Untxillaitz

Untxillaitz, Untxillaitx, or Untzillatx, is a mountain of Biscay, Basque Country (Spain), 934 m. high. Its name may mean "Rabbit's peak" untzi(a)=rabbit aitz=peak.Part of the Urkiola range, although it does not belong to the same crest of the Anboto, it is also part of the same limestone range.It forms the pass of Atxarte with the neighnouring Aitz Txiki and it is located in the valleys of Mendiola and Mañaria. Quarries have been created in both sides of the mountain, but now the Atxarte one is closed. Mañaria is the starting point of the Urkiola pass that separates Untxillatx from Mugarra.An outstanding feature is the rock prominence in the north face, called Urresti. This prominence has many rock climbing ways and vulture nests.Climbing routesFrom Atxarte.(1h 30m) From the neighbourhood of Zelaieta in Abadiano the road goes to the Atxarte pass there the river is crossed and a path turns to the right and there is a steep ascension beside the Urresti prominence. At the top of Urresti there is a difficult rock climb that leads to the Elosua col route. At the end of the prominence, the crest is followed until the summit.