GR1 Sendero Histórico - a Review

Starting at the beginning of March 2013, I walked for five weeks along the GR1 Sendero Histórico. Apart from the weather, apparently the worst in Spain since 1947, I had a great month, - the GR1 is an amazing walk and deserves to be much better known internationally.

The GR1 is a 1,200 kilometre trail running across northern Spain from the Mediterranean to the Asturias.  As the name suggests, the route has a historical theme and was developed to take the walker along the boundary between Moorish and Christian Spain. Travelling along it, I visited some of the world's most important Romanesque sites (Sos del Rey Católico, Loare Castle, Besalú).

Fortified church at Olite
The sites along would make the route attractive to anyone with just the slightest interest in medieval history, but it also provides lots more.
The bridge at Besalú
It passes through spectacular unspoilt landscapes.  The Cantabrian Mountain in the west and the Pyrenean foothills in the east are best described as "sub-Alpine" - similar to the Vercors or the Jura.  In the middle - for 150 kilometres or so - there is a flatter section,  where the route takes you across Navarre and classic Spanish plateau countryside.
Spectacular snow cover mountains
Perhaps the most memorable feature of the landscape is the huge red cliffs which you see in various places, on the approach to the Pyrenees in particular.  Some of these cliffs, typically adorned with a church or the ruins of a castle, exceed 400 metres in height.
Red cliffs towering above Riglos
Compared to walks at similar altitudes in other parts of Europe, most of it is "tree lite", in particular there are hardly any of the commercial pine forests so common in France, Italy and Austria.  Instead of looking at identical trees all day long you actually get to see something.
Ancient agricultural practices
The relatively limited amount of commercial forestry is partly a consequence, I think, of the fact that most of the upland countryside, until quite recently, was used for agriculture.  The evidence of a more densely populated past is everywhere, particularly Aragon where the empty villages and even towns are almost "post-apocalyptic".  I'm old, but not that old, and I find it incredible to think that the emptying of these towns and villages took place in my lifetime.
Abandoned villages in Aragon
The trail itself is, in large parts, a product of this more populated past.  For a 1,200 kilometre route, there is very little road walking. Much of the route follows tracks used over centuries to link village to village.  On the best parts, the original paving and dry stone walls are intact and ware and tare inflicted by ancient footfalls can still be seen.
Ancient pathways

The route also takes you through landscapes rich in wildlife, often with specially protected status.  You are unlikely to see a bear (although you do walk through a reserve) or one of the wolves which are gradually being reintroduced, but you can easily encounter a wild boar. You would be very unlucky not to see one of the many species of deer or ibex that live along the route, especially in the Cantabrian mountains.  What you will definitely see is amazing birdlife: storks, cranes, eagles and in particular huge griffon vultures, whose numbers have increased significantly in recent years.
A griffon vulture
Generally speaking the GR1 is easy walking and apart from one tiny stretch just before the descent to Avià, you definitely don't need a head for heights.  I tried to fit in as much as possible, though had to scale my ambition down towards the end and make more use of taxis to shorten the walks than I would have liked.  Generally speaking, there is accommodation on or close to the trail at feasible day hike intervals.  

The GR1 has all the attractions of a great walk. It uniquely combines historical interest with great scenery and rich wildlife.  You are also walking in Spain which has many good points as well as a few niggles.
Great March weather and the church at San Bartoleme
Spain is a great early season, late season destination.  Despite the fact that I managed to choose what was supposed to be the worst March, weather-wise, in Spain since 1947, from the perspective of an Englishman abroad it wasn't that bad.  I had 37 wet days and three seriously wet days, including one day when I decided not to walk.  This year I would have been better off going a couple of weeks later, it would have been greener and the trails would not have been so wet or in some cases full of snow.  Normally though, March, April and May and September/October are the best months for walking.

