Hiking Collection by Sofía_Ibáñez
Discover the Basque Country and Navarre on the Pyrenean Path – GR 11
7 days
3-9 h/day
169km
6,360m
5,160m
In this Collection, I present the first section of this epic adventure through the Basque and Navarrese Pyrenees. From Cape Higuer, on the wild Cantabrian coast, the Pyrenean Path covers more than 160 kilometres (100 mi) to the border with Aragon.
You discover diverse landscapes that change with the elevation gain. At first, the path leads through green hills and meadows where peaceful flocks of sheep and horses graze. You head through the hills, the deep valleys of Baztan and Salazar, endless beech forests of the Quinto Real mountain and the spectacular Irati forest. In the last stages, the forests give way to bare slopes and high peaks – the more untamed Pyrenees.
Huts and farmhouses are also abundant on this adventure. They preserve the pastoral and livestock tradition of these lands. You’ll also come across megalithic monuments that are vestiges of the people who inhabited these mountains in ancient times and legends forged in the misty forests.
Each of the 7 stages average about 25 kilometres (15 mi). The distances and elevation gain are challenging so you need to be in shape and have some experience of long-distance hikes in the mountains.
Most of the stages end in villages with a variety of accommodation options and services. The third and seventh stages are the only ones that end in a mountain refuge. Don't forget to check their opening times and book in advance to avoid any issues. You can get food and water at the end of all stages, but carry extra anyway. You also need a sleeping bag, waterproof and warm clothing, sun cream and a good pair of hiking boots.
The best season to do this route is in summer, when the weather conditions are mild and the refuges are open. In autumn, the beech forests erupt with colours, but the cold and wind can be an obstacle.
To get to the starting point, Cape Higuer in Hondarribia, catch the bus from Irún or San Sebastián. Both cities are well connected to other Spanish and French towns. From the end point, the Zuriza hostel, you can continue the route on foot or take a taxi to Ansó. From Ansó, a bus leads to Jaca, which connects to other towns.
All that’s left is for me to wish you a good start to this journey through the source of the western Pyrenees!
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The Basque Country and Navarre along the Pyrenean Way (GR 11)
167km
6,490m
5,270m
Last updated: November 3, 2024
Do it yourself!
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Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Activities
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
2. Stage 2: Bera to Elizondo – Pyrenean Path in the Basque Country and Navarre (GR 11)
30.7km
09:42
1,220m
1,060m
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Collection Stats
Activities
7
Distance
169 km
Duration
54:09 h
Elevation
6,360 m
5,160 m
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