The GR11 is an 820 km hiking trail that traverses the Spanish side of the Pyrenees Mountains from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. The GR11 passes through green rolling hills in the Basque Country, with the skies full of enormous vultures spiralling serenely in the rising thermal winds, keenly looking for prey. Through alpine terrain with steep mountain passes and rocky boulder fields alongside the nimble and athletic Chamois who’s elegant bounds across the unforgiving terrain will make you feel like a tortoise weighed down by your rucksack. Beautiful alpine meadows packed with wildflowers and crystal clear lakes will become a regular feature of the Pyrenees, only the shrill cry of the alert Marmots will break the ambiance. Nearing the end of the GR11 as you leave the mountains behind you enter a dry and arid landscape, with dusty trails and a hot sun backing the path to the Mediterranean.
The GR11 is divided into 47 stages which pass through two UNESCO world heritage sites and six national parks. As described in the Cicerone book, there are facilities for hikers such as shops, hotels, restaurants and Refugio’s along the way. The entire trail can be completed without the need to carry a tent but to do so, you’d better have deep pockets.
For me the GR11 was an opportunity to operate independently in remote mountains. I wanted my crossing of the Pyrenees to as wild and unsupported as possible. It took 51 days during which I spent 26 nights in a tent, 16 in unmanned huts, summited 32 mountain peaks, crossed 82 mountain passes, managed snow, thunder and 44oC heat all in one incredible adventure.
As 51 days of extraordinary hiking across the Pyrenees is too much to be summarised into 1 post, I will write a blog for each week of my journey.
I hope you enjoy.
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