Trekking in the Canary Islands

A guidebook to trekking the 560km (348 mile) GR131 across the Canary Islands. The island-hopping long-distance trail crosses Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro and can be hiked in around a month, or split into shorter sections. Most of the route uses quiet roads, tracks and old mule paths, but there are some remote stretches, as well as occasional steep and rocky mountain paths.

The route is presented in 32 stages of between 7 and 30km (4?18 miles). Also included is an optional ascent of Spain's highest peak, El Teide on Tenerife.

• Clear route description illustrated with 1:50,000 mapping
• GPX files available to download
• Notes on accommodation, refreshments and local transport
• Information on ferry transfers between the islands
• Sized to easily fit in a jacket pocket

Auteur

Paddy Dillon is a prolific walker and guidebook writer, with 100 guidebooks to his name and contributions to 40 other titles. He has written for several outdoor magazines and other publications and has appeared on radio and television. Paddy uses a tablet computer to write as he walks. His descriptions are therefore precise, having been written at the very point at which the reader uses them. Paddy is an indefatigable long-distance walker who has walked all of Britain's National Trails and several European trails. He has also walked in Nepal, Tibet, Korea and the Rocky Mountains of Canada and the US. Paddy is a member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild and President of the Backpackers Club. www.paddydillon.co.uk

Texte du rabat

This guidebook provides a comprehensive and detailed description of the GR131, an island-hopping trail across the seven Canary Islands. The 560km (348 mile) route begins on Lanzarote and finishes on El Hierro and is presented in 32 daily stages. The route is well waymarked but some navigational skills are required, and the remote and occasional rocky sections need to be treated with care. Also included is an optional ascent of El Teide, the highest peak on Spanish territory at 3718m. The guide is split into seven parts, one for each island. Overview statistics, detailed navigational description and 1:50,000 mapping is provided for each stage and the guide also includes key information about transport to and between the Canary Islands and availability of accommodation and services. There is background information on the geology, history, plants and wildlife and notes on local points of interest. An appendix contains a helpful glossary. As a geologically young area, the Canaries boast rare wildlife across their dramatic volcanic terrain. The islands contain a number of national parks, and the landscape varies from semi-desert to forests and barren mountainsides. This month-long route is a great opportunity for walkers to fully immerse themselves in the diverse culture and scenery of the Canary Islands.

Contenu

Map key Overview map of the Canary Islands Route summary table Introduction Location Geology Brief history of the Canary Islands Plants and animals Travel to the Canary Islands Travel around the Canary Islands When to go Accommodation Language Money Food and drink Trekking the GR131 Using this guide Emergencies Lanzarote Stage 1 rzola to Hara Stage 2 Hara to Teguise Stage 3 Teguise to Montaa Blanca Stage 4 Montaa Blanca to Yaiza Stage 5 Yaiza to Playa Blanca Fuerteventura Stage 6 Islote de Lobos Stage 7 Corralejo to La Oliva Stage 8 La Oliva to Tefa Stage 9 Tefa to Betancuria Stage 10 Betancuria to Pájara Stage 11 Pájara to La Pared Stage 12 La Pared to Barranco de Pecenescal Stage 13 Barranco de Pecenescal to Morro Jable Stage 14 Morro Jable to Faro de Janda Gran Canaria Stage 15 Faro de Maspalomas to Ayagaures Stage 16 Ayagaures to Tunte Stage 17 Tunte to Cruz de Tejeda Stage 18 Cruz de Tejeda to Tamadaba Stage 19 Tamadaba to Puerto de las Nieves Tenerife Stage 20 La Esperanza to La Caldera Stage 21 La Caldera to El Portillo Optional route Ascent of El Teide Stage 22 El Portillo to Parador Stage 23 Parador to Vilaflor Stage 24 Vilaflor to Arona La Gomera Stage 25 San Sebastián to Chipude Stage 26 Chipude to Playa de Vallehermoso La Palma Stage 27 Faro de Fuencaliente to Fuencaliente Stage 28 Fuencaliente to Refugio El Pilar Stage 29 Refugio El Pilar to Roque de los Muchachos Stage 30 Roque de los Muchachos to Puerto de Tazacorte El Hierro Stage 31 Puerto de la Estaca or Tamaduste to Fuente de La Llana Stage 32 Fuente de La Llana to Embarcadero de Orchilla Appendix A Language notes Appendix B Useful contacts