Irati is one of the great natural reserves in Spain, still very unknown and little visited compared to other areas of the Pyrenees. It is one of the best preserved beech forests in Spain and the second largest in Europe. Crossing the Irati Forest by bicycle means crossing and discovering a unique natural heritage. Doing it in the fullness of the changing leaves of autumn, is a spectacle in itself.
The Irati forest is basically a large beech forest, but its great natural wealth makes many other species such as yews, salces, etc. coexist. It is a forest exploited forestry since ancient times and the use of these resources has been done and is done with great respect for its environmental wealth. Our routes go through some of the protected natural areas of the forest such as the Lizardoia Integral Reserve and the Mendilatz Nature Reserve. We will also cross the Sierra de Abodi, which is a high plateau with a spectacular panoramic view of the Pyrenees. The routes of the Irati Forest by bicycle are an immersion in the silent, dense and magical environment of one of the great European forests. The land of mythical and ancestral beings such as the Basajaún.
The route is designed for cyclists accustomed to pedaling and accumulate slopes by basically easy terrain, mostly of tracks in good condition. Affordable itineraries that will allow you to follow the routes without missing any of the spectacular surroundings. But there will be alternatives for the more technical bikers who want to enjoy some fun trials and some spectacular descents.
The area of Roncesvalles – Irati where we will move, is part of a Special Area of Conservation (ZEC) and within it we will cross the aforementioned Reserves. It is necessary that our passage through these areas is imperceptible. Be especially careful with the areas of livestock use in the Sierra de Abodi and in the area of Orgambide. Between Casas de Irati and the Irabia Reservoir is the most frequented trail by hikers and families on weekends and holidays. Remember that passers-by always have the priority.
Weather conditions may cause us to vary the stages in order to cover less exposed areas in case of persistent rain or strong wind. Also to avoid extremely muddy sections in case of previous rainy periods.
Duration: 6 days
Transfer to Larrau. Departure in the morning and lunch during the trip.
Short route in the morning to move with the bikes to the vicinity of the spectacular Hotzarte footbridge. This footbridge built in the early twentieth century to save the deep gorges of Olhadubi is one of the great attractions of the Zuberoa Valley. The last kilometer to the footbridge we will walk through a beautiful beech forest.
Today we will change the northern part of Irati which is on the French slopes to the Irati reserve in Navarra. Long route and with unevenness that will make us see the variety of landscapes on both sides of the border and the common shared demonimator of immense beech forests.
At this stage we will move towards the muga (border crossing) where 
we will findthe Iropil cromlech.A place of special significance for the people of both sides of the border. The ascent is made by a comfortable asphalted track to the high pastures.
Once we arrive at the border pass, we will continue along a small asphalted track with no exit that will take us to visit the splendidgeological fold represented by the Arpea cave.
Then we will undo this last part of the itinerary to find the detour to Orreaga (Roncesvalles). First by asphalted tracks used only by the cattle breeders of Navarre and Iparralde. Later on, a stretch of trail to join the Camino de Santiago that goes up from Donibane Garazi.
Return to Mendilatz by easy track through dense forests, between the Collado de Nabala and the old factory of Orbaizeta.
This is one of the most impressive routes that can be done in Irati, a spectacular itinerary that will take us to the Sierra de Abodi, a high mountain range that represents a privileged vantage point over the Pyrenees.
Departure from Mendilatz or from the parking lot of Irabia (18 km less and about 300 mt less elevation gain) to take the track with very good road surface to Casas de Irati. From this point climb of 4 km. by the road that goes to Ochagavia (without more traffic than visitors to the park) to take a track on the left. Slight climb and fast descent to the small reservoir of Koixta. We continue on a long climb on a track in good condition until Pikatua, with sections where we will see the management of forestry operations in the great forest of Irati.
We turn towards the Sierra de Abodi with occasional steep slopes. In the Sierra de Abodi we will enjoy more spectacular 360º views of the Pyrenees.
We will plan the Sierra about 8 km to the pass of the Alforjas where there are two variants: totally affordable alternative by the road coming from Ochagavía in the direction of Casas de Irati again after passing dismounted by the pass of Tapla. Or downhill trialera, very fun but with some technical sections, and some occasional stretch of steep slope. If it has rained in the previous days, the alternative will be discarded because of excessive mud in sections of the forest. We return to the parking lot by the track that runs along the Irabia reservoir on the flatter side, or more technical biker alternative on the short side through a path through forests and races.
It is an affordable but long route. It will take us the whole day and it is necessary to dose well the times in these dates. Departure very early in the morning.
In the morning, possibility of a bicycle tour, half-day trekking in the park or a visit to one of the most awarded cheese dairies in the reserve.
It will be decided jointly if you prefer to eat en route or before departure.
Transportation of participants, luggage and bicycles
Accommodation and breakfast
Dinners for the 5 nights
Activity insurance
Possibility of guide in all or part of the routes.
Assistance
Assistance by the guide for basic repairs en route. The van will not be available for assistance as the vehicles cannot enter the reserves.
Photo report
If you like this route, we can prepare a proposal for your group.
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Irati Forest by bicycle
