GR1: Transversal Trail

The GR 1 Transversal Trail, also known as the "historical trail", links the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean through the foothills of the Pyrenees and the southern facade of the Cantabrian Mountain Range. It begins in Sant Martí d'Empúries, to the south of the Gulf of Roses, and ends in Cape Fisterra, Galicia.

Venturing on the GR 1 is the best way to continue loving, or love even more, the fabulous Pyrenees Mountain Range. This long trail offers an overview of these mountains with more perception and depth than the major routes that cross the Pyrenees. This is because the foothills of the Pyrenees offer the best panoramic vantage point to simultaneously observe the axial Pyrenees and the lowland: mountains transitioning from the plains to the heights, solitary and border territories, which are often very wooded and wild. 

The GR 1 leads to lovely trails, ascents to escape over mountain passes and cliffs, old horseshoe paths and wide pastures. All of this reveals a rugged territory which, although inhabited since prehistoric times, is still very unknown to the majority. Certainly a wonderful and unforgettable experience!

 

Fact file:

Route length: 355Km

Route type: linear

Best time of year for this route: Spring to autumn (but possible all year round)

Informació tècnica
Route type
Senderisme - GR
Distance
355,00
Contact
Etapa de ruta

You begin the journey across the fabulous transversal route in the Gulf of Roses, next to the Greco-Roman site of Empúries. 

We head into the plains of Empordà, crossing hills, streams and crop fields.

We walk through the Pla de l’Estany and reach the picturesque lake of Banyoles.

Heading northwards: you pass the lake of Banyoles and reach Garrotxa.

Heading into the heart of Alta Garrotxa: an unforgettable stage to definitively leave behind the plain and begin journeying in the Pre-Pyrenees area.

We go over the hill of Toralles and walk along Bac valley to Sant Pau de Segúries, in the district of Ripollès.

You walk along the valley of the Ter river among woods pasture areas, farming land and country houses.

You walk down the southern slope of the Cavallera mountain and arrive at the historic town of Ripoll.

You leave behind Ter valley, cross the dense forests of Les Lloses and arrive at the plateau of Lluçanès.

You head into Lluçanès and walk along the livestock trails that link up Alpens, Santa Eulàlia de Puig-oriol and Lluçà.

You will discover the Riera de Merlès and walk through the cereal fields of Sagàs to the beautiful church of Sant Andreu de Sagàs.

You leave behind the forests and fields of Lluçanès and reach the valley of Llobregat.

A nice transition stage that takes you from Gironella, in the valley of the Llobregat river, to Espunyola, at the foot of the Cingles de Capolat.

A marvellous half mountain stage through Cingles de Capolat and Els Tossals mountain.

Long stage through the mountains of Solsonès towards the magical Vall de Lord.

Our route takes us through the southern foothills of Port del Comte

Continue the crossing through the Pyrenees of the Solsonès, rightly called the region of a thousand farmhouses

Walk across the Serra Seca, cross the Sàlzer pass, and discover the geological paradise of the Oliana anticline.

Cross the valley of the Segre River and discover a sparsely inhabited territory that is full of charm.

A fantastic stage through the mid-mountains where we cross one of the most magical and spectacular areas on the entire trail: the Grau de Moles

We walk along the serra de Comiols and get a closer look at the majestic Montsec de Rúbies

We ascend to the Portella Blanca and cross the Montsec de Rúbies to the Camarasa reservoir

We enter the broad and beautiful valley of Àger, on the southern face of the serra del Montsec

From Àger you will walk to the small village of Corçà, where you will discover the picturesque landscape of la Pertusa before reaching the endpoint of the stage at Mas Carlets.

You will cross the spectacular Mont-rebei canyon before arriving at the Pont de Montanyana