Anboto - a mythical Basque mountain

The drive to Urkiola near Durango takes almost as long as the walk up to the top of Anboto - a mountain that is associated with witchcraft and the home of the legendary Basque mistress of lightning, rain and fog. Luckily I didn't come across any stormy weather or witches - lots of other climbers though.

The first photo was taken on the way up to Urkiolamendi hill, looking back.


From the top I had my first view of Anboto


To the west is Gorbea, another historically important mountain for the Basques


This one is taken from the foot of the mountain


About halfway up the steep "rocky mountain way"


Near the final part of the ascent


Strong wind like today's makes this unpleasant terrain for sufferers of vertigo



A look back along the ridge from the summit


The north side


Facing east



Looking towards the south and the province of Álava


Down below is the route I walked, from Urkiolamendi in the centre-right of the photo along the track leading to the bottom-left


On the way down, having dealt with the tricky part of the descent


A view back up from the grassy area below, where I had my lunch, before heading back to the car and home.