GR 8 (path)

The GR 8 (path), often stylized as GR8 (path), refers to a long-distance hiking trail located in the Pyrenees mountains of Europe. This trail traverses the entire Pyrenees range, stretching approximately 850 kilometers (530 miles) from the Atlantic coast at Hendaye, France to the Mediterranean coast at Portbou, Spain.

The GR 8 is designated as a Grande Randonnée (GR) path, a network of marked long-distance footpaths in Europe, primarily in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain. These paths are maintained and waymarked by organizations such as the Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre (FFRP) in France. The GR paths are generally well-marked with painted blazes consisting of a white stripe above a red stripe.

The GR 8 is a challenging hike due to its length and elevation gain. It offers diverse landscapes, including coastal areas, forests, high mountain passes, and valleys. The trail often intersects with other GR paths, such as the GR 10 on the French side of the Pyrenees.

Hiking the entire GR 8 typically requires several weeks or months, and careful planning is essential, considering factors such as weather conditions, availability of accommodation, and necessary equipment. Shorter sections of the GR 8 can also be undertaken as day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. Information about the trail, including maps and route descriptions, is available from various sources, including guidebooks and online resources.