Spain, in general, and this part of Spain in particular, provides a wide variety of great value, good fun, accommodation.  I stayed in every type - from a room above a bar to a boutique/spa hotel - and rarely spent more than 40 euros for dinner and bed and breakfast (and this price includes drinks).  The "casa rurales" and "hostals" were particularly good; many of them majoring on locally produced food - sometimes produced by the establishment itself.  The categories seem to be fairly broad, with a "casa rurales" extending from a room with facilities in a house to something close to an informal hotel, whereas a hostal seemed to be a rural hotel a bit like an "auberge" in other countries.  In you want to find out where I stayed then go to this link

On the niggle side you have to live with the fact that waymarking varies from region to region, that the route changes over time and that it is not defined in a consistent way on the map base.  I navigated using a GPS trail that I downloaded from Juan Holgado's website and a digital map base which I bought when I walked the E4 via the Complegps website - although you can now get them bundled up with lots of types of GPS software.  Juan's trail is not 100 per cent "the GR1" because sometimes it changed since he walked it and sometimes he chose to go a different way but it will definitely get you where you want to go.  I've now got my own GPS trail, part Juan, part waymarks on the ground and when I get round to it will publish a cleaned up version.

A tiny niggle, but one which will strike some people new to walking in Spain, is that there are a lot of dogs.  In rural Spain, houses are typically surrounded by a high fence and inside the fence are one or a number of dogs.  These dogs bark, what is initially a little intimidating soon becomes just mildly annoying.  Surprisingly, dogs not constrained by a rope, chain or fence, don't bark as much as those that are and if anything are timid creatures.  In over 100 days of walking in Spain, I never seriously felt threatened by the dogs although I do find that walking poles provide an occasional but necessary bit of assurance.
Agüero

So my current nomination for the best long distance walk in Europe is the GR1 Sendero Histórico. It's got the perfect combination of stunning countryside scattered with great hilltop towns, fortified hamlets, Moorish lookout towers and isolated little churches, wonderful wildlife, interesting quirky accommodation,  great food, great value and, if you're just a bit luckier than me, fabulous weather.

If you want to read a daily account of my trip of along the GR1 then please go to the following links.

Day 1 GR1 Camporredondo
Day 2 on the GR1 - to Cervera de Pisuerga
Day 3 GR1 to Brañosera
Day 4 GR1 to Reinosa
Day 5 GR1 to Neva
Day 6 GR1 to Oteo
Day 7 GR1 to Boveda
Day 8 GR1 to Espejo
Day 9 GR1 to Miranda de Ebro
Day 10 GR1 to Lagran 
Day 11 GR1 to Santa Cruz de Campezo
Day 12 GR1 to Los Arcos
Day 13 GR1 to Larraga
Day 14 GR1 to Olite
Day 15 GR1 to Ujue
Day 16 GR1 Sos Dey Rey Catolico
Day 18 GR1 Murillo de Gállego
Day 19 GR1 Bolea
Day 20 GR1 Arguis
Day 21 GR1 Nocito
Day 22 GR1 Paulas de Sarsas
Day 23 GR1 Liguerre de Cinca
Day 24 GR1 to Salinas de Trillo
Day 25 GR1 to Graus
Day 26 GR1 to Roda de Isabena
Day 27 GR1 to Puente de Montañana
Day 28 GR1 Noguera-Palleresa
Day 29 GR1 Sant Cristofol
Day 30 GR1 to Oliana
Day 31 GR1 Sant Llorenç de Morunys
Day 32 GR1 Gironella
Day 33 GR1 to Lluçà
Day 34 GR1 to Ripoll
Day 35 GR1 to Oix
Day 36 GR1 Banyoles 
Day 37 GR1 L'Escala






40 comments:

  1. John, My wife and I are planning on a week long hiking trip the first part of April next year and would like your advice on which part of the GR 1 we should do if we only have a week. We are interested in staying in B&B type accommodation each night. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks, Mike

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    1. Hi Mike

      Good choice! All of the route is accessible in April and April/May is perhaps the best time to. If I only had a week, I would either do Day 14 to Day 19 or Day 18 to Day 25. My guide will be out in 3/4 months and that will provide a more accessible schedule than the one I walked.

