The only real guidebook for the GR11 is by a British guy called Brian Johnson, translated into several languages. Everyone along the trail uses this guide and nearly everyone complains that the timings are too short and why did he not mention eg that sheer ravine or the steep uphill climb at the end of the day, etc.

He also likes to suggest additional routes, ‘from this col you can pop up to the summit of Mt Stillalongwayup, 30 minutes up, 15 down’, but we have not yet fallen for that one !

Only yesterday he proposed a scenic alternative, ‘if you have time’ – another 4 hours, I don’t think so Brian !!

So a figure of some infamy around these parts and not always a popular chap.. We often groan along the way – what ARE you talking about Brian !!? (Or words to that effect.)

Anyway, we can’t complain too much, the guy has sadly passed away and he has climbed his last climb up the heavenly staircase… (25 minutes, no technical difficulty, no water points… 😉)