Walking Maps of the Pyrenees

[Robert Spenger]

There are major problems trying to use the 1:25,000 scale maps. One is
the expense. They are not cheap and it takes quite a few to cover any
of the four major routes. So many maps are needed that weight and space
have to be considered, even though they are just paper. As I remember,
one of the CSJ publications recommends against their use because of
this. The third factor is that each one is good for only one or two
days. You figuratively walk right off the map in that time. The details
are great, but it is a nuisance to need so many. The ideal would be to
have a pocket computer with all the maps stored in it. I would not be
surprised if there is such a thing available, but the cost would be
prohibitive for most pilgrims.

I tried to get information on similar maps for Iberia, but without
success. I believe that they are available, originally prepared for
military use, but I wasn't able to find out how to get them. I also got
the impression that they were even more expensive than the GR series of
France.

regards,

Bob Spenger

On Feb 22, 2004, at 11:49 AM, Bill Clune wrote:

> Joe;
> The best maps for walking anywhere in France that I've found are the
> IGN,
> Institut Geographique National, Grande Randonnee. The first, number
> 903, is
> scale 1: 1,000,000 and covers ALL the walking trails of the 'GR'
> system,
> about 100,000 miles of them. There are larger scale maps in the
> series, 1 :
> 25,000, for each area, for convenience the back of the No. 903 has
> each the
> area covered by map overlaid on the map of France. For example, map IGN
> 1346ETcovers a square around Saint Jean Pied d Port & Roncesvalles and
> a bit
> more. The smaller scale of these maps is such that they are ideal for
> navigating on poorly marked trails and the larger scale is suitable for
> planning trips.
> I walked to le Puy last year, finding the IGN small scale maps & a
> compass
> absolutely imperative for portions of the 'GR 7' trail that was poorly
> maintained, overgrown and badly marked at times.
>
> Best regards,
> Bill
>
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