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  2. Hey John,
    I was thinking of doing this walk in december, would it be possible? I am an experienced hiker. Also is it possible to camp along the way, since my budget is very tight. Cheers!! Annick

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    1. Hi Annick, nice to hear from you. In December you expect snow in the mountains, at the western and eastern ends, elsewhere it will be cold and wet. You can wild camp, it's so isolated along much of the route it's not a bad option. By the way my guide to the route can now be pre-ordered on Amazon.

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    2. Hi Annick, nice to hear from you. In December you expect snow in the mountains, at the western and eastern ends, elsewhere it will be cold and wet. You can wild camp, it's so isolated along much of the route it's not a bad option. By the way my guide to the route can now be pre-ordered on Amazon.

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  3. Hi John,

    I have been enjoying your blog for some time - enjoy the trip reports as well as the humorous subtext (Christine's guest blog and hotel rules still amongst my favorites). I have purchased in PDF your GR1 book. My wife and I are planning a ten day walk May 2016 and I will do the full walk in 2017. The guide will certainly help. Thanks for leading the way. Happy travels, Nathan.

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    1. Hi Nathan - Thanks for you kind comment - I've had a great response to the guide so far and I'm sure you'll enjoy the walk. May I think is the perfect month to go so have a great trip.

      John

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  4. Hey John.I'm thinking mid January to February hiking some of the GR1. I'm a experienced hiker in winter conditions an would wild camp along the route.Is it fairly easy to resupply in the remote villages along the way? Thanks!!

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    1. Hi Joe - it does depend a little on which stage of the walk you intend to do but yes by and large there are small towns/villages along the route with places to buy food. It is remote countryside though and it will be cold in January February. The Guide book 'The GR1: Spain's Sendero Histórico' is now out and it details all the villages with shops. Have a great trip.

      John

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  5. Hi, John
    We're planning for walking the GR1 late April to June. We've purchased your book and are finding it very valuable and informative. Thanks a lot for writing it!
    You suggest gear weight of 7kg - that sounds like no tent and cooking equipment. But what about sleeping bag, emergency tarp/groundsheet? I'm struggling to get much below 8kg. Advice appreciated.

    Rob and Debby NZ

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    1. Hi Rob and Debby

      The itinerary assumes that walkers will be staying in local accommodation. I don't carry any emergency sleeping gear so that's not included in the suggested allowance. Bedding is provided although in one place, Biel, if you stay in the hostal you might need a sheet sleeping bag.

      I do know campers who get pretty close to the 7kilo target so for non campers it shouldn't be a problem. I hit 6 with a camera and other electrics. If you want to carry some camping gear than have a look at http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk for some recommendations.

      Best of luck with your trip and let me know how you get on.

      John

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  6. Hi John
    I have read your posts with interest since I walked from York to Rome with my wife in 2012. Last year I walked the length of the Loire from mouth to source and I'm just about to set off on an adventure from Granada to Santiago. I am sure I came across a reference somewhere in your blog about your choice of shoe and would be interested to know whether you still favour the same thing as I am on the brink of abandoning walking boots!
    Keep on keeping on!
    Respect
    Nick

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    1. Hi Nick

      That's right I abandoned boots for all but the coldest wettest walks before I walked to Budapest. I wear Inov8 Roclites, very light and very comfortable, a choice I share with lots of other long distance hikers.

      Sounds like you've to done some great trips.

      Best wishes

      John

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    2. Hi John - We’re very pleased to have bought a copy of your new guide. Thank you for all your detailed exploratory work on the ground !

      We’ve always walked off paper maps before, but are trying to modernise by going more digital.

      I’ve downloaded Viewranger, but can’t find the GR1 listed on their site. Am I somehow looking in the wrong place for this ? Any advice much appreciated.

      One final query : when walking in Italy, we found that in reality most places only took cash. Do the Spanish GR1 hotels and restaurants take Credit Cards, or will we need to load up with plenty of euros ?

