Pic des Escaliers from the Iraty campsite

Departure from the Iraty campsite, west of the Col de Bagargi. Easy parking at the side of the road. As this hike does not return to the starting point, leave another vehicle at the Col de Bagargi.

(S) Go down the road towards the west, passing a first pond on your left, then at the second pond, take the path heading north-west, leaving the pond on your left.

(1) The well-marked path crosses the GR®10 and climbs gently through the beech forest.

(2) You will come to a junction with a track, which leads to some old sheepfolds, including the one at the junction, which has been converted into a dwelling. Turn right onto the track heading due east and follow it until you reach a mountain bike trail.

(3) Follow it to the left, heading north. Shortly afterwards, leave the sheepfold with its beehives on your left, turning right, heading due east, and rejoin the main path a little further up.

(4) Follow it to the left, heading north, which will take you to the mountain pastures and an active sheepfold.

(5) At the sheepfold, leaving it on your right, take the small path heading due west and follow it to the summit, walking along the ridge. It's quite a steep climb. You will reach the first summit of Arthanolatze.

(6) Enjoy the beautiful view. Descend the ridge to the northeast.

(7) At the Lepotxipia pass, go straight ahead at the intersection and then climb up to reach the Pic des Escaliers.

(8) Descend opposite via the PR® trail, which turns right a little further on to join the GR®10.

(9) Follow it straight ahead, heading south. Reach the Iraizabalet Pass.

(10) Continue on the GR®10, which follows the track to the left. At the fork, keep right and follow the GR® to reach the Col de Bagargi (E).

No water and the second part is in full sun, in the summer pastures, which are very busy with sheep, horses and cows.