Hiking the GR11: A Practical Guide

2019 GR11 Snow conditions update (posted May 28th 2019)

We’re starting to get people asking about snow conditions on the GR11 route for the 2019 season so I thought I’d write a quick update.

The Pyrenees in general had less snow than normal this winter. However, temperatures in May have been fairly cool without that much rain. With the colder temperatures, the rain we have had in the villages has fallen as snow above around 2200 metres. Therefore we have a situation where below around 2200 metres there is much less snow than normal – espceially on south facing slopes – but above this there is still significant snow and I would say conditions are more or less normal this season higher up. North facing slopes in particularl still have plenty of snow and crampons and ice axe are definitely needed on the higher sections.

Below is the webcam (taken today 28th May) from Refugio Respomuso towards Collado de Tebbarai (at 2782m one of the higher passes on the route – this is the northern side). I’ve drawn on the approx. route of the GR11. As you can see there is still substantial snowfields and I personally wouldn’t be crossing this without crampons.

Snow conditions on the GR11

Snow conditions on the GR11 from Refugio Respomuso

Everyone have a great time on the GR11 – stay safe and make sure you are properly equipped for conditions. In times when you can’t go out and hike, try and play online slots games indoor. It is a great way to calm your mind when you want to get out.

Enjoy your hiking and the Pyrenees and let us know how you get on!

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The GR paths are a network of extensive paths that criss-cross Europe, mostly in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain.  In Spain, GR stands for ‘Gran Recorrido‘ and here in the Spanish Pyrenees, we have a number of these GR paths linking key settlements, passes and valleys, but perhaps the most challenging and impressive of these GR routes and the one that many of our hikes are based around is the GR11.  The GR11 stretches the entire length of the Spanish Pyrenees, from Hondarribia, on the Atlantic coast to Cap de Creus, on the Mediterranean coast, and covers a total of 840km, which is divided into 46 day long sections, most of which start/finish where accommodation is available, either a campsite, town, refuge or hostel.

Circo Piedrafita

Circo Piedrafita, near Refugio Respomuso is one of the higher sections of the GR11


How long will take?

This does depend, to an extent, on your fitness, need for rest days and whether you wish to take some of the spectacular peaks along the way, but 45-60 days is the norm, however, it has been completed in a little as 24 days.

Ordesa Monte Perdido National Park

The GR11 runs through the magnificent Ordesa Valley


What to expect

The GR11 passes through the mountains of Navarra, Aragon and Catalonia, the latter two regions comprising of steeper and higher mountains, not to mention a hotter climate than Navarra.  There are a number of high passes, above 2500m, in the central section and as much as 1600m of ascent / descent in a single day. The GR 11,  is a much more recent path than the GR 10, which lies on the French side of the Pyrenees, and offers more wilderness, passes through less villages and probably has better weather!

Fuen Blanca Anisclo Canyon

Fuen Blanca is situted towards the head of the Anisclo Canyon and is one of the most remote spots along the GR11.

The GR11 is generally well marked throughout with red and white stripes, however, it would be foolish to head out without an understanding of mountain navigation, along with a map and compass.  The terrain underfoot varies hugely, from straight forward 4×4 tracks, through to exposed and narrow rocky paths in high mountainous terrain, where a slip would be very serious.

Red & White stripes mark the GR11

Red & White stripes mark the GR11


When to go

The main walking season in the Spanish Pyrenees is between late May and the beginning of October, however this is not a hard and fast rule, as there can be snowfall well into June, and again in late September, which can cover many of the red and white painted markers.  On the other hand, there may be some perfect windows of opportunity in the autumn, particularly as the temperatures will be cooler.

There will be unavoidable snow patches throughout June and probably well into July, and these should not be underestimated. Those looking to hike the higher sections of the GR11 during this period should carry both an ice axe and crampons, and have experience of using these. The presence of snow can turn a benign scree slope into a steep icy slope, which without the use of an ice axe and  crampons could be potentially very serious should a slip occur.  An example of is on the slopes leading up to the Cuello Tebarrai (2782m) from Refugio de Respomuso, which can hold snow until early August.   Following a winter and spring of heavy snowfall, avalanche hazards can exist into June, particularly on hot, sunny days. Hut guardians can often be a great source of information regarding the conditions of the GR11 in the vicinity of their hut.

