GR131: Lanzarote (Stage 1) | The Start of Something Sweaty

Welcome to the third instalment of my GR131 hiking series. In this episode, I tackle stage 1 of the 560km (348 miles) trek, exploring the stunning landscapes of Lanzarote. The GR131 trail takes you on an epic journey across all seven magnificent Canary Islands, located west of Morocco and the Western Sahara.
Eager to shed a few festive calories, I returned to the Canary Islands in January 2024 for my third adventure on the GR131. Join me as I navigate the trails and share my experience of solo hiking, ultralight backpacking, and the unique challenges and beauty of crossing Lanzarote. Have I finally cracked how to successfully hike these islands?
Check out my other GR131 stages:
Gran Canaria: • GR131: Gran Canaria (S...
La Gomera: • GR131: La Gomera (Stag...
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Thanks!

[@ervinslens]

Gorgeous work my friend, phenomenal and atmospheric film!

[@JonnoDoesStuff]

Ervin! Thank you, fella!

[@cathyolmedillas5827]

Stunning! Apart from the dogs.

[@JonnoDoesStuff]

Dogs are just friends you haven't made yet, Cathy 🤗

[@bkpktrekker4086]

I just trekked Lanzarote north to south, I wasn't expecting much having researched trekking there quite a bit. I wasn't going to do it until I found another route which combined parts of the 131 with other routes. I also planned to wild camp most nights which concerned me. The reason I was going to Lanzarote was to walk and the most important aspect of my walk was scenery. Lanzarote not surprisingly isn't set up for trekking. Few hostels, expensive accommodations, lots of all inclusive resorts and package tours rule. There was very little what id call fabulous 9:23 views, nothing like diverse La Palma or trekking friendly La Gomera. My opinion is If you want to maximize your walking time on Lanzarote id make an alternate route as i did or do day hikes at the various volcanoes, coastal areas and towns known for their scenic and cultural interest. I found a place to wild camp every night, it wasn't difficult actually but on general they were far from ideal in terms of comfort and beauty.

[@JonnoDoesStuff]

No, I agree, it isn't the most picturesque of the islands. I'd completed GR131 sections on Gran Canaria and La Gomera by this point and figured I should just carry on ticking it off. I did enjoy parts, was mainly nice to get a bit of sunshine, but definitely a challenging hike!

[@bkpktrekker4086]

@@JonnoDoesStuff I liked La Geria, Tia to the Salinas Janubio. I'm always looking for potential places to camp. I thought there were plenty of places when you passed Yaiza and climbed up to continue the trail. There was a ditch on the left hand side, below trail it seemed like it would be out-of the wind. From the salt field I followed the coast up to El Golfo, there's a road. Just north of El Golfo I took the trail right along the coast through the lava field, 14 km. It was tough, tedious but very wild

[@bkpktrekker4086]

@@JonnoDoesStuff you have to go to La palma. Very diverse, volcanoes, great coast, beautiful lush forests, canyons. Easier to camp, sufficient good hostel network

[@JonnoDoesStuff]

@@bkpktrekker4086 Ah, great info. Will add it to me (never ending!) list. Thanks!

[@MichaelAstrom]

Ooga-chaka ooga-ooga Ooga-chaka, Hooked on a feeling? Nice video and information. Doing GR131 on Gran Canaria 10e Feb… baseweight 2,5 kg but bringing my puffy jacket due to the high mountains 1500m , can be 0 degreeas at night. Keep on the good work!!

[@JonnoDoesStuff]

Ooga-chaka! Thanks, Michael. Gran Canaria's been my favourite island so far. Day 2, well, I won't spoil it. Have a good one!

[@bkpktrekker4086]

La Palma will be your favorite

[@JonnoDoesStuff]

@@bkpktrekker4086 I'd planned on calling it a day after Tenerife, but a few people have said the same so I guess I'll have to go back and complete the whole thing 😆

[@bkpktrekker4086]

I'm wondering if you are correct when you say Lanzarote's made up of pyroclastic flows. The area you were I'm like most of the island is lava fields. I think pyroclastic refers to mud and materials caused by the rapid melting of snow.

[@JonnoDoesStuff]

At 19:43 when I say '... It's made of pyroclastic deposits' I'm referring to the rocky landscape I'm hiking on (just before Yaiza) NOT the whole of Lanzarote. I'm not a geologist, quickly read this information off of a nearby sign, and was pretty knackered by this point so I'd advise against taking anything I say as gospel :)

[@bkpktrekker4086]

@@JonnoDoesStuff I was at that place, I thought it was lava which was different from pyroclastic flow but I'm no expert either:)