The GR 11, also known as the ruta Transpirenaica in Spain, is part of the extensive
GR footpath network of paths, tracks and trails. It runs through the
Spanish Pyrenees
The Pyrenees are a mountain range straddling the border of France and Spain. They extend nearly from their union with the Cantabrian Mountains to Cap de Creus on the Mediterranean coast, reaching a maximum elevation of at the peak of Aneto. ...
, passing only briefly into
France
France, officially the French Republic, is a country located primarily in Western Europe. Overseas France, Its overseas regions and territories include French Guiana in South America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon in the Atlantic Ocean#North Atlan ...
near
Candanchu.
From West to East, the trail starts at
Cape Higuer (
Basque Country), crosses
Navarre
Navarre ( ; ; ), officially the Chartered Community of Navarre, is a landlocked foral autonomous community and province in northern Spain, bordering the Basque Autonomous Community, La Rioja, and Aragon in Spain and New Aquitaine in France. ...
and
Aragon
Aragon ( , ; Spanish and ; ) is an autonomous communities of Spain, autonomous community in Spain, coextensive with the medieval Kingdom of Aragon. In northeastern Spain, the Aragonese autonomous community comprises three provinces of Spain, ...
and finishes at
Cap de Creus (
Catalonia
Catalonia is an autonomous community of Spain, designated as a ''nationalities and regions of Spain, nationality'' by its Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia of 2006, Statute of Autonomy. Most of its territory (except the Val d'Aran) is situate ...
.) Its exact distance is
difficult to measure, roughly and a total elevation change of . The route is separated into 45 sections. At the end of each section there is normally a useful stopping point (camping spot, town, hostel or refuge) but in general, supplies have to be carried for 3–4 days. Because most rivers flow perpendicular to the trail, the GR 11 passes over many valleys affording beautiful vistas but also many ascents and descents - some days as much as ascent (with equivalent descent).
The trail can be walked in either direction - the deciding factors being the steepness of the terrain and the Sun. In the eastern (Catalan Pyrenees) and central part of the route (Aragonese Pyrenees), days are hotter and the profile more steep, which can prove physically challenging, especially for individuals who are less
physically fit. The heat is much better tackled when the body has
acclimated and physical conditioning has improved toward the end of the trip. Although walking East might provide a more comfortable start, it implies facing the Sun during the morning.
Fit walkers normally manage to complete it in about 44 days, although some people have been known to complete it in 24 days or less.
The
GR 10 is a similar route but on the French side of the border while the
Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne (HRP) follows a generally higher route through the Pyrenees, frequently crossing the French-Spanish border.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gr 11 (Spain)
Hiking trails in Spain
Pyrenees