The Hike Pyrenees blog often has up-to-date photos and information regarding conditions in the Aragonese Pyrenees.

GR11 Hike Pyrenees Ordesa Respomuso 041

Photo of the Circo de Piedrafita & Embalse de Respomuso taken in June 2013

 

GR11 Hike Pyrenees Ordesa Respomuso 039

Heading up to the Cuello Teberrai in July 2013


Wardened Huts or ‘Refugios’

The wardened ‘Refugios’ along the GR11 will play an integral part of the journey, and will no doubt be a welcome site after a long day of hiking.  These should be booked in advance, either on-line or by telephone, and notified as soon as possible if you plan to cancel your booking also there are other activities like playing games or gambling in sites like w88 online.  The facilities available do vary from hut to hut, but do remember that these are often located high in the mountains, where supplies are brought in either via helicopter or by mule.  Some have showers and all will have a Plastic portable toilet in the location.  They will all offer meals (including  packed lunches) and often run a restaurant/bar service during the day.  Prices are very similar from hut to hut and are as follows:

Overnight: 17 euros
Dinner: 17 euros
Breakfast: 6 euros

There is a certain etiquette for using mountain huts, and whilst they vary slightly from hut to hut, overall the following rules will help:

1) Check-in on arrival, where you will be allocated a bed within a specific dormitory.  Let the warden know what time you’ll be up in the morning.
2) Boots are not permitted inside the hut, instead change into hut slippers or your own sandals.
3) Rucksacks are often not permitted inside the dormitories.  Leave these in the designated areas (sometimes lockers) and only take what you need for the night to the dormitory.
4) Use a sleeping bag liner when sleeping, and ear plugs are a good idea!
5) Lights will all be turned off at about 10pm, make sure you have a head torch to hand.
6) In the morning, leave the dorm quietly, trying not to disturb others.
7) Take all your rubbish with you, otherwise someone else will have to.

It is worth noting that if you plan on spending many nights in mountain huts, to consider joining one of the large mountaineering organisations which provide reciprocal rights I.e. discounts of up to 50%.  The Austrian Alpine Club (UK) is one such organisation.

Variations and summits

There are an infinite number of variations possible, with all the official variations are listed here: http://www.euro-senders.com/web_eng/grspain/gr_011.htm and described in the guidebook The Gr11 Trail – La Senda: Through the Spanish Pyrenees (Cicerone Guides).   These variations will generally be for one of three reasons: 1) the variation will be a more enjoyable and scenic, 2) the variation will be more logical, e.g. not loose unnecessary height to then reascend soon after, 3) the variation will be more convenient for using wardened huts.

Hiking along the GR11.2 in the Posets Massif

Hiking along the GR11.2 in the Posets Massif

Along with these variations, there are plenty of opportunities to take in some of the great Pyrenean summits, including: Pico de L’Infierno, Monte Perdido, Pico Posets, Perdiguero & Pico Aneto.  Needless to say that extra time will need to be factored in, as most of these summits are side-trips (up and down the same route) from the GR11.

GR11 Pico De L'Infierno

The impressive Pico de L’Infierno.

Monte Perdido Ordesa National Park

On the summit of Monte Perdido, 3355m


Kit

As with any trip of this nature, what you take depends on how you choose to play it, but the bottom line is to keep things as light as possible. The entire trip, from coast to coast, can be done, with careful planning, without carrying a tent or sleeping bag, however, this could well involve some big days of 30km+.  There are plenty of resources in books and on-line that detail what you should take, but here are a few things to consider:

Rucksack: Needs to be big enough to fit all your gear in, but not so big that you end up filling it with unnecessary items. 55-65 litres should be ample.  Contents should be kept in waterproof dry bags or a liner.

