The GR20 is your ticket into the magic
of the Corsican mountains. You will trek in a stunning contrast
of sharp summits, deep canyons, glacier lakes, dense pine forests, airy plateaux
and
soaring pak.
It is a journey of extreme beauty into the wilds of Corsica. We offer the
GR20 self-guided, allowing you to walk comfortably at your own rhythm. With
the some use of support vehicles you have regular access to your luggage
and walk with no more than a minimal daypack.
The GR20 crosses the high granite barrier of mountains that form the natural
boundary between the North and the South part of Corsica.
You stay in different
accommodations: camps, refuges, gîtes, and shepherds cabins.
The GR20 does not require
climbing techniques,
but it does require
good fitness level. Special skills are not required but you should able
to walk long distances on rugged ground. The trail winds over high ridges,
down deep chasms and bare granite slopes. There are many steep ascents and
descents, the scenery is very alpine.
The trail is known for being the most challenging of all European walks.
Programme
GR20 North
Self-guided
Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
Walking days: 6
The GR20, hike path traced in 1972, has become for a long time legendary
among the hikers. It crosses Corsica from North to South and borrows a wild
and magnificent itinerary with mountains, forests, glacial lakes, scrubs…
Considered as the most difficult and technical Big Hike of Europe, the GR20
attracts hikers from all over the world looking for a challenge. The north
side is the most difficult one technically. Of alpine type, it musters the
highest summits and technical passages such as its famous Circus of the
Solitude. This self-guided circuit will allow you to discover the wildest
natural beauties of the Corsican
nature.
Day 0 - Arrival with a first night in Bastia (only 8 days package)
Day 1 – From Calvi to Bonifatu.
Starting in the morning in Calvi. Calvi is accessible by the airport, the
maritime harbor and by the Corsican rail corporation. A transfer to Calenzana,
the land of the olive trees, is organized. It is where you will start up
your hike to Bonifatu. This step will be marked by crossing several rivers
as well as magnificent viewpoints on the typical towns of Balagne. It is
an excellent warm up to the GR20 offering superb views on the coastal Corsica.
Dinner and night at the refuge. Your luggage carrier will await you at the
refuge. (double room available).
Hiking time: 4H30. + 594M, - 450M.
Day 2 – From Bonifatu to High Asco.
After breakfast, you will leave Bonifatu for one of the longest days of
the week. You will cross several rivers before reaching the famous footbridge
of Spasimata length of 30M and suspended above a waterfall that has the
honour of being on the postal cards of the GR20. You will arrive to the
Valley of the Muvrella (mouflon) and its small lake. The viewpoints are
numerous and divine from the passes. You will arrive at the foot of the
Monte Cinto, highest summit of Corsica, where you will spend the night.
Dinner and night at the refuge.Your luggage carrier will await you at the
refuge. (double room available)
Hiking time: about 8H15.
+ 1300M,
- 598M.
Day 3 – From Haut Asco to the sheepfolds of Vallone.
In a dream setting, you may have the chance to observe mouflons numerous
in this region of Corsica. The legendary Circus of the Solitude offers you
one of the most impressive landscapes of the GR20. Equipped with handrails
and with a ladder, a technical passage will leave you great memories once
crossed! A detour is eventually possible to avoid it. You will next attain
the refuge of Tighjettu before continuing towards the sheepfolds of Vallone.
Dinner at the sheepfolds and night under tents. No luggage carrier.
Hiking time: about 6H30. + 1050M, - 980M.
Day 4 – From the Sheepfolds of Vallone to Verghio.
At the foot of the Paglia Orba, with views on the river of Golo and the
town of Niolu you will confront a solid ascension. The landscapes are splendid
with more and more granite. From the Refuge of Ciotulu i Mori, the path
becomes easier and takes a road of transhumance before entering the woods
until your stop of the day.
Dinner and night at the refuge. Your luggage carrier will await you at the
refuge. (double room available)
Hiking time: about 6H15. + 971M, - 1017M.
Day 5 – From Verghio to the Sega refuge
The way leaves under the shadow of this superb forest going up slightly.
As you climb, the trees become scarce and you approach the Lake of Nino
and its pozzines. This is one of the most known in Corsica with its horses,
ponies, cows, pigs that walk in complete freedom. From the
lake, the view is splendid on a part of the mountains that you already crossed.
The path continues and takes you to one of the most beautiful refuge of
the island.
Hiking time: about 7H20. + 969M, - 1200M
Day 6 – From the Sega refuge to Corté
After final bath in the natural pools near the refuge you'll start your
last walk alongside the Tavignano river to Corte. This day will provide
an opportunity for many swimming in the crystalline waters of the river.
Overnight at the hotel at Corté. Free dinner. about 6 hours, +684 m, - 1411m.
Day 7 – Corte
End of stay after breakfast
It
is our intention to adhere to this programme. In circumstances beyond our
control, such as, weather, road conditions,
local restrictions etc. , this may cause an alteration in the itinerary.
Details
Level of difficulty
Challenging
Self-guided walking,
with constant steep uphill and downhill sections. There is a variety of
rough terrain including ridges, high passes, scree and rock slabs. In early
June there is snow in the Northern section. There
are passages that are assisted with chains to give extra stability. It is
essential to be competent
with map reading, orientation and mountain weather.
