From Bavella to Vizzavona. Day 1 (Sunday only) : Ajaccio to Bavella In the afternoon, transfer by minibus or train to the Col de Bavella, passing through the villages of the Alta Rocca. The journey takes approximately 2h30. Time to settle into the gîte before the evening meal.   Day 2 : Walk in Bavella Bavella to Paliri The GR20 follows the ancient transhumance trail that joins Conca and Bavella, slowly winding down to the charming Paliri refuge. From the col de Finosa you will have a superb viewpoint of the sea and the gulf of Porto to the East. The return will lead you through the aiguilles de Bavella, a landscape with a rare beauty. The entire walk takes place in the shade of Laricco pine trees, a symbol of Corsica that you find in high-altitude forests. Distance : 7km, duration : 5h00, elevation gains plus: +540m, elevation gains minus : -540m. The Trou de la Bombe A walk to the Trou de la Bombe, a circular opening that pierces the Paliri crest of peaks. A pleasant walk under Larriccio pine trees and superb views over the gulf of Porto Vecchio. Distance : 6km, duration : 3h00, elevation gains plus: +300m, elevation gains minus : -300m. Day 3 : Bavella to Asinau This morning you will walk along the GR20 alpine variant to pass through the very heart of the Bavella massive. The rose granite needles tower above, you will pass by different pinnacles, such as, the Acellu, Ariettu, Vacca and the Pargulu. The trail is sometimes steep and in places assisted by hand chains. The area of Bavella is reputed for rock climbing, it possesses a rare beauty, a chaotic jumble of granite. You plunge into an unusual mountain decor and it is surprising to glimpse views of the sea not far away. The trail crosses over a ridge at 1662m before a descent that leads down into Asinau valley and onto the bergeries of Asinau, our day’s destination. Distance : 6km, duration : 4h40, elevation gains plus: +764m, elevation gains minus : -530m. Day 4 : Asinau to Basetta Today’s terrain is steep and challenging. You take the trail that leads up to the dramatic summit of Monte Alcudina (2134m). It is a rocky climb but once on the summit the view is panoramic, you can see your route stretching out ahead. On a clear day it is possible to see the island’s outline in the sea, the east and the west coastline. The trail heads down towards the plateau of Cuscionu situated at 1550m altitude where you will discover a large plateau, an area of 50km sq, dotted with shepherds cabins that were once the homes of many shepherds’ families in times past. Towards the end of the day you leave the GR20 trail to make your way to the edge of the plateau where you will find your accommodation for the night. Distance : 12km, duration : 5h30, elevation gains plus: +730m, elevation gains minus : -930m. Day 5 : Coscionu/Basetta to Cozzano You leave the plateau passing through a forest of dwarf oak trees that are hundreds of years old. Sculpted by the time and weather to such a point to give a tortured decor of knotted, gnarled, low spiral branches, the forest has a mystic air. You arrive at the Col de l’Agnone from where the trail climbs upwards to open onto a high ridge. The path stays up high on the ridge at around 2000m altitude, alternating from one side to the other, it is astounding that there is a path at all that passes here. The views are superb constantly changing from the east to the west as you seesaw back and forth on the ridge. The refuge of Usciolu marks the end of the ridge walk. Maybe time for a welcome break, a drink in the sun on the terrace and chance to meet other walkers. From here you start the long descent to Cozzano. Distance : 12km, duration : 6h00, elevation gains plus: +530m, elevation gains minus : -1060m. Day 6 : Cozzano to the col de Verde Today’s walk offers some great views down across the flat eastern plains and sea lagoons. You take the Mare mare Nord path to the Col de Laparo from where the GR follows the ridge. You will pass the the GR refuge of Prati (1820m), it is worth stopping to enjoy the airy rooftop views of the island and enjoy the lush, spongy fresh ground. It is sometimes possible to see the islands of Elba and Monte Cristo. The descent winds rapidly down in and out of the forest