Sleeping bag: Only required, along with a lightweight sleeping mat, if you plan on camping along the way.  A 3 season bag should suffice.

Sleeping bag liner: You must have a sleeping bag liner for the wardened huts (they provide blankets).  This should ideally be a silk one, as they are very light and dry very quickly.

Boots: Must have good ankle support and a sturdy sole, as some of the walking will be on very rough or loose terrain.  These will need to be stiff enough if you plan on using crampons.

Sun hat: Absolutely essential!  The sun during the summer, at midday can be blisteringly hot, and without adequate protection, dehydration, sun burn and heat exhaustion are all much more likely.

Waterproofs: Again, absolutely essential.  Don’t forget that just because you’re in Spain, during the summer, that you’re still in the mountains, where the weather can change very quickly, and whilst overall, it doesn’t rain much, when it does, it can be very heavy.  That said, heavyweight mountaineering waterproofs are a bit of an overkill, go for something lightweight and breathable.  This applies to waterproof trousers too.

Other essentials: map & compass, pure contact lenses, sunglasses, headtorch, at least 2 litres of water per day.

GR11 Ordesa Monte Perdido Pico Ansiclo

Hiking in the sun from Refugio Goriz


Books & Maps

Senda Pirenaica: GR11 Long Distance Path by JA Lopez Lafuente is one of the most comprehensive Spanish guidebooks to the GR11 and contains maps for each of the 47 stages.

Trekking in the Pyrenees (Trailblazer) by D Streatfeild-James covers both the GR10 and GR11 and includes all the practical information you need.

The Gr11 Trail – La Senda: Through the Spanish Pyrenees (Cicerone Guides) by B Johnson is another very comprehensive book that focuses solely on the GR11.

Useful websites

www.alberguesyrefugiosdearagon.com – for booking refugios in the Aragonese Pyrenees

www.lacentralderefugis.com – for booking refugios in Catalonia

www.yr.no – a very comprehensive weather website

www.mountain-forecast.com – another comprehensive weather website, locations are by mountain

 

 

242 thoughts on “Hiking the GR11: A Practical Guide”

  1. Hi Fabien
    I want to do a thru hike starting say early to mid June. Whats the earliest you would suggest to start? The only experience I have in hiking thru snow was on the Annapurna Circuit 2015 and that was only to cross the pass about 5400mtres. I will be on my own, at this stage. Unfortunately I’m restricted in my starting time due to work commitments. I want to be sensible about doing this trek so your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

  2. Hi Neva,
    Mid-June is a little early unless you are very happy in snow. You’ll get to the snow late-June and will almost definitely have snow in the higher passes – crampons and ice axe would almost definitely be required at that time of year – not for the majority of the route but to cross a couple of passes. It’s too early to know what the snow conditions will be like next summer but we usually post a couple of updates early season so come back and take a look nearer the time. If you are not happy using crampons on your own why not time your trip to meet up with our Refugio Week which runs on the 18-25 June following the GR11 through the Valle de Tena and Ordesa National Park – if you started from the Atlantic side you’d arrive at where the trip starts after about one week and where you are likely to meet your first snowy sections. Our guides will show you how to use crampons and teach you all of the required techniques.
    Have a good and safe trip,
    Phil

  3. Hi Phil,
    That sounds perfect. I would be very happy to do that. I will look at that week and book in. By doing it this way you have allowed me to actually pinpoint a start date.
    Talk soon
    Cheers

  4. Hi, I’m hoping to hike a section of the GR11 for two weeks in July. I’m thinking of starting in Candanchu and ending in Espot, but working out how to get there and back is proving difficult.

    I’m coming from London so have plenty of choice for flying to places like Zaragotha, Barcelona etc.

    Has anyone got any experience of this and can offer travelling advice?

