La Rhune from the Col de Lizuniaga via Venta Negra

Lovely ride. The initial climb is divided into 3 phases. The first phase is a good warm-up, skirting the pidgeon hunting huts with a magnificent view of the Rhune. The second phase, from the Venta Negra onwards, is the most difficult part of the hike, with a steep, rocky slope with no vegetation (certainly very painful in the summer heat). Higher up, the rocky slope gradually gives way to a grassy slope, leading to a magnificent little valley with a unique view of the Rhune and the surrounding peaks. Then comes the final ascent (phase 3), which is difficult but so beautiful that it's easy enough to climb (with your spirits high in anticipation of the finish). Personally, having climbed it on a number of trails, this is the best way to get to La Rhune. (The climb takes between 1h45 and 2h15).
The return journey is fairly uneven (I had a bit of trouble finding the right place to leave the track on the left at the start of the descent), with some beautiful forest sections alternating with some rather unpleasant rocky sections, particularly in the creek bed.
All in all, it's a fine hike for experienced walkers, off the beaten track (very few people) with the final ascent (from the small valley) as the highlight. For the record, it took me 4hrs 15mins, including the lunch break at the summit.
I'd definitely recommend it.

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The hike is physically demanding both on the way up and on the way down, and August is not the best month for it
- temperature (little or no shade on the way up).
- Too many people on the path on the way up.
- At the top, with the passengers on the little train, you could imagine you were in the metro!

The descent, although rocky, was much more pleasant and above all we had the path to ourselves.

Living nearby, we'll be doing it again this winter for even more fun.

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The first part of the hike is quite difficult. You need to be a bit of a sportsman or go really slowly, as it climbs quite steeply for 4km. The directions to the summit are fairly easy to follow, but on the way back, we couldn't find the path to the left (the directions weren't very precise) and we ended up using Google Map to go back another kilometre. The view from the top was beautiful and well worth the effort. We did the 11.5 km in 3 hours 40 minutes, with a 15/20 minute stop at the summit.

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A very pleasant route
The start on the Spanish side is much less busy and allows you to see different landscapes

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Nice variant to climb to La Rhune. Difficult route from Venta Belza to the 1st flat, then a little "dry" to the pass, but a remarkable viewpoint.

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Well done for plotting this hike, very varied route, breathtaking views, almost nobody on this path, be very careful at point 6 to take the little path that goes down on the left. Using the route via the telephone is highly recommended as there are no markings apart from the border posts on the way out. The descent into the undergrowth is very nice (there's some shade).
Thanks again for your help

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Nice hike to get to the top of the rhune
The route is very reliable, the first climb is very steep but well worth the sweat 🥵
Magnificent view on the way up to the Spanish side, accompanied by vultures
The descent is rough at first but ends on a very nice path through the forest , very pleasant when it's hot !

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A superb alternative route to the Rhune that avoids the crowds of the classic circuits.
Lovely views and, apart from a slightly steep climb on a stony path, no major difficulties.
The descent, apart from a short section in a stony bed, is really comfortable with a wide track.
Tranquil, open views, the Rhune appears from a new angle.

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We did both the outward and return leg of the walk, using the route described for the return leg (we were frightened by the comments about the 36% gradient...). The route is interesting and varied and we didn't meet anyone. There are no signs, but the route on the map is sufficient. There's no risk of making a mistake with the GPS.

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An outing done as part of running training. A picturesque route that takes you up to La Rhune on a much less frequented (what a pleasure!) and less steep slope and then takes you around the various sites on La Rhune to extend and discover the area. The explanations are consistent with our progress on the terrain. Varied route with pidgeon hunting huts at the pass, open grassy path, narrow stony path, grassy plateau, rocky bar without danger. During this dove hunting season, I was accompanied all the way up to the pass by Spanish hunters. It's safe, as you walk alongside the pidgeon hunting huts that line the path. The return journey along the track from the forest is long, despite the singing of the stream and the colourful autumn foliage (certainly pleasant shade in the heat). From the Venta Negra onwards, the progress was laborious and unpleasant: the track is broken by vehicles, the path is soaked with water from the many streams that cross it and perhaps from the rain, and the ground is slippery and very muddy. I should have climbed back up via the pass and its pidgeon hunting huts, which is more strenuous but dry and gives you a good view of the surrounding countryside.

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A great way to discover La Rhune on this little-visited route.

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Thank you for this tour away from the crowds. The finish is magnificent.

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This is a very pleasant hike that allows you to discover the Rhune from a less touristy side. I'd recommend it.

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Beautiful hike on a well-marked path. Magnificent 360° views from the summit, with the ocean on one side and the peaks of the Basque country on the other. The climb is steep but the return is very pleasant on a much gentler path. In hot weather, it's a good idea to take the return path to take advantage of the shady sections.

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Very nice walk with lovely views on the way up and a few hikers as well as many pottioks. A pleasant, shady descent, a complete change from the climb where we met very few hikers!

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