      With many thanks for any help
      and best wishes
      Adam

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    3. Hi Adam

      Thanks for buying my book. You will definitely find life a lot easier with Viewranger but please practice a bit before you go. The GPX files can be downloaded from Cicerone or Viewranger. I have organised them into sections the first one of which is http://my.viewranger.com/route/details/Njg4Mzg=. If that doesn't work come back to me.

      Spain is similar to the UK in terms of credit cards and all commercial places accept them. If you're staying in a casa rural expect to have to pay cash. Compared to the UK the ATM density is very high and you'll them in the smallest of town so getting cash is generally not a problem.

      Have a great trip

      John

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    4. Thanks vey much John. I've now got to the link on Viewranger so we're all set. Thanks too for your advice on ATMs &c.

      Best wishes
      Adam

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  7. Hi, John,
    Only a week or so before we get on the GR1. We've booked accommodation for the first week or so after Campo de Caso but are hoping we can book on spec after that. Can you help on two related questions: do you have any ideas of numbers of GR1 walkers starting out this season? And secondly, what sort of general tourist pressure is there in May and June, in other words how likely is it that hotels, etc will be full? Booking.com often gives the impression that hotels are pretty booked up, at least in the Picos area.

    Best wishes, Rob and Debby McColl

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    1. Hi Rob and Debby

      Glad to hear that you're walking the GR1, I'm sure you will have a great time.

      I'm afraid I can't give you numbers but I would be surprised if the hotels are full. Hopefully there are more people this year because of the guide but not enough to fill the hotels. You're right booking.com often gives the impression that the hotel is full but I find there is no relation between their availability and actual availability. The only time I've struggled with accommodation are bank holidays, particularly Easter, and occasionally weekends. Casa rurals also are not always open and of course can be booked by a whole party.

      With these caveats I wouldn't worry.

      Best wishes

      John

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    2. Hi Rob and Debby

      Glad to hear that you're walking the GR1, I'm sure you will have a great time.

      I'm afraid I can't give you numbers but I would be surprised if the hotels are full. Hopefully there are more people this year because of the guide but not enough to fill the hotels. You're right booking.com often gives the impression that the hotel is full but I find there is no relation between their availability and actual availability. The only time I've struggled with accommodation are bank holidays, particularly Easter, and occasionally weekends. Casa rurals also are not always open and of course can be booked by a whole party.

      With these caveats I wouldn't worry.

      Best wishes

      John

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  8. Excellent news. I had the impression, but no hard evidence, that the Casa Rurales in some places e.g. Bezanes (Raphael's place),may be seasonal and not necessarily open in winter/early spring. I could get no reply from them, so ended up booking in Campo de Caso.
    We really appreciate your prompt responses and support.
    Rob and Deb

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    1. You're right about the casa rurales, particularly if you try and book ahead. They will often open up however if you turn up, go into a local bar and ask. Bit nerve wracking though if you relying on it!

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  9. Hello! I have one month to hike spain and want to do part of the gr 1. I will be camping and hike around 40k a day. I wish i could do the whole thing but i dont have the time - can you reccomend the best stretch of it? Should i miss the beginning, or the end? It all looks awesome! Please give me your opinion on thr best half of the hike, thank you

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    1. Hi Jacob

      Why not start at the beginning and walk to Reinosa. From Reinosa catch the bus to Bilbao (nice place), another bus to Pamplona and another bus to Olite. It's not as difficult as it sounds. From Olite you can walk to the coast.

      Good walking

      John

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    2. Hi John
      We're getting along well. 38 days done and about 14 to go. It's just great. From snow in Cantabria to heat and thunder in Catalonia. Stunning scenery, and a wonderful variety of accommodation. The guide has been our bible Back Country Navigator on Android has got us out of a few scrapes. Enjoying a beer at Cal Petit Hotel right now. Will send some track updates when we get back home to NZ.
      Warm regards
      Rob and Debby

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    3. Hi Rob and Debby

      So pleased to hear it's gone well. The Cal Petit does great food but just a bit off the track. You've still got some great walking to do and some more very interesting places to stay. The day after tomorrow is a bit of a nuisance I'm afraid!


