The Arritzaga Valley in the Sierra de Aralar

With the unusually high temperatures and all-round pleasant sunny weather in September and October this year in the Basque Country, folk were starting to wonder if autumn was ever going to start, but fortunately it has, as I have been able to see for myself with the glorious colours – accompanied admittedly by a bit of rain – on my latest walk up the Arritzaga Valley in the Basque Country’s Sierra de Aralar, accessible just 30 minutes’ drive from San Sebastián on the coast or a short bus ride from the neighbouring town of Tolosa. The starting point is the village of Amezketa, nestling beneath Mt Txindoki, one of the Basque Country’s most emblematic peaks.

Approaching Bisutzako waterfall_basquecountrywalks

The fairly narrow path that follows the gorge up from Amezketa has long been an important route for shepherds heading up to the high pastureland in the Sierra de Aralar to tend their flock. After about 1 hour climbing alongside this fast-flowing mountain stream, the walker emerges just above the tree line and the beautiful Bisutzako waterfall comes into view.

Following the path cut into the mountainside, the view is equally impressive looking back down the Arritzaga Valley, after about 1h15min walk.

View from Bisutzako waterfall_basquecountrywalks

Walkers can continue all the way up to the high pastureland of Sierra de Aralar and beyond to the monastery of San Miguel, at the eastern end of this small yet fascinating mountain range, but as the rain started to come down and I could some distant thunder I though it best to return down the Arritzaga Valley and return to San Sebastián, and save further exploration for another day. Watch this space.

Old copper mines: ore washing area_basquecountrywalks

Old copper mines: pulley system_basquecountrywalks