Pic d'Orhy from Port de Larrau

An accessible short hike allowing you to climb Pic d'Orhy, the first peak to reach 2,000 metres above sea level from the Atlantic Ocean and the highest point in Soule. Magnificent views of the surrounding Basque Country and the high peaks of the Pyrenees.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.78 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,424 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,437 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 6,611 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 5,174 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at Port de Larrau, on the border with Spain.

(S/E) Above the car park, take the clearly marked path heading due west. This path follows the Spanish side of the mountain without difficulty, rising gradually.
A short rocky section, equipped with a handrail, can be slippery when wet.
The Pic d'Orhy then comes into view at the first fork in the path.

(1) There are two routes to the summit:
- at the junction, take the left-hand path continuing due west to the small pass, then turn right, heading due north, to reach the summit via a less steep path.
- follow this track and take the path on the right, which climbs gently at first and then steeply towards the summit before reaching the ridge and continuing to the peak.

(2) From the summit, crowned by a small pillar, admire the view, then descend via the path heading due south to the small pass.

(3) Turn left to return to the first junction.

(1) Return to the Port de Larrau (S/E) via the reverse route of the outward journey.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,187 ft - Port de Larrau car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.85 - alt. 6,142 ft - Trail junction. Return to the summit
  3. 2 : mi 1.36 - alt. 6,601 ft - Pic d'Orhy
  4. 3 : mi 1.58 - alt. 6,299 ft - Small pass (alt. 1,920 m)
  5. S/E : mi 2.78 - alt. 5,174 ft - Port de Larrau car park

Notes

Between 2 and 3 hours depending on fitness level and breaks taken.
No particular difficulty in stable weather, despite a short section with a handrail (not dangerous) and a fairly steep final slope, which can be avoided.
A popular route in summer.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
Ptigris21
Ptigris21

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The aim of this route is to enjoy a superb view of the Pyrenees, so if the weather isn't great, there's no point in going up.
Furthermore, I think it's easier to reach the summit via the recommended route for the return journey.

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Gaël_Brest
Gaël_Brest

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Nice little walk, no difficulties.
Be careful of the wind and fog, which can sometimes be intense from Puerto de Larrau.

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Bigsdl
Bigsdl

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

We walked this route on 12 August 2024, in thick fog as we climbed up from the village of Larrau. Being very used to hiking in Savoie, but less so in the Pyrenees, we found the signposting to be poor and the paths sometimes very poorly marked, often on a slope. At the summit, it is true that the view is remarkable. Two-thirds of the way down, the fog returned and the scarcity of markers meant we had to be extremely careful. Fortunately, the path was quite wide at that point.

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AnneBOUTI
AnneBOUTI

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The climb to the summit is definitely worth it for the 360-degree view. We completed the round trip in 3 hours (I’m a bit of a slow hiker!) in strong winds, so it was a bit chilly! It seems the wind is often a factor here! The path is very well marked and signposted.

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