HIKES AND WALKS IN IRATY

Welcome to a hike in the heart of nature. A unique site with sublime panoramic views and a land of character, its forests and mountains alive with life, Iraty is a place to recharge your batteries, to soothe yourself away from the noise and bustle of the cities, to get some fresh air, and to discover a living territory, rich in priceless cultural and natural heritage. Depending on the season, there are many ways to discover the Iraty mountains: on foot, by bike (mountain bikes and VAE), on horseback or pony, in snowshoes... Here are a few suggestions for hikes for everyone, marked in yellow.

Escalier Arthanolatze: a veritable lookout point, the Escalier and Arthanolatze peaks dominate Soule and Lower Navarre. A must-see in fine weather. Average distance 7 km, duration 3 h, altitude difference 520 m.

Crête d'Orgambidexka-Lapatine: a veritable festival of crests, this loop flirts with high-mountain landscapes, admiring the Soule mountain pastures and watching the ballet of vultures. Average length: 5.3 km, duration: 3h, vertical drop: 255 m.

Crête d'Orgamidexka: a walk that takes you up to the crest of Orgambidexka and its peak. From the top of the ridge, the panorama over the Larrau valley and the Orhy peak is well worth the effort... Easy 2.4 km route, duration 1h30, ascent 115 m.

Zihigolatze: a pleasant itinerary following the tracks, giving you an idea of Iraty with some of its ingredients: vast ridges, forest, fern grove, river, cayolar de Zihigolatze... Average distance 8.5 km, duration 3h, altitude difference 385 m.

Iratzabaleta: tree-shaded trail in very quiet spots, followed by a visit to the Irazabeleta pass. Easy 4.6 km route, duration 1h30, elevation gain 180 m.

Le Pic d'Orhy: beautiful hike along the ridges, to be undertaken only in fine weather. Unmarked trail. More difficult route, duration 7 h, elevation gain 700 m.

Escalier Mendibel-Lac de Cize: a veritable festival of crests and summits, this loop offers grandiose panoramas of the Basque country and the Pyrenean mountains. Easy route, duration 7h, altitude difference 1020 m.

Prevention: before setting off, find out about the weather and trail conditions - make sure you're properly equipped with shoes (no flip-flops, sneakers or espadrilles...), warm, waterproof clothing, cell phone, water and soft drinks - follow marked trails, avoid shortcuts - respect nature.