    Thanks,
    Andy

  5. Hi Jason,
    I’m lazy – I always sleep in the huts! In the UK I used to wild camp a lot and I bought myself a nice lightweight tent before I moved to the Pyrenees and have hardly used it. The temptation of a hot meal (with a glass of wine!) and not having to carry the extra weight is just too much for me! Most people I speak to either take something very lightweight – even a tarp with the idea that f there was some really bad weather they could always use the huts as a backup.
    Phil

  6. Hi Andy,
    Transportation to/from the GR11 is a bit of a problem I’m afraid. I’ve spoken to the mayor of our village several times about this. They are always trying to promote foreign tourism in the area and for me one of the best things they could do is put on a GR11 transfer type service – it wouldn’t be difficult and would help people like yourselves and for me encourage a lot more people to do sections of the GR11.
    Candanchu isn’t too bad to get to by public transport. Fly to Zaragoza (or Barcelona but then you have a longer bus journey), then a bus to Jaca and from there a bus to Candanchu. You can see times for the Zaragoza (or Barcelona) to Jaca bus at http://www.alosa.es (only 30 days in advance but the times don’t change much during the year). The Jaca-Canfranc bus is run by the local council and you can see times at http://www.mavaragon.es/horarios-autobus-jaca-astun/
    You can also see info on buses and public transport on our website.
    From Espot I’m not so sure but it’s a reasonable sized town and Catalunya is generally better organised than Aragon so I would think you could get a bus from Espot to Lleida (or somewhere similar) without too much problem.
    This is a great section of the GR11 you are planning – for me the best central section.
    Have a great trip,
    Phil

  7. Hi Phil, many thanks for the detailed information – that’s such a great help as I was concerned that I might not be able to get to Candanchu. It’s a real shame there isn’t a GR11/Pyrenees specific transport service in operation as I’m sure it’d be viable in the summer months at least.

    Having done a bit of research it looks like you can travel directly by bus from Sort to Barcelona (see: https://www.alsa.es/ca/) and Sort is only 20 miles from Espot by taxi or an 8 hour hike.

    You mention on your website that you provide transfers on Sunday evening from Zaragoza airport. Is this only for those partaking in the Hike Pyrenees walking holiday? Or is it possible to take transport with you to the centre of Zaragotha or further for example?

    One other question I have is whether you know of anywhere in Zaragotha, Jaca or Candanchu where I can buy Coleman type screw on gas cannisters? If not I may have to invest in one of the MSR versatile stoves which take a range of fuel types such as https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0027H32EU/ref=pe_2002171_173464251_em_1p_0_ti
    but I’d prefer to use my coleman style stove If I can.

    Many thanks,
    Andy

  8. …an update to my above message. If anyone needs to travel from the Espot area back to Barcelona, rather than travelling by taxi to Sort, it seems you can get the bus from the closer town of La Guingueta https://goo.gl/maps/mM37ofgnU772 which is also very close to the path of the GR11. Hope someone finds this useful in future!

    Andy

  9. Hi,
    I’ve walked the GR11 last year in August/September – thank you for your advice before my trip! And, as you said, I want to go back to Pyrenees… I’m thinking about a shorter trip – maybe 1 week or so – based on a section of GR11 with exploring of some areas away from the trail. I would like to go in Spring or early Summer so there is still some snow higher up (I’ve done some winter walking and would like to do a bit more of it before snow melts away completely) but would like to see the valleys green and full of flowers :).
    So my first question is when to go – is May a reasonable time for a trip like this? Looking at previous years there may be plenty of white stuff available even in June?
    Another question is which location would you recommend? My current idea is GR11 / GR11-2 loop with a couple of day trips to Posets or other summits around, depending on snow and weather. Perhaps a bit to ambitious if conditions are bad?
    Thanks again for your help last year 🙂
    Regards,
    Lukasz

  10. Hi Phil
    The map that is shown in the GR11 Trail Book by Brian Johnson. Is that detailed enough to do the GR11 or should I be looking at taking more detailed maps.
    Neva

  11. Andy – or anyone struggling with fuel supply in Pyrenees,
    last year I have used this Edelrid adapter with my Fire Maple stove:
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Sports-Outdoors/Edelrid-733020000000-Valve-Cartridge-Adaptor/B004124BUI/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1488107529&sr=8-8&keywords=edelrid
    This combination is lighter and cheaper than any good quality multifuel stove and allows you to use both Primus/Coleman and Campingaz carts (the latter ones are much easier to come by in Spain – they also seem to be a bit lighter for the same size).
    Regards,
    Lukasz

  12. Hi,

    Thanks for such a great website and such useful information!

