Selva de Iratí and Ori Itinerary

Time: A whole day
Starting point: Orbaitzeta in the west or Ochagavía in the east.

There are two gateways to the Irabia reservoir and the heart of the lush forest known as the Selva de Iratí, the most important refuge for the White-backed Woodpecker in the Spanish Pyrenees. The eastern approach is from the reception area of the hermitage Virgen de las Nieves  which is usually approached from the south by following the NA-2012 from Ochagavía NA-2012 over the Sierra de Abodí. The western approach is reached via Arive and Orbaitzeta along the NA-2030 to Larraun where a turning on the right some 2kms before the old weapons factory of Orbaizeta takes you to the car park and reception area of Arrazola.

The most interesting areas to search for the White-backed and Black Woodpecker are from the paths that follow the shores of the reservoir, especially the northern shores. Other birds that might be seen on the way include Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Bullfinch, Short-toed treecreeper and Eurasian Treecreeper and, in the more open areas Water Pipit, Citril Finch, Rock Bunting, Griffon Vulture, Golden Eagle and Lammergeier.

The route over the Sierra de Abodi and through the Tapia pass offers excellent views and is a good option for viewing numbers of soaring birds, especially birds of prey, cranes and storks. Interesting amphibians include the Pyrenean Brook Salamander while among the mammals there is Wildcat, Badger, Wild boar and Red and Roe Deer.

An interesting extension to this itinerary is to head to Pikatúa and from there northwards towards the French border at the Puerto de Larrau. Park just before the tunnel and follow the path to the left of the road that leads up to the summit of Or(h)i, the westernmost “2000” in the Pyreness. This route offers the chance of seeing the much-prized high-altitude species such as Snowfinch, Ptarmigan and Alpine Accentor.