The chain above Zugarramudi

The hike starts from the Col d'Urbia, above Zugarramurdi (435 m). From the outset, we climb straight up a steep slope towards Mendibil (620 m, large cairn and bunker) which stands directly opposite us. Airagarri (587 m) is very close by. Simply follow the obvious trail due west, which follows the ridge line and crosses a small pass (566 m). We reach this second small summit and then descend to the Ibaineta Pass (511 m) to tackle Atxuria from its southern slope, completing the first circular. As usual, we zigzag between the rocks as we approach the summit, trying not to use our hands at any point (instructions from the guide, who draws on his memory of previous climbs). The summit is the highest point of the hike (759m). There is a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. For the descent, we follow the yellow markings (clearly visible in this direction) over particularly slippery terrain and retrace our steps to the plateau. From there, we take the small path on the left that descends the cliff and joins the Ibaineta pass. Returning via the northern flank of Mendibil, the paths are often muddy, over waterlogged terrain. We return to the Urbia pass where we parked the cars and then begin the ascent of Aizparaz, the penultimate hill on the programme, with another circular loop. Below the cliffs, we head left to find a path that runs north, locating the passage by aiming for a solitary tree clearly visible from the pass. We walk along these cliffs, between gorse and ferns. The path veers sharply to the right to climb towards the ridge. We then climb up a sort of small grassy corridor, through the rocks, using our hands to help us. The trail disappears here, and it is with the help of GPS and our best judgement that we reach the summit of Aizparaz (558m). We continue along the ridge to the east, following a broken path between grass and rocks. At the end, we descend, dodging the chachis in the grassy, bushy slopes, following green markings. Then we rejoined the track below at the Loiara pass (443 m) between Aizparaz and Arleun. We climbed the latter (528 m) and descended southwards following a fence. The end of the route took the wide track on the southern slope of Aizparatz back to the starting point.

Report on the hike completed on 4/12/2024

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