    I’m looking to do a sections of the GR11 with my partner for my 29th birthday in May (6th-19th). Are there any sections of the GR11 you recommend for a 2 week hike? (thats accessible from Barcelona).

    We’re both fit and used to basic navigation and have good kit. But won’t be taking crampons/axes or camping equipment so hope to stay in the hostels along the route.

    Any routes you would recommend?

    Thanks!

    Ella

  13. Hello!

    Could you give an update on snow this year? It would be good to know what the situation is as I’m planning on starting a walk in early June…

    Jamie

  14. Can anyone tell me the best mobile phone supplier to go with and what is the situation with mobile coverage on the GR11
    Any info appreciated.
    Thanks
    Neva

  15. Hi Jamie,
    It’s still a bit early to know what snow conditions will be like this season – there’s still plenty of time for more snowfalls! Conditions are slightly strange at the moment. We have had a lot of warm weather and therefore less snow than normal below 2500 metres. However above 2500 metres there have been some really heavy snowfalls (that fell as rain lower down) and there is probably more snow than usual at higher altitudes.
    In June I’d expect you to still be finding quite a lot of snow in the higher cols and would recommend ice axe and crampons. Usually in May we go an investigate snow conditions in the Col de Tebbarai in the Valle de Tena and post a picture of conditions to give people an idea of current conditions. Also look at the webcams at the refugios (link in article) which also give you a good idea.
    Good luck with your trip in June,
    Phil

  16. Hi Ella,
    At that time of year, if you would like to avoid snow and are coming from Barcelona then look at starting at Cape de Creus and heading west for 10 days or so. You should be a while until you reach the higher areas with snow.
    Enjoy your trip,
    Phil

  17. Hi,
    I would like to ask you one question. I have hiked a few trails during last years and what I enjoy the most about hiking is oversleep outside in nature. I choose my destionation according to this, so my question is: Is it possible to wild camping along GR 11? Or is it forbidden?

    So thank you very much for your answer.
    Sylvi

  18. Hi! Thanks for all the great information so far, it’s a big help! I’m planning a trip in july-august, where I’m gonna hike a section (about 10 days) of the GR11. Sadly I’m dependent on public transport. Furthermore, I want to avoid the crowds and wild camp as much as possible. Do you have advice which section to pick?
    Thanks in advance! Sjoukje

  19. Hi Sylvi,
    Wild camping is allowed (or at least tolerated) in all of the high mountain sections. Different areas have different norms. In some areas (like Ordesa around the Goriz hut) people camp right next to the hut (which has the only reliable source of water in the park). In other areas (such as the huts around Posets) you are not allowed to camp next to the refugio and need to camp further away – which sounds as if that is what you would prefer to do anyway.
    Camping is a great option and allows you to tailor the length of each stage a bit depending on your energy levels that day. Just be prepared that you’ll end up carrying quite a bit extra weight so plan well and pack light!
    Have a great trip,
    Phil

  20. Hi Sjoukje,
    Public transport isn’t that straightforward in the Pyrenees I’m afraid and this is probably the the question that we get asked more than any other. We are actually thinking of offering a GR11 transfer service but this won’t be ready until summer 2018.
    If you aimed to start in the Valle de Aragon at Canfranc you can arrive by bus or train via Huesca then Jaca – look at http://www.alosa.es for bus times although only 30 days in advance. You can also get to Sallent de Gallego in the Valle de Tena via Huesca then Sabiñanigo again with Alosa. If you head east from either of these you’ll arrive roughly in Benasque where you can get buses back to Huesca. I hope that helps. Enjoy your hike on the GR11,
    Phil

  21. Hi Phil,

    Any chance of an update on the snow conditions? When do you think you’ll be able to update the post at the top of the page? We fly out on 17 June, so hoping it’s a low snow year…

    Thanks.

