Certain aromas, like coffee in the morning and a newly lit fire, are familiar. Petrichor, the scent after rain, may be a relatively unknown term, but its smell is also unmistakable: wet earth. Any nature lover will know it. The fields transform into vibrant green, meadows come alive, flowers bloom and the rivers gain more vigour. Are you dreaming of your next adventure yet?

The Basque Country and Navarra in Spain are humid, typical of the Atlantic climate, which creates lush landscapes. Here, you’ll find scenes of vast pastures, rolling hills, limestone peaks and endless forests. You’ll delve into the Aralar range in the heart of the Basque mountains.

This 102-kilometre (63 mi) Collection is divided into five stages that follow the GR 20. They lead you through beech forests, meadows, villages and to emblematic peaks of Navarra and Gipuzkoa. Although only the part in the Basque Country is an official natural park, the entire massif is a protected area of the Natura 2000 Network.

The route begins and ends at the Lizarrusti port car park. However, as it’s a loop, you can start wherever you like. For example, Irurtzun has a bus connection with Pamplona; San Sebastián has a train and a bus to Ataun.

This journey is designed for anyone who is used to walking long distances. There are no technical sections, so it’s a good option for beginners, but take the uneven terrain into consideration. You can shorten or lengthen some stages, depending on your preferences.

I recommend bringing trekking poles for your knees, water and food for each day, as well as shoes with grippy soles and a waterproof coat. You can read more information about places to refuel and spend the night in each stage description. Remember to book your accommodation in advance, especially in more remote areas.

The Aralar mountain range is full of beech trees that turn red and golden in autumn. For this reason, I recommend doing the route then or in spring when the temperatures are milder and the landscape is especially beautiful. Avoid winter if you don’t have experience of winter mountaineering or navigating through fog. Summer is possible, but avoid the hottest hours of the day. Check the weather forecast before starting to ensure spectacular views.

I invite you to breathe the pure air of the Aralar mountain range, which I hope inspires you with its aromas of nature.