A circular walk in Pagoeta Natural Park

From France, take the A63 motorway to the Spanish border. Then follow the AP-8 motorway, taking exit 38 for Zarautz.
At the first roundabout, go straight on; at the second roundabout, turn right. Follow the signs for Parque Natural de Pagoeta.
Park in the Iturraran car park.

(S/E) Head towards the information centre through the botanical garden. Make your way to the farm.

(1) Go round it on the left and take the path leading down, marked in white, green and red. Continue straight on, following the parallel markings, until you reach the gate marking the exit from the botanical garden.

(2) Follow the path, making sure to close the gate behind you. When the red trail branches off to the left, carry on straight ahead along the path marked in white and green. You’ll reach the Manterola car park; head down to the right onto the GI-4164 road and follow it to the Agorregi Forge. Large metal signs indicate that you’re approaching it.

(3) After visiting the forge, cross the small bridge on the right and take the path leading uphill. Walk past the entrance gate to the botanical garden and continue along the path running alongside the garden’s fence. You’ll reach the second metal gate.

(4) Enter the garden on the right and follow the path to the car park (S/E).

As is always the case in Spain, the hiking trails are very well maintained. There are toilets, maps, drinking fountains, picnic tables and children’s play areas.

The trail is signposted in white, green and red, or white and green where the red trail branches off.
Hiking boots are recommended as the ground is muddy in the forest, but trainers may suffice. 1 litre of water per person is sufficient.

Park opening hours:
- October to June: 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
- In July, August and September: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.

Blacksmith’s workshop opening hours:
11.00 am to 1.00 pm
March to June: Sundays and public holidays
July and September: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
August: Thursday to Sunday
October to 8 December: Sundays and public holidays
Closed from 9 December to 28 February and on 10 August.

At the start of the walk, follow the path leading towards the ‘i’ sign; this will take you to Iturraran Farm (the information centre), where you’ll find various walking routes and guides in French.

In the botanical garden, admire hundreds of trees and shrubs from all over the world.

During the walk, stop off at the Agorregi Forge to see the bellows and hammer in action – both are hydraulically powered.

At the end of the walk, take a short detour to the lovely beach at Zarautz for a bite to eat before heading back onto the motorway.