gazume.

(4) Turn left to walk along the side of Gazume and cross a low stone wall. Then head down to the right towards theGR®35.

(5) At the renovated sheepfold, join theGR®35and follow it to the left, heading south-east, to reach the hunters’ hut.

(6) Follow the south-easterly path which runs alongside the buildings on your left and leads straight to the summit of the Hernio (1077 m), which can be seen from afar with its imposing White Cross.

(7) The return journey follows the same route back to the hunters’ hut.

(6) Then take the path heading north-east and descend to the junction you passed on the way up.

(1) Continue to the right and head back to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,936 ft - Iturriotz car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.82 - alt. 2,464 ft - Junction of the circular loop
  3. 2 : mi 1.06 - alt. 2,694 ft - Stony plateau
  4. 3 : mi 1.19 - alt. 2,802 ft - Borde or sheepfold
  5. 4 : mi 1.6 - alt. 3,189 ft - Gazume (1002 m)
  6. 5 : mi 1.93 - alt. 2,894 ft - Junction with the GR35
  7. 6 : mi 2.53 - alt. 2,779 ft - Hunters’ hut
  8. 7 : mi 3.19 - alt. 3,451 ft - Hernio (1078 m)
  9. S/E : mi 5.72 - alt. 1,939 ft - Iturriotz car park

Notes

IBP = 75
The climb up to Hernio is tricky. Avoid wet weather

Worth a visit

The view of the Basque coast from Gazume is superb.

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.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Darrieu43
Darrieu43

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 24, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We opted for the circular route rather than a return trip to Hernio. Part of the GAZUME bypass isn’t signposted, but it’s no problem in good weather (there are a few traces of previous passers-by) if you follow the suggested route. The views are really interesting. It was already hot – a shame the shop at the foot of Hernio was closed!

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alainbutori
alainbutori
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 16, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

It’s a route I’ve been using regularly for about a dozen years.
I just want to point out a huge error in the elevation gains and losses given in the PDF file. The elevation gains and losses are listed as +590m and -590m.

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Garipari
Garipari

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike in perfect weather (lovely but not too hot), undoubtedly one of the most beautiful you can undertake in the Basque Country, with breathtaking 360° views. On one side the sea (you can see San Sebastián, in particular) and on the other the mountains. The elevation gain is certainly significant, but the ascent (and descent) are steady. On the way back, to spice things up a bit, we took a detour via Mendibeltz (963 m).

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