Arce and Aezkoa valleys

The Navarrese valleys of Arce and Aezkoa have a charm all of their own. Arce is to the south of Roncesvalles, following the course of the Urrobi river as it makes its way through a rugged landscape of ravines and forests. The Aezkoa valley is an extensive green carpet and is home to the Irati forest, the queen of forests in the area.

This short route passes through both valleys starting in Burguete, in the north, and goes down to Arce palace at one of the thin ends of the Itoiz reservoir. After passing through a well lit tunnel, you face a quick descent and then a long climb through the Iñarbe gorge, passing through the villages of Oroz Betelu and Olaldea until you reach Garralda. This area is home to the much-photographed Zamariain viewpoint, which you will have to leave for another day because you cannot get there by road bike. The view is spectacular, particularly in autumn.

Garralda marks the point of return to Burguete with one last short but intense climb up Lapizea, which takes you to a final and much more comfortable stretch.