to your destination at the Col de Verde. (1289m) Distance : 16km, duration : 7h30, elevation gains plus: +1230m, elevation gains minus : -690m. Day 7 : Col de Verde to Capanelle The trail undulates gently today and mainly contours through a forest of pine trees. These majestic tall straight lariccio pines with a silvery smooth bark are very much a symbol of the island. Today’s walk is essentially traversing the flanks of the dominating mountain, the Monte Renosu. A steeper section leads us to the small shepherds hamlet of Traghjette. There is just one shepherd that lives here now following the age-old lifestyle of the transhumance and producing his cheese. A last short walk before you arrive at a ridge where you can see your night stop and the cabins of Capanelle which is a low key ski station in the winter. Distance : 13km, duration : 5h00, elevation gains plus : +635m, elevation gains minus : -335m. Day 8 : From Capanelle to Vizzavona This is the last stage of the GR20 southern section, the walk makes for a leisurely day. You leave Capanelle (1568m) taking a path that is more of less on the level and along easy terrain. You pass through some idyllic spots, past remote traditional stone cabins and a luxuriant vegetation. You continue to Bocca Palmente 1640m, from where on a clear day the views are exceptional, the looming massifs of the Monte d’Oro and the Rotondu tower above. You drop down into a thick forest of pine and beech trees for a relaxing descent, the trail loops back and forth lacing down to Vizzavona (920m) the midway point of the GR20. Distance : 15km, duration : 5h00, elevation gains plus : +220m, elevation gains minus : -910m.   Return to Ajaccio Return to Ajaccio, or night at Vizzavona if you are continuing straight on with the northern section. The return to Ajaccio is planned either by train or minibus at our discretion. You should arrive at Ajaccio railway station around 18h00.This program is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It is possible, if situations arise that are beyond our control, for the itinerary to be modified. If you stay on the island you will need to book an extra night. Whern booking please let us know if you want us to book that night and where?   Details Level of difficulty Certain parts of the trail are on high ridges and rocky terrain. There are also days that are particularly long. At Bavella there is a section that is equipped with a chain for extra stability. It is essential to have mountain experience, know how to situate yourself on the map at all times, have a good sense of mountain weather and orientation. Price includes : Full board accommodation, local transfers, moving on of luggage, route notes for the walks and maps. Price does not include : Entrance fees, additional transfers, drinks, additional activities, holiday insurance and travel to Corsica. Click HERE  for booking this trip   Carrying We propose 2 versions for the GR20 South self-guided With backpack You carry your gear for the week (not including food or a tent) Your pack should have a capacity of about 50L. With lightened backpack Your main luggage is transported to the different night stops that are accessible by car. At Asinau shepherd’s cabin you do not have access to your main bags. This means you will need to carry minimal overnight gear and your sleeping bag to and from Asinau. Accommodation During this trip you will be staying in a mix of different accommodations. We reserve small dormitories in the gîtes and a place in a small shepherd’s cabin at Asinau bergerie. You need a sleeping bag for all nights. The gîtes have shared toilet and shower facilities. At Asinau shepherd’s cabin the facilities are limited there is one shower, a nearby river and no wc. Meals All meals are prepared by your hosts along the way. Breakfast: Continental style. Evening Meal: A hearty 3 course affair, with a wholesome, local speciality 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 place: Railway station SNCF of Ajaccio. Departure at 06:30, 08:51; (Sun- and holidays 09:19); arrival at Vizzavona after 65 minutes. Starting point : 14h00 at Ajaccio ferry terminal. End : Around 18h00 at Ajaccio 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.

