Lake Xoldokogaina from the Ibardin Pass

Lake Xoldokogaina, also known as Lake Ibardin, is located at an altitude of 330 m in the Arola Valley, surrounded by the Xoldo, Munhoa and Onéaga mountains. It was created in the early 1930s as a water reserve. Swimming and fishing are prohibited. A hike starting from the car park, below the ventas (traditional Basque restaurants) when arriving from the pass, provides access to the lake and offers beautiful views of the Basque coast and the surrounding mountains. The trail crosses pastureland where you may encounter pottoks and betisoak. The Ibardin Pass offers exceptional views of the Spanish and French Pyrenees. The site is ideal for relaxing by the water or enjoying a picnic.

Details

86863878
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.99 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 112 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 113 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 336 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 255 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at the bottom of the Col d'Ibardin ventas, below the tourist office.

(S/E) Go through the barrier prohibiting access to four-wheeled vehicles and follow the DFCI track for about 2 km. You will reach a clearing, ideal for resting or picnicking.

(1) Continue straight on to the dam, signposted.

(2) Turn back towards the clearing.

(1) Turn right to take a detour to the lake (signposted) via the DFCI track. After a descent, you will arrive at the lake shore: a beautiful viewpoint but swimming is prohibited. You can also picnic here.

(3) Return to the clearing.

(1) Turn right to retrace your steps and return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 328 m - Ibardin car park
  2. 1 : km 2.26 - alt. 299 m - Clearing
  3. 2 : km 3.03 - alt. 258 m - Dam
  4. 3 : km 4.27 - alt. 255 m - Lake shore
  5. S/E : km 6.99 - alt. 328 m - Ibardin car park

Notes

Access the Col d'Ibardin from Urrrugne (signposted). Park in the car park on the right after crossing the pass, below the Tourist Office.
There is also an unguarded motorhome car park next door.

There are no water points on the route.

Very easy hike between the start and the clearing (1). A few small but short climbs thereafter.

Simple walking shoes without special equipment (DFCI tracks).

As of the date of creation, crossing the dam is now prohibited.

Please note: no swimming or fishing.

Dogs are allowed, preferably on a leash. Pottoks and herds (cows, calves) roam freely.

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