Urkulu – Bentarte – Leizar Athéka

The Urkulu Trophy: this imposing stone tower is thought to have been built in Roman times to intimidate invaders of the powerful Roman army... even though it is located off the route from Bordeaux to Astorga via Pamplona.

The D428 alone offers wonderful scenery. Unless you make frequent stops, you won't be able to enjoy it much as it's best to keep your eyes on the road. The Urculu offers different scenery along this route as you pass through plateaus with magnificent views of the surrounding area and the Basque and Béarn mountains.

We thoroughly enjoyed this route, which I "invented" to change my usual habit of climbing almost straight up through the forest and descending almost the same way. A variety of landscapes and atmospheres are on the menu during this fairly leisurely 3½-hour walk. I have fond memories of passing by the stream and its blue-green pools, surrounded by meadows covered with spring flowers. It's as romantic as you could wish for. In short, you want to take your time here, so those who are keen on sporting achievements should refrain!

A beautiful circular route on grassy slopes between 1,000 and 1,400 m takes you to an exceptional panorama, the ruins and the Roman tower, which rises to 1,423 m. A great moment and a great memory. GPS essential.

This route starts at the Royal Arms and Munitions Factory in Orbaizeta and takes a lovely circular route through the forest, following much of the local path known as SL-NA-59B.It is enhanced here by a visit to the ruins of Arlekia Castle, which gave its name to the walk.

Mendizar is a remote and little-visited peak in Navarre. Offering beautiful panoramic views, it lies on the Atlantic–Mediterranean watershed. A long and beautiful circular walk, passing through the Col d’Organbide on the way out, to reach this magnificent viewpoint.

A beautiful loop around the hospitable center of Roncesvalles, an important stage in the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.Roncesvalles is called Roncesvalles in Castilian, or Orreaga in Basque. The route passes through the village of Auritz (in Basque) or Burguete (in Castilian).

A very beautiful circular route offering a fairly easy climb up the magnificent Mendixuri. The ascent is mainly along marked tracks or a few clearly visible paths to the foot of the Mendixuri rock. The final 100 metres are along a fairly obvious path leading to the summit. You’ll then be treated to stunning views as you follow a level track to the foot of Lindus. From there, you’ll need to climb a path on the Spanish side to a barbed-wire fence, which you follow to the summit. Alternatively, carry on along the track for a short while until you come across a gap to cross the fence and climb up on the French side via a more visible mountain-bike track that also follows the barbed wire to the summit. The Lindus is of interest mainly for its historical significance. It was the site of a fortification during a Napoleonic battle. Descend on the French side to the road (or on the Spanish side, but you’ll need to cross the barrier at the bottom). Then follow the track to the Ibañeta Pass. From there, follow the Way of St James.