  22. Hi Duncan,
    Complicated snow situation this year. Lower and southern slopes have less snow than normal but north facing and higher up I would say are slightly more snowier than usual. I’m going to update the article with a photo of conditions at Respomuso in the Valle de Tena at the moment. Still plenty of time until you are here so conditions could get much better (or much worse!). As you’ll see from the photo you’ll certainly need crampons at the moment! I would suspect you would probably still need them throughout June to cross here safely although a lot depends on the temperatures on the actual day.
    Hope that helps,
    Phil

  23. Thanks Phil, that’s great and really helpful. Would you mind updating again on 1st June? That will give me time to make a decision re crampons either way before flying out on 17th.

  24. Hi Phil!
    My husband and I are planning to hike 5 days on the GR 11, on the eastern end. The goal is to meet up with family vacationing in Cadaques. We’re flying into Barcelona and will be getting transportation. Which of the last 10-15 segments do you think we should start at? We will be there late June. We were considering the last 5 but didn’t want to just base it on convenience. Thanks!

  25. I’m doing the GR11 this summer and would like some information on what are the most readily available gas cylinders along the route. For me that would be either Easy Click or Coleman. Many thanks for your help.

  26. Hi Phil,
    The easiest gas canisters to find are the click type that pierce the canister and then you can’t take out again until the canister is finished. The screw on type are available but a bit harder to find.
    Have a great trip,
    Phil

  27. Thanks Phil, what about Easy Click? These are non-screw and non-pierce – last time I was out there, four years ago, these were more common than the Coleman type, but things change. Best regards, Phil

  28. Dear Phil, I have found your blog very useful thanks. Am heading out early June to start the GR11 (with my snow gear). One question I wondered if you could help with. In the GR11 guide it says sections of the Prames 1:40000 maps of the GR11 are a little inaccurate towards the Mediterranean end. Do you know what the author means by this?
    All the best
    Duncan

  29. Hi Duncan,
    The Spanish maps are getting better but you’ll find several sections where the GR11 marked on the map differs from that marked on the ground. Sometimes the path has been re-routed and sometimes the maps are just wrong. I have to say with every new edition things get more accurate. Usually I don’t find any problem on the ground once you are there. If you are worried you might want to do download the gps tracks of the GR11 (I think you’ll find most stages on Wiciloc).

    Just to let you know I had an email from the local walking club last week saying that they’ve re-routed (or put in alternatives) for the stages in western Aragon between Lizara and Canfranc. I haven’t had a chance to study it in detail yet or take a look at the routes on the ground but apparently the new ways have all been well marked. It’s been changed as some of these stages were ridiculously long and also there was a kilometre or so that crossed into France and they wanted to keep the whole route in Spain! At some point in the summer I’ll get a chance to head over there and take a look and will post an update on this article.
    Have a great trip,
    Phil

  30. Sorry Phil, I’m not actually sure what the easy-click gas canisters are like. I haven’t had a stove that use these so haven’t really looked for them.
    Take a look at somewhere like Barrabes.es to see what’s available in Spain.
    Cheers,
    Phil

  31. Hi Phil,

    I am in the same situation than Lauren. I’ll be landing in Barcelona around july 2nd. I would like to take on some of the GR11 east sections, doing 3-5 days this summer and going back next year to do other sections.

    I know public transportation is not very friendly. Do you have some insight or suggestions of the sections we should take and most important is there some good strategy to go in and out that would make transport easier?

    Which section should we start with and which we should get out from?

    Thanks, your blog is awesome!!!

  32. The information on the website is much appreciated. We, my two children (16, 14) wife (secret) and I, are going to attempt the GR11 this summer. You have helped in our planning process as well as in convincing us that it is really a good idea.

