GR11 La Senda Transpirenaica
Day by day from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, across the Pyrenees.
From the salt spray of the Atlantic to the shimmering turquoise of the Mediterranean, the GR11 La Senda Transpirenaica is more than just a trail; it is an 800 km odyssey through the rugged heart of the Pyrenees. This journey is a relentless crossing of high mountain passes, ancient glacial valleys, and the wild, windswept borders of Spain, France, and Andorra.
-
Day 11: Refugio de Goriz to Monte Perdido (3355m) and beyond
I was a little too keen and set my alarm for 5:30am, only to find it was still dark. I took my time getting ready instead. Everything I needed for a morning mountain ascent went into my rucksack, while everything else stayed in my locker at the refuge.
Read more → -
Day 12: Refugio de Pineta to Camping El Forcallo
My plan was to walk 30km today, but my plans rarely go... according to plan.
Read more → -
Day 13: Camping El Forcallo to Benasque
I must be an early riser, because when I went to leave the campsite at 6:45am the gate was locked. I had to climb over the fence to get out. At least the campsite is secure.
Read more → -
Day 14: Benasque to nowhere (rest day)
I'm almost halfway and didn't even have to get out of bed.
Read more → -
Day 15: Benasque to Beyond Lac de Rius
Bags packed the night before, I left the hotel at about 6.45am. The streets were quiet and the air was cool. The first 3km was simply retracing the day before yesterday's road back to Puente de San Jaime. From there it was a 12km climb, gaining around 1,600m. It started on a gra…
Read more → -
Day 16: Beyond Lac de Rius to Espot
After a warm night and at least six hours of sleep, I was awake at 5am. Still feeling tired, I stayed in bed until 6am before getting up. I was packed and away by 6.30am.
Read more → -
Day 17: Espot to Camping Serra (near Tavascan)
The hydroelectric power station was running all night, so when my alarm went off this morning I couldn't hear it. I didn't wake until 6.30am but was still packed and away by 7am.
Read more → -
Day 18: Camping Serra (near Tavascan) to Refugi Baiau
I was walking up the road towards Tavascan by 6.50am. There weren't many cars about at that time of the morning. I cut up to the hamlet of Aineto to rejoin the GR11 as it descended into Tavascan.
Read more → -
Day 19: Refugi Baiau to Just above Encamp
I was away by 6.45am for the climb to the Portella de Baiau (2,757m). The ascent was over very loose scree, but I reached the col in about 45 minutes. From there came a 1350m descent towards the ski village of Arinsal. On the way down I met a couple climbing up. The husband pass…
Read more → -
Day 20: Just above Encamp to Camping Pirineus
It was a very warm and humid night. I hadn't noticed the sky through the canopy of trees, but shortly after setting off I discovered why. The heavens opened, accompanied by thunder and lightning - not ideal weather for a day of high mountain passes.1
Read more →