Trekking the GR11 Trail

Discover the full sweep of the Pyrenees on the GR11, also known as

La Senda Pirenaica

, a spectacular long-distance mountain trail crossing northern Spain from the Atlantic coast at Irun to the Mediterranean shores of Cap de Creus. Spanning 850km (520 miles), the GR11 threads together wild valleys, high passes and remote uplands, offering a continuous journey through some of the most dramatic and unspoilt mountain landscapes in Europe.

Staying largely on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, the GR11 is best suited to experienced mountain hikers with good fitness and confident navigation skills. This guidebook presents the route in 47 stages of 7–31km (5–19 miles), with the trail also divided into four sections to allow the GR11 to be tackled as shorter treks. Along the way, walkers pass through key Pyrenean regions and protected areas including Navarre, the Valles Occidentales, Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, Posets-Maladeta Natural Park and Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu.

47 stage-by-stage route descriptions covering the full GR11 from Irun on the Atlantic coast to Cap de Creus on the Mediterranean
Clear, step-by-step directions for the GR11 supported by 1:100,000 mapping for each stage
Route summary table and stage facilities planner to help plan daily distances, rest days and resupply along the GR11
Detailed accommodation information for villages, refuges and trail-side stops along the GR11 route
Practical planning advice specific to hiking the GR11, including terrain, conditions and logistics
Notes on local flora and fauna encountered along the GR11 across the Spanish Pyrenees
Downloadable GPX files for the entire GR11 to support digital navigation on GPS devices and smartphone apps


Plan and walk the GR11 with confidence and experience the scale, solitude and variety of the Spanish Pyrenees with this authoritative guidebook to one of Europe’s great long-distance mountain trails.

Seasons

June to October for the Central Pyrenees. Spring and autumn would be possible in the Basque Country and near the Mediterranean.

Centres

The route goes from the Atlantic Ocean at Irun on the French-Spanish border and passes through many small villages in Spain and Andorra.

Difficulty

alpine-style mountains, crossing passes up to 2700m where there is rough, steep terrain to traverse. It is at the upper end of walking difficulty. Early season, with snow on the high passes, would require mountaineering skills.

Must See

The Basque country, Anayet lakes, Ordessa and Monte Perdido National Park, Aiguestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, the Maladeta range, Andorra, Cap de Creus Natural Park.