Читать книгу The GR10 Trail. Through the French Pyrenees: Le Sentier des Pyrenees онлайн

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Hôtel Ithurria: tel 05 59 29 92 11, www.ithurria.com

STAGE 3

Ainhoa to Bidarray

Start Ainhoa Distance 21km Total ascent 800m Total descent 800m Time 5hr 45min High point Col des Trois-Croix (510m), Col de Méhatché (716m)

Wild camping is possible throughout this stage, which follows exposed grassy ridges typical of the Basque Country. The GR10 contours round most of the summits but, in good weather, you may prefer to take in up to four summits: Errebi, Atxulegi, Mont Bizkayluze and Gorospil. The descent to Bidarray is down an exposed, rocky mountain path that could take a long time for the inexperienced or overladen hiker, especially in bad weather. This is the most difficult descent on the GR10.

Follow the lane right, E, past the tourist office, veering left and right before turning right at a junction with a waterpoint and forking left up a dirt road. Climb steeply, passing nine large white crosses and a shrine with a waterpoint (running well June 2014 and 2015) before reaching the Chapelle de l’Aubépine (40min, 389m). Here there are multitude of small stone crosses and three large white crosses depicting the crucifiction of Christ. This is not the Col des Trois-Croix! Veer left past the crosses.