Hiking the HexaTrek was the first time I had any extended period of travel within Europe. I'm a sucker for history and culture and France being what she is is dripping in it. Despite my focus on thruhiking I still very much enjoyed the beauty of the country and her people as well. It was quite different than say hiking across the USA where it's more remote and the culture so to speak is very modern.
Europe is covered in trails and I think many thruhikers are so focused on the triple crown that they go somewhat unnoticed for the English speaking crowd. It's partially what I enjoyed about the hike but also something I struggled quite a bit with. I essentially spent my three months on trail alone. There were two days where I actually hiked in tandem with someone else, otherwise is was just short interactions. This was partly due to my speed since everyone seemed to be only doing 20km(12mi) a day. Another major factor was that I flipped directions and the majority of HexaTrek hikers, regardless if they flipped around continue to always progress in a southbound direction.
Since the HexaTrek is just a hodgepodge connection of GR routes you can count on the trail being in decent shape and there being markings of some sort on most intersections. Whether or not you will follow the intersection depending mostly on staring at the official app at every junction. Thankfully the beauty and the climbs more than make up for the screen time. The HexaTrek I think is truly the best way to discover France: from it's small communes to ancient villages and medieval fortified towns littered in the valleys of never ending mountains.
- HexaTrek 2024 Boulangerie and Backcountry
I oddly have no feelings of missed opportunity on this hike. I got exactly what I wanted and expected. I did every alternate route on the HexaTrek that was suggested and never felt like I was missing out on something. That's a pretty big achievement, so kudos to the creators.
The only thing I would say is that I wish I could relax more since hiking the HexaTrek is a perfect opportunity to play tourist as you cross the country. I'm sure you're more well adjusted than I am so that won't be a problem for you. There are many opportunities to hop off trail for a few days to explore larger cities and attractions or just spend a few more days in the rich and historic towns the HexaTrek already brings you past.
I brought essentially the same gear I used to hike the Te Araroa but instead with a pack from the Canadian company, Northern Ultralight. The only thing that'd change this time around was bringing my puffy jacket which I never used. I need to commit to leaving it behind.
The Pyrenees.
I can't stop thinking about them and whenever someone asks me what my favourite part was my mind instantly goes to the days spent climbing over snow and rock in the mountains. If I had recommend anything it would be a thruhike of the GR10/ GR11/ HRP!
Do you want to read a day by day journal of the journey?
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