The sound of cowbells has dominated the path connecting Azpeitia and Abaltzisketa, as shepherds moved their flock to the high pastures of the Aralar mountain range. As every year, a group of around 300 sheep covered the 30-kilometer route, crossing mountain paths and roads, departing at 08:30 in the morning.
According to the shepherds, the sheep advanced enthusiastically, and as soon as the cowbells are put on, they sense that the time for the ascent is approaching. The route has passed through places like Urraki, Goiatz, Santutxu, Santamina, Legorreta, and Baliarrain, before reaching Abaltzisketa.
“"The day of transhumance is a special day for us. It's a very beautiful day and the people we meet along the way welcome us very well. We arrived in the blink of an eye, even though it takes about seven hours, we only take a short break to eat."
After participating in the opening ceremony of the Larraitz pastures, the flock will head directly to the Beltzulegi hut, where they will spend the next few months. To prepare for this ascent, they had to do extensive work in the Azpeitia stable, including painting the sheep and cleaning the hut.
The shepherds will spend five months in Aralar, tending the flock and making cheese. The weather greatly influences the work in the mountains, especially when fog rolls in. They wake up at six in the morning to gather and milk the sheep, and cheese is made twice a day, due to the limited electrical power in the hut.
The cheese made in the Beltzulegi hut is well-known among mountaineers, and direct sales are made while they are in Aralar. The shepherds face the new season with enthusiasm and eagerness, considering their profession and the environment a privilege.