Price / people
Supplements :
Supplement for 2 nights
in a hotel in twin or double room at Castel di Vergio and Asco :
42 €/pers
Extra night in hotel B&B in Ajaccio:
€ 57 /pers.
Price includes : Accommodation
on full board, internal transfers, travel dossier with maps and route notes.
Price does not include : Entrance fees, additional
transfers, drinks, picnics, additional activities, holiday insurance, travel
to Calvi.
Click HERE
for booking this trip
Carrying
We propose 2
versions for the GR20 self-guided.
With backpack
You carry your gear for the week (not including food or a tent) Your pack
will weigh between 8 - 10kg. With
lightened backpack Your main
luggage is transported to the different night stops that are accessible
by car on night 1, 3 and 6.
Accommodation
During this
trip you will be staying in a mix of different accommodations. We reserve
small dormitories in gites, a place in a refuge and two person
tents on camp nights. Camp spots are in the vicinity of shepherd’s cabins.
On camping nights it is possible that you will have to put your own tents
up and take them down the next morning. We provide camping mattresses but
you can bring a thermarest if you require extra comfort. There are limited
toilet and shower facilities.
Meals
Breakfast: Consists of hot
drinks, bread and jam.
Evening Meal: A hearty 3 course affair, with a wholesome carbohydrate rich
main course served by our hosts. Lunch: A pasta or rice salad with bread
cheese cured hams and fruit. You will need a tupperware lunch box with a
sealable lid 0.8L.
Drinks and extra trail food:
Snack bars and dried fruit are not included.
Starting point/end
Starting
point : Calvi railway station or your hotel in Bastia
End : Corte railway station
Organisation
We propose
a self guided, independent formula. You choose your departure date and we
will take care of the rest between the initial rendez-vous time through
to the dispersion point. If you choose the version ‘with lightened backpack’
we transport your main luggage between the different night stops that are
accessible by
car. Your bed is reserved every
night for you and all your meals provided along the way. We give you a set
of maps and good walking notes. This is a way of enjoying complete flexibility,
you dictate the pace and rhythm of your holiday and there is no monster
backpack to carry.
If you choose the version
‘with backpack’ you have the security of your
night stop being reserved each night and all meals provided along the way.
You need to carry all your personal gear for the week.
Dates
Version with
backpack:It is possible to start on any day from
the 11th June - 19th September. Version with lightened
backpack: Every Sunday from the 11th June to the 19th
September.
Number of
participants: From 2 people
Calvi airport
or port, Ajaccio port or airport and train to Calvi (3,5 hrs).
Bibliography
The Rough Guide
The Granite Island – Dorothy Carrington
Practical information
ACCOMMODATION
DETAILS
For supplementary nights at Ajaccio
Hôtel** Le Kallisté: 04 95 51 34 45
Hôtel Le Dauphin: 04 95 51 29 96
Hôtel*** Albion: 04 95 21 66 70
Hôtel*** San Carlu: 04 95 21 13 84
Chambre d’hôtes chez Madame Battini: 04 95 21 83 04
HOW TO ARRIVE
By Air
Direct charter flights during the season from Gatwick and Heathrow offered
by Air France, British Midland. Contact Holiday Options or Sky Marketing.
Scheduled services via Paris, Montpellier or Nice.
By Boat
A high speed service BGV, overnight ferries and semi fast ferries offer
a regular service to Ajaccio port. SNCM Ferries -
61 Boulevard des dames - 13005 Marseille. Departs from Marseille, Nice ou
Toulon. Corsica Ferries, Moby Lines, departs from
Toulon Nice and Italy.
What to bring and pack
Main luggage bag
You should
bring a main bag that is closed with a small padlock. It should be easy
for you to carry it with wheels, or
light enough to have over your shoulder. You will have to carry it to and
from the railway station at the start and end of the holiday.
Please limit the weight of your main luggage bag from 10 to 12kg to facilitate
the task of the logistics staff and drivers.
Backpack or Lightened Backpack
If you choose
the version ‘with backpack', you
need to have a pack big enough to carry all your personal gear for the week,
excluding food and tent.
If you choose
the version ‘lightened backpack’ You will need a pack that can serve
sometimes as a day pack for your water bottle, camera, picnic, waterproof
and fleece. It should be large enough, or have an expansion option for when
you need to carry minimal personal gear with your sleeping bag for the nights
indicated. Your pack should have a capacity of 50L. You should carry at
all times your personal pharmacy and warm protective clothing.
For Walking
Good walking shoes or boots
with an excellent grip sole Walking socks.
Warm fleece,
Shorts and T shirts, Swimming
costume or trunks, Towel,
2 walking poles (optional),
Water bottle (one liter minimum – two liters advised) Personal first aid
kit with good blister protection.
For your Picnics
A good cutting knife, fork,
spoon, plastic cup Some plastic bags
Tupperware box 0,8L with lid that closes
Sun and rain protection
Sunglasses and sun cream
Sun hat
Wind and waterproof jacket (Goretex style)
Camping
Sleeping bag (2 or 3 season)
Torch or head lamp
Wet wipes
Toilet paper and matches
Ear plugs
Small mirror for shaving
Thermarest is strongly recommended for extra comfort, a thin foam mat is
provided.
Backup
A team is
present and always at hand to ensure the smooth running of your holiday.
We are on the ground and ready to assist in any eventuality.
