Balerdi

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Balerdi
View of the outline of Balerdi; La Rhune in the far distance
Elevation	1,195 metres (3,920.55 ft)
Location	Gipuzkoa, Navarre, Spain
Range	Basque mountains, Aralar
Coordinates	43º01'53.03" N 2º02'00.03" W
Easiest route	From Gaintza or Azkarate
Pronunciation	[ba'leɾði]

Balerdi (1,195 m), also called Mallozarra, is a mountain of the Aralar massif rising from the mountain range and made up of several mounts in a row called the malloak (a term used in the area to refer to them, translating roughly as 'imposing rocks'). It stands on the border between Gipuzkoa and Navarre as most of Aralar forms the border between both provinces. The summit is popular with locals and hikers for its characteristic outline of limestone walls and the tricky access to the summit at the end of a narrow rocky stretch with cliffs on either side. As a result, there have been many fatal accidents.

The main access points are in the villages at the foot of the mountain, ie Gaintza (388 m) and Azkarate (460 m) on the Navarrese side. The trail rises west in a zigzag to the pass of Astunalde (1,203 m), the ascent being steep. It takes 2 hours on foot. Another approach starts in the Gipuzkoan town of Amezketa and leads through the highland valley of the quarries (minak). It takes 2 1/2 hours to reach the top of Balerdi from there and the paths are signposted clearly all along.