Day 3, Jun 16, 2024
From Col de Zuharreteaco to Col d’Harietta
20.6 km hiked, 7.7% complete

We set off this morning at around 7.30 am with a cloudless blue sky and more beautiful scenery of rolling green hills, farmlands, and picture-perfect villages tucked away in valleys below us. We made good time until we came to the top of a hill from which the path headed down a very steep descent. We were warned of potential danger by falling and so took it very slowly. Ros is very aware of the potential consequence of a fall having broken her arm just last year.

Just before that treacherous section, at the top of the hill (called Col d’Artzatey) we were surprised to find ancient ruins of historical significance.  Unfortunately the information was all in Spanish and we couldn’t read it. That prompts me to let you know that, although the GR10 is the French route across the Pyrenees, the path is close to the border with Spain, sometimes sneaking across to take us to small Spanish villages.

We ended section 3 in the town of Bidarray  where we disposed of our rubbish, bought supplies for the next day and a burger each for lunch.

Setting off from there, we planned to go as far as possible through section 4, hoping to complete it and stay in a private campground for the night. It didn’t quite work out that way.  In the heat of the midday sun, we trudged up a long steep incline, stopping often to catch our breath and rehydrate.  Although it was hard work, we were again rewarded with stunning views back over the countryside we had traversed.

We set up camp among a shady outcrop of trees, home to birds and squirrels. Water was just 300m down a side track and was flowing well. Our 3 course dinner consisted of cup-a-soup entrees, bread with cheese, tomato, and crisps for the main course, polished off with a Kit-kat for dessert.