El Mendibeltz (Belitz), Arburu, Sardinola, Gogortegiko near Ellurretxe

The starting point for this hike is located on the descent after the Elurretxe Pass, on the left-hand side of the road, near a small picnic area: Pícnic pikogarate Pikogarate Bidea, 20180, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
To get to the starting point by car from Saint-Jean de Luz, see "Practical information" below.

(S/E) From the car park, cross the road and take the path to the left of the picnic area. It passes in front of house number 127. Continue to the^first left turn.

(1) Leave the path that branches off to the right, turn left to make a round trip to the summit, and at the next intersection take the path on the right. At the end of this path, just before the property that blocks the way, take a path on the left into a field and climb up. Near the summit, pass between the trees in the middle of the field and follow a small path to the somewhat hidden summit of Mendibeltz or Belitz (480 metres).

(2) This summit can be recognised by a large rock on which there is a metal structure with the name of the summit written on it.
Retrace your steps to the previous crossroads.

(1) Turn left heading due north. Further on, cross the river (the path can be very muddy). Continue northwards and after about 600 m you will reach a gate in a fence.

(3) Go through the gate (closing it behind you) and immediately take the small path on the left downhill. When you reach a clearing, head left to go through another gate (close it behind you) and you will come out onto a track. Follow the track to the left, which heads north again and leads to a junction opposite a house.

(4) Turn right towards Aristiburu. Pass near a riding centre; the path is often very muddy as it is used for horse riding. When it joins another path, continue to the left, then keep to the right and you will reach a small road.

(5) Follow it to the right. Continue straight ahead uphill until you reach a wide left-hand bend.

(6) Turn left towards the pidgeon hunting huts. After a wide right-hand bend, head south through the forest. You will come to a large marker on the left.

(7) Continue straight ahead, heading south. After about 1 km, the path makes a sharp left turn and crosses a river, then immediately after, comes to an intersection.

(8) Turn completely right. Follow a pleasant path overlooking the river for about 500 m, then take a series of bends until you reach a final hairpin bend to the right.

(9) Be careful, change direction, go completely to the right. The path crosses several small streams and heads north. About a hundred metres after a sharp right turn, notice a small path on the left.

(10) Leave the wide path and climb carefully up this small path on the left to the summit of Arburu (476 m). Descend via the path, which rejoins the wide path to the south. You will arrive at a multiple junction.

(11) Take a path slightly to the left between the two paths to reach the summit of Sardinola (516 m).

(12) Set off again across open country and find a small path that follows a barrier a little further on. Follow a small ridge and reach the summit of Gogortegiko (543 m).

(13) Descend, using two ponds as landmarks. At the second pond, join a path.

(14) Take it to the left and you will soon reach a road.

(15) Just before the road, turn right onto a path that runs alongside the road and you will come to a small marker on the ground marked with a U.

(16) Turn left and head west for about 300 metres.

(17) Then follow the green arrow markings. You will come to a road; follow it to the left to return to the car park (S/E).

Drive to the starting point of the hike. Approximately 24 km from Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Head to Behobia to cross the border. After crossing the bridge, take the^first exit at the roundabout towards the GI-636 San Sebastian.
Go all the way around the next roundabout to take the exit towards Behobia. Then take the first road on the right towards Aiako Harria and Peña de Aia.
Continue along this road for a long time. Pass the Elurretxe Pass (on the GI-3454) and then, on the descent, after three bends, park in the car park on the left-hand side of the road at the second bend on the left.