    We will carry tents and sleeping bags etc but will use refuges as and when appropriate. You mention that sleeping bag liners are needed for the refuges. Will a sleeping bag suffice or do we need both?

    Regards

    John

  33. Hi John,
    A sleeping bag is fine. It’s just that the huts all have blankets so a liner is sufficient and is less weight and bulk to carry. Btw the GR11 carrying tents is a pretty big undertaking especially for a child of 14 – make sure you keep the days fairly short and aren’t overambitious in the distance you’ll be hiking each day.
    Have a great trip,
    Phil

  34. Phil,

    Thanks.

    We’ve done a couple of long distance walks in the past few years but thanks for the heads up. The tents while adding to the weight are in part to facilitate shorter stages and give a freedom that we have missed so far.

    Worst case scenario- it takes us a couple of years to complete.

    Regards

    John

  35. Hi Phil
    Thank you so much for all the information. This will be our first time walking in the Pyrenees so would appreciate your input. We are traveling to Barcelona mid June for a week. We are starting our walk from Encamp and walking to Cetcatais. Would we encounter snow alone this route? And can you give me the website for booking huts please. Which of the guide books would you recommend? Depending on how this goes, we would hope to doing a lot more walking. We are both very fit.
    Thanks in advance
    Mary

  36. Hi Phil,
    I’m planing to walk the gr 11 in October and november….. Do you have any thougts about the going this period. Or would you advice me to go not so late in the season.

    Thanks already for the answer.

    With regards,

    Neeltje

  37. Hi Neeltje,
    Probably a bit earlier would be better but the last couple of seasons the autumn has had great weather. At this time of year you just have to be prepared for anything weather wise that’s all. You are very likely to encounter early snow higher up and this can sometimes be awkward and it’s not a nice consolidated snow layer to hike on but a thin, loose, slippery layer.
    Have a great trip,
    Phil

  38. Hi Phil

    We are lovely o king to start this early August and hope to finish end September, we did the gr 5 last year so are happy carrying rents and all that , but do you think this is too late to start ( we are in Srilanka till end of July that’s all :-/ )

  39. Hi there,
    I’m planning to walk for about 16 days from Parzar to Arinsal, at the beginning of Sept this year. The Cicerone guide book says it’s best to walk east but I wonder if others have different experiences; maybe walking west?
    Thanks,
    Roger Weston
    Perth Australia.

  40. Hi Phil,

    A month on from your update, what are your thoughts now?

    Thanks,

    Duncan

  41. Hi Phil,

    Very helpful site, thanks. If you can assist with logistics, I’d like to do some trail running in/around the Pyranese, July 16-22. I’ll be on the Spanish side (actually in Vigo, but will public transport across to the mountains July 14/15) and am flying home from Toulouse. Do you know of somewhere I can get public transport to on the Spanish side and then hand over my luggage and have it transported to Toulouse? I’ll then spend the next 7 days getting myself there too (and trying to work out a good itinerary – hut bookings are filling up!).

    Cheers, Nicole

  42. Hello, I thought I’d try it here. Did anyone go to Aigüestortes without booking refugis in advance? I wouldn’t like to plan my whole GR11 around this date. I’ll be there around mid-september.
    Regards, Simon

  43. Hey there, we’re planning a trip in July and wondered if there are any independent bag transfers (ie. that you don’t have to be booked on a whole holiday) available in the Ordesa area? Ideally we’d like to drop our tents and use refugios once we leave Torla until Parzan, and have our packs waiting at the other end.

  44. Hi Caroline,
    A few people have been asking about luggage transfer or transport services for teh GR11. As far as I’m aware there are none! If any knows of any let me know. The logistics to walk only part of the route are quite complicated. We are considering setting up our own GR11 taxi service next year to help people on the route but haven’t finalised details yet. In Ordesa you might want to have a look at Ordesa Taxi’s who might be able to help – Google them and you’ll find there number.
    Sorry we couldn’t be of more help,
    Phil

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Hiking, cycling, nature and life in the Pyrenees