Balerdi

Infobox Mountain
Name = Balerdi
Photo = Balerdi outline.jpg
Caption = 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
Topographic

First ascent =
Easiest route = From Gaintza or Azkarate
Translation =
Language = Basque
Pronunciation = ba'leɾði

Balerdi (1,195 m), also called Mallozarra, is a mountain of the Aralar massif closing the mountain range at its northern end as well as standing last in the imposing ridge-line called the "Malloak" (a term used by locals to refer to them, translating roughly as 'jagged ridge') looming over the valley "Araitz". It lies on the border between Gipuzkoa and Navarre as most of Aralar forms the border between both provinces. Despite its descending shape from the higher mount Artubi, 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 no more than to 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.

External links

* [http://www.summitpost.org/route/353045/azkarate-urdilleko-lepoa.html Summitpost: Azkarate-Urdilleko lepoa trail description]
* [http://www.mendikat.net/monte.php?numero=578 Mendikat: Ascent to Balerdi] Site in Spanish