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The starting point for the hike is at the Chourrio car park, Route d’Arraioa in Ascain. To get to this starting point by car, see the “Practical information” section below.
(S/E) From the car park, head towards the road and turn left, crossing the bridge over the river. Continue along the tarmac road to the Arraioa crossroads.
(1) Take the dirt track directly opposite. Further on, go through a culvert, then cross the river (Arraioko erreka) and continue to a junction at a bend in the road.
(2) Leave the wide path and continue straight on. Just before reaching the summit, note that the path passes between two mounds of earth at this point. These are the remains of an old redoubt, i.e. a military fortification which you can walk around. This fortification dates from the Napoleonic Wars, from the time when Marshal Soult was attempting to resist Wellington’s troops. It has a perimeter of approximately 100 m. Continue on to reach the summit of Bizkartzun at an altitude of 184 m.
(3) Enjoy the view of La Rhune, Ascain and the coast. Then continue down the path, which is in fairly poor condition. You will reach a fork.
(4) Follow the path on the left until you reach the next fork.
(5) Change direction, take the path on the right (almost going in the opposite direction) and arrive at another fork.
(6) Leave the path you are on and take the very narrow path that descends to the left (barely visible if you don’t look carefully). At the bottom, cross the stream and, once on the other bank, change direction completely and head left, due north. The path continues through various small valleys, and it is not uncommon to encounter horses or pottoks (small horses or ponies from the Basque Country). You will reach the stream known as Uzkaingo Erreka.
(7) Cross it over the stones: take care. You will then cross this same stream several times as the path winds along it. Take a short detour to the left to see the pretty waterfall and its small lake, where you can swim in summer.
(8) Then return to the path and reach the junction with a wider track.
(9) Turn right and head towards the Martinhaurrenborda farm.
(10) Turn right, then walk past the farm and continue along the path that descends straight ahead. You will then rejoin the section of the path taken on the way there.
(2) Turn left and follow the outward route in the opposite direction to reach the car park at the start (S/E).
Association / Club / Walk leader
Moderate 
Visorando member
Local authority
Difficult 
