The GR 171 shortens the route of the GR 7, which draws a large arch over the Pre-coastal mountain range. It is a more mountainous route.

From Pinós it crosses the District of La Segarra, passing Castellfullit de Riubregós, Ferrán and the strange Arabic locality-fortress of Montfalcó Murallat. It reaches the capial of the district, Cervera, and from here goes to Rubinat, Talavera de la Segarra and to the Spa town of Vallfogona de Riucorb. It climbs the Sierra of Comalats to reach the pretty village of Forés and then drops down to the vineyards in the basin of Barberà, passing Vimbodí, the Monastery of Poblet to Montblanc, where it climbs up the Prades massif, from where there is a SR that passes close to Poblet. From Prades it descends to Ulldemolins to climb back up crossing the Montsant mountain range to Cabassers, where it crosses the river Montsant and climbs back up until La Figuera. From here is drops down again to El Molar and García, on the banks of the river Ebro. Crossing the river, it heads for La Terra Alta, covering the Sierra of Cavalls to the outskirts of Gandesa and, at the foot of the Sierra of Pàndols, descends to the Fontcalda and climbs up to the top of the Montsagre to finally drop down to Paüls, where it rejoins the GR 7.