Access:  Ajaccio ferry terminal or airport. Bibliography The Rough Guide The Granite Island – Dorothy Carrington   Practical information For supplementary nights in Ajaccio Hôtel Le Dauphin (HT) : 0033 (0)4 95 51 29 96 Hôtel Le Kallisté **: 0033 (0)4 95 51 34 45 Hôtel Fesch ***: 0033 (0)4 95 51 62 62 Hôtel Les Mouettes**** : 0033 (0)4 95 50 40 40 For supplementary nights in Bastia Hôtel Sud Hôtel ** : 0033 (0)4 95 30 20 61 Hôtel le Forum ** : 0033 (0)4 95 31 02 53 Hôtel Les Sablettes *** : 0033(0)4955 850 20 Hôtel Ostella***: 0033 (0)4 95 30 97 70 For supplementary nights in Calvi Hôtel du Centre (HT) : 0033 (0)4 95 65 02 01 Hôtel Christophe Colomb ** : 0033 (0)4 95 65 06 04 Hôtel le Grand Hôtel *** : 0033 (0)4 95 65 09 74 Hôtel La Villa ****luxe : 0033 (0)4 95 65 10 10 For supplementary nights in Corte Hôtel de la Paix** : 0033 (0)4 95 46 06 72 Hôtel du Nord** : 0033 (0)4 95 46 00 68 Hôtel Les Jardins de la Glacière** : 0033 (0)4 95 45 27 00 Hôtel Dominique Colonna*** : 0033 (0)4 95 45 25 65 For supplementary nights in Porto-Vecchio Hôtel Holzer ** : 0033 (0)4 95 70 05 93 Hôtel Le Goéland ** : 0033 (0)4 95 70 14 15 Hôtel Shegara *** : 0033 (0)4 95 70 40 31 Hôtel Alcyon *** : 0033 (0)4 95 70 50 50 For supplementary nights in Propriano Hôtel Bellevue (HT) : 0033 (0)4 95 76 01 86 Hôtel Beach Hôtel ** : 0033 (0)4 95 76 17 74 Hôtel Claridge *** : 0033 (0)4 95 76 05 54 Grand hôtel Miramar ****luxe : 0033 (0)4 95 76 06 13 How to get to Corsica : By boat : SNCM : Departures from Marseille, Nice or Toulon Tel : 0033 (0)891 701 801 Web site : www.sncm.fr Corsica Ferries : Departures from Nice or Toulon Tel : 0033 (0)825 095 095 Web site : www.corsicaferries.com/Pcorsica.srv By Plane : Air France : tel 0870 142 4343 Web site : www.airfrance.com/uk   Public transport in Corsica : Buses : Bus route Calvi, Ponte-leccia, Bastia : Bus Les beaux voyages tel : 0033 (0)4 95 65 11 35. Departures from 01/09 to 30/06 from Monday to Friday, except bank holidays, and from 01/07 to 31/08 from Monday to Saturday except bank holidays. Duration of journey Calvi Ponteleccia 1h45 ; Calvi Bastia 2h15. Bus route Ajaccio, Propriano, Porto - Vecchio : Bus Eurocorse voyages tel : 0033 (0)4.95.21.06.30. Departures from 16/09 to 30/06 from Monday to Saturday except Sundays and bank holidays and from 1/07 to 15/09 every day. Duration of journey Ajaccio Propriano 1h50 ; Ajaccio Porto - Vecchio 3h30.   Bus route Ajaccio, Vizzavona, Corté, Ponteleccia, Bastia : Bus Eurocorse Voyages tel : 0033 (0)4.95.21.06.30. Departures every day except Sundays and bank holidays. Duration of journey Ajaccio Corté 1h45 ; Ajaccio Bastia 3 heures   Train companies in Corsica : Direction Bastia, Ponte Leccia, Corté, Vizzavona, Ajaccio Direction Bastia, Ponte Leccia, Ile Rousse, Calvi Ajaccio train station : 0033 (0)495 23 11 03 Bastia train station : 0033 (0)4 95 32 80 61 Calvi train station : 0033 (0)4 95 65 00 61 Corte train station : 0033 (0)4 95 46 00 97 What to bring and pack You should bring a main bag that is closed with a small padlock. It should be easy for you to carry ie 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 facilate 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 litre minimum – two litres advised) Personal first aid kit with good blister protectionFor your Picnics A good cutting knife, fork, spoon, plastic cup Some plastic bags Tupperware box 0,8L with lid that closes   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. Relaxing time Trainers or open sandals Warm fleece and casual wear   Backup A backup team is present and at hand to ensure the smooth running of your holiday. We are on the ground and ready to assist in any eventuality.