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Directions: Head towards Ascain town centre. At the traffic lights in front of the church, turn left. Then take the first street on the right (this is Route des Carrières). Continue straight on for about 1.2 km. Park in the car park known as Parking des Carrières. (Do not go past the hut on the right, which serves as a toilet; the rest of the road, where parking is prohibited, is reserved for access to the quarries).
(S/E) Head towards the back of the car park and continue towards the quarry company. Then take the path on the right.
(1) At the junction about 150 m further on, turn left.
(2) Take the wide path on the left. Much further on, pass a hut.
(3) At this fork, do not follow the wide road that turns to the right (return route) but follow the small path that goes straight ahead.
(4) Before the very large rock, change direction by leaving the path that climbs and taking a small path that branches off to the right towards the forest. Then cross a stream and continue climbing, following some yellow markings.
(5) On leaving the forest, head to the right and then immediately left, towards Miramar.
(6) At the pass (Errepausuko Lepoa), take the second path climbing up to the left.
(7) Quite soon, leave the path leading up to La Rhune and take a small path on the right.
(8) At the headland, take a moment to rest and admire the superb view over the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Continue along the path.
(9) There are several paths here not shown on the maps. Continue along the small path on the left.
(10) At the Col de Zizkuitz, head towards marker 22, then, turning right after passing a stone circle (mairubaratzak meatzu mendebal), climb up to the summit of Larun Txiki (commonly known as the Petite Rhune). The summit is very easily recognisable by its huge cairn.
(11) From the summit, head down to the left to rejoin the traditional path to the Petite Rhune and descend towards the other summit opposite you (Subizia) until you reach the junction of two paths. Then change direction completely and take the path to the right, which winds its way beneath the Petite Rhune. On the way, you’ll pass a spring.
(12) At the Lieu des Pierres Réveillées (see explanations in the ‘During the hike’ section), take the time to explore some of the sculptures. Continuing along the path, you’ll come to a junction you passed on the way up.
(9) Follow the outward route back in the opposite direction to the pass (Errepausuko Lepoa).
(6) For the return journey:
- if you’re tired, you can of course take the same route back as on the way there.
- otherwise, I suggest you visit a few little-known sites on the Miramar plateau. To do this, head towards the small house that is clearly visible. This is actually the Arabo Xola refuge. Following the path that runs alongside the wall of this refuge, you’ll reach a little-known spot: the Grotto of the Virgin. Once past this spot, cut through the ferns towards the stele (pastoral lore of the lagoon) at the foot of a tree, then towards the small chapel. Descend a little further to join the wide path that circles Miramar, then, after passing a sheepfold, it will take you back to a junction you passed on the way there.
(3) Retrace your steps along the outward route until you reach a fork you passed on the way there.
(2) Suggested return route to avoid retracing your steps: follow a difficult, narrow, steep and stony path to the left. This can be slippery in wet weather. However, it is an old path, much as it was in the past, set in unspoilt wilderness, offering the chance to discover the remains of old walls and a sheepfold. If in doubt or feeling tired, do not take this route.
(13) At the junction of several paths, turn right and return to a junction you passed on the way out.
(1) Follow the outward route in reverse to return to the Carrières car park (S/E).
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Association / Club / Walk leader
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