      John

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    4. Hi Rob and Debby

      So pleased to hear it's gone well. The Cal Petit does great food but just a bit off the track. You've still got some great walking to do and some more very interesting places to stay. The day after tomorrow is a bit of a nuisance I'm afraid!


      John

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    5. Hi, John
      We did it and we're back in NZ. Along the way we made some notes on the Guide about changed GR1 routes, etc. My email is robmccoll@outlook.com. If you wish to contact me by email we could discuss how I could make our notes available to you or Cicerone. Some are edits to your text, some are route changes, others are about accomm. and sevices along the way.
      What a great trip it was!

      Rob and Debby

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    6. Congratulations Rob and Debby - I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I'll be in touch,

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  10. Greetings
    ive just come back from canterbury to rome..the via francigena. Which guide book do you suggest for the gr1?
    Thanks
    kevin

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    1. Sounds like a great trip. You can get my guidebook on the GR1 from Cicerone.

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  11. Hi John,
    Thanks for inspiring me to have a go at the GR1 rather than the Camino de Santiago! I aim to walk in September and early October. I am new to walking so would be interested in your thoughts about the weather (i.e. not too cold or wet!) and availability of accommodation.
    Thanks, Rachel

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    1. Hi Rachel, September October is an excellent time. Lots of people have been walking it this October and the weather has been amazing, even a little hot. Check out the blog on accommodation updates for the latest information on where to stay and if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask

      Best wishes

      John

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  12. Fascinated by this trail. Is there an update coming soon?

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    1. Not for a while - still plenty of books to sell

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  13. Dear John
    Thanks for all this really useful information.
    I'm thinking of walking and wild camping the Aragon part of the GR1, especially the Sierra de Guara, in early to mid April next year. Obviously the weather is variable but what kind of night time temperatures might you expect at that time of year?

    Best wishes, Stuart Bowman

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    1. Hi Stuart

      It could be cool at night. Spring doesn't come any earlier in most of Spain than it does in the UK because its generally higher.

      A really nice couple who go by the name of "wildprilgrims" walked the whole route from east to west a couple of years ago and started in March. They were wild camping and did a brilliant blog (reassuringly they also had a great time) so would be good people to contact about temperature and wild camping on the GR1. If you search wild pilgrims you'll find their blog and drop them a note.

      Have a great trip and send me some pictures.

      John

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  14. I have tried them but haven't got a response yet. I may try their installation account. What were day and night temperatures like when you walked in March?

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  15. Hi Stuart

    I'm sure they'll come back to you eventually.

    The weather was good, warm in the daytime, between 15 and 20 degrees I guess. I didn't camp but all over Spain, on the meseta, anything above 600m, it will be cold at night, around freezing in March. I wasn't camping but frost on the ground was common.

    John

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  16. Hi John,
    It's Paul here. I joined you on the Via Apina, 2012, from Monguelfo to Villach.

    I will be doing the 4th stage of the GR1 this sept, with Manuel my friend. Manuel did the whole E4 from Tarifa to Athens Not in one go as you did). I did most of it (about 7,700 of the 8,500 kms) and would have ended up in Athens in June 2022 had I not caught the Covid in Thrapsimi, which forced me to abandon the walk. Manuel's blog on his E4 saga, can be seen here (http://e4destinoatenas.blogspot.com/)

    John, keep it my friend, maybe we will meet again.

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    1. Hi Paul, what a nice surprise, lovely to hear from you.

      Christine sends her love and for some reason remembers swimming with you in a very cold lake. I have pictures!

      Congratulations on your E4 journey, I loved every minute of my trip (nearly), it would be great to have that time again.

      Let me know how you get on with the GR 1, you have chosen one of the best parts.

      Best wishes
      John

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