The Beltxu Peak

From the village of Larceveau, follow the D918 to Saint-Just-Ibarre. After the village exit sign, turn right onto a small road and follow the signs for "Sources de la Bidouze". After 1.6 km, turn right, still following the signs for "Sources de la Bidouze", and continue for 2 km until you reach the small car park at the start of the trail.

(S/E) Leave the car park by following the access road on the left, with your back to the car park. Pass two intersections and continue to the third at Kaserna.

(1) Take a small road on the left that goes uphill. Further on, the road turns into a track as the slope becomes easier. Continue on the track and pass a hairpin bend on the right to reach a fork.

(2) Leave the track and take a path on the left, which is discreet at first, climbing into the forest. After a steep climb through the forest, the path emerges into open ground, passes through a fern grove and re-enters the forest.

(3) Exit definitively after a right-hand bend. Reach a watering hole to see the path turn into an old, stony and uncomfortable track. Then join another track on the plateau.

(4) Keep to the right. To reach the pass, pass close to the ruined Beltxu cayolar (sheepfold). Then climb up a grassy slope.

(5) From the pass, continue straight ahead to reach the road that can be seen in the distance. The summit of Beltxu is also visible, with its antenna. Continue on the flat without being tempted by the descent to the left. Follow the road uphill to the right. It will go around the summit of Pic de Beltxu on its northern slope. You will arrive at a fork.

(6) For the more adventurous, it is possible to climb to the summit and back to enjoy the view. You will arrive at a crossroads.

(7) Leave the road on the right, which descends to the village of Hosta, and continue straight ahead on this road to the Lahondoko Olha cayolar, which marks the end of this section of the route.

(8) Turn sharply left to pass under the cayolars. Then head towards the large basin below. Cross this large plateau towards the Cayolar d'Ehulatze pass, which is slightly to the right at the bottom.

(9) At the pass, find a small, inconspicuous path and follow it to the left. Continue along the mountainside overlooking the valley of the Bidouze springs. Climb a slight slope to a summit at an altitude of 998 m. Then descend to quickly reach the pass you passed on the way there.

(4) Descend following the same route as on the way up and rejoin the (S/E).

Hiking tip

Check the weather forecast before setting off
Wear suitable footwear
Bring enough water
Park your car in designated parking spaces
Take all your rubbish with you
Follow the marked trails
Keep your dog on a leash
Close gates behind you

For more information on how to behave, visit www.reussirmarando.com

Limestone caves

The Arbailles massif is mainly composed of limestone. This is a soluble rock that is highly affected by water. This explains the presence of numerous caves and cavities. There are some here, for example. However, never venture inside without an expert caver!

Cayolars

The term "cayolar" originally referred to a basic shelter for shepherds. Today, a cayolar is a relatively well-equipped mountain hut where shepherds spend part of the summer. Cayolars are located in summer grazing areas and allow farmers to stay close to their livestock.

Wetland

Here you will find a small wetland where you can observe a small carnivorous plant: the butterwort. It captures its prey (very small insects) using a sticky substance on the surface of its leaves. The insects are broken down and digested, allowing the butterwort to recover nitrogen. This nutrient is not present in sufficient quantities in its environment.