ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFOCorsica GR20
South to North 2010 - ORIGINAL ROUTE
A Self-Guided or Guided Walking Holiday
The GR20 traverses the island diagonally following the high granite barrier of mountains that form the natural boundary between the two regions of Corsica. The trail offers some fantastic scenery, along with an insight into the authentic and traditional working mountain communities. You may meet the last of the shepherds that still follow the age-old 'transhumance', whereby they pass the summer months with their flocks on the high fresh pastures and the winters down by the coast. You stay in a variety of different accommodations, a mix of camps, refuges, gites, or shepherds cabins, situated in places of exceptional beauty. Your evening meals are prepared for you. The GR20 is for walkers who have a very good fitness level. It does not require any climbing techniques or special skills, but you need to be able to walk with confidence over a variety of rugged terrains and to have a head for heights (see photo at 'Itinerary Day 7' below). The trail winds through some incredible mountain terrain, over high ridges, down deep chasms and bare granite slopes. There are many steep ascents and descents and the ambience is strictly alpine. An exceptional walk, reputed as the best and most challenging in Europe. Please note that due to the nature of this walk we cannot offer it for one person walking alone.
PRICE
SELF GUIDED
- £1075 per person from Ajacco to Calvi with luggage transportation (13 nights)
- £540 per person from Ajaccio to Vizzavona with luggage transportation (7 days/6 nights)
- £540 per person from Vizzavona to Bonifatu (Calvi) (7 days/6 nights)
INCLUDED
Accommodation on full board, internal transfers as mentioned, backpack is transferred between stops when possible (see paragraph on carrying below), travel dossier with maps and route notes. Please note that accommodation along this route is basic - at several of the stops there will be no wc or showers.
NOT INCLUDED
Flights to Corsica, holiday insurance, drinks, lunch on day 1, additional activities, anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
DEPARTURE DATES
Every Sunday From 16th May to 25th September 2010
To book email: walking@star.co.ukT: (44)
(0)1242 254353
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Ajaccio to Bavella. This holiday starts on a Sunday in Ajaccio - the first transfer will take us directly up to Bavella where you check into your first night’s accommodation. The region is known as the Alta Rocca and Bavella is one of the most famous parts of the island, known for its high mountain pass and mystical summits. Introductory briefing and first evening meal.
Day 2 - Bavella to Asinau. From the high mountain pass, the Col de Bavella we take the trail that is called the Alpine variant. It leads steeply up hill before passing at the base of several granite pinnacles, such as the Acellu, the Ariettu, or the Vacca. It really is a superb ridge walk. The trail is rough under foot and equipped over a few metres with a chain that helps stability across the granite rocks. We plunge down into the valley before following an easy trail through the woods. After an easy river crossing we go up hill for a last half an hour up to the Asinau refuge.
Distance: 6km,
duration: 5h00,
altitude gain: +750m,
descent: -550m.
NO ACCESS TO MAIN LUGGAGE TONIGHT Day 3 - Asinau to Basetta. From the refuge we head up to the magnificent summit of Monte Alcudina at 2134m alt. There are fantastic views and on a clear day we can pick out our route and see where we are heading. For a short while we enjoy a good ridge walk, before heading down through a wood to a swing bridge. Once across the bridge you are on the famous Cuscioune plateau. This is the largest plateau on the island and spreads some 50 square kilometres. This large space is a mix of forests and open green land full of runnels of water, a huge grazing land in the summer months. Our night stop is a shepherd’s cabin situated on the edge of the plateau.
Distance: 12km,
duration: 6h00,
altitude gain: +750m,
descent: -1000m.
Day 4 - Basseta to Usciolu. Today we pick up the trail on the plateau and cross the wide open green pasture with its streams and little water holes. We make our way up hill through an age old forest of dwarf oak trees up to the Col de l’Agnone. From here we start possibly one of the best ridge walks - it is very exposed, and the trail follows a narrow ridge. Usciolu refuge occupies a sheltered position a little lower down, a hive of mountain activity.
NO ACCESS TO MAIN LUGGAGE TONIGHT Distance: 7km,
duration: 4h30,
altitude gain: +600m,
descent: -200m.
Day 5 - Usciolu to Col de Verde. This walk has some really special scenery with great views. From the refuge you continue along the ridge that separates the valley of Taravo and the Fiumorbu. The trail plunges down towards the Col de Laparo. You will pass the GR refuge, Prati (1820m) and it is worth stopping to enjoy the airy rooftop views over the island. 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: 12km,
duration: 6h30,
altitude gain: +700m,
descent: -1150m.
Day 6 - 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 Monte Renosu. A steeper section leads 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 resort in the winter. Distance: 13km, duration: 5h00, altitude gain: +650m, descent: -350m. Day 7 - From Capanelle to Vizzavona. This is the last stage of the GR20 southern section - 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 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 looping back and forth down to Vizzavona (920m) the midway point of the GR20. IF YOU ARE JUST DOING THIS FIRST SECTION OF THE GR20, THE TOUR ENDS TODAY AT VIZZAVONA. IF YOU ARE STARTING THE SECOND SECTION (ie THE NORTHERN SECTION FROM VIZZAVONA ONWARDS), THE FIRST OVERNIGHT IS IN VIZZAVONA - IN WHICH CASE IF YOU ARRIVE IN GOOD TIME YOU CAN TAKE A WALK TO THE CASCADES DES ANGLAIS OR RELAX AT THE NEARBY ROCK POOLS.
For those not doing the second section of the GR20, the day's walk, and the tour, ends at around 1pm, at the SNCF train station in Vizzavona. There is a train station at Vizzavona with a direct link to both Ajaccio and Bastia. Bus to Calvi.Distance: 15km, duration: 6h00, altitude gain: +250m, descent: -900m. This programme is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It may be possible, if situations arise that are beyond our control, for the itinerary to be modified.
Photo courtesy of http://homepage.ntlworld.com/phil.newby
DAY 8 - Vizzavona to Petra Piana - first day of the northern section of the GR20
Short transfer to the small hamlet of Canaglia. Walk from here beside a mountain torrent and continue up the vaslley with marvellous views. Overnight in refuge at Petra Piana.
11 km, 5.30 hours, + 1200, -100
Day 9 - Petra Piana to CamputileA short rocky uphill section takes you to the high ridge above the refuge. Pass a mountain col - spectacular views to Corte and over glacier lakes. From Lake Capitello drop down to Manganu refuge and then across the plateau to the shepherd's hut at Vaccaja for overnight. No access to main luggage tonight.
10 km, 6 hours, +700, -1000.
Day 10 - Camputile to Castel di Vergiu
A relaxing walk through beech woods and across spongy turf at Lac de Nino where you can refill your water bottle at the spring. From the lake a classic walk leads along a high ridge with fantastic views and glimpses of the sea. At Col St Pierre join the trail to Castel di Vergiu.
12 km, 5 hours, +600, -800
Day 11 Col de Vergiu to Vallone
Follow the Golu torrent up the valley towards its source then cross the torrent and head up to the ridgeline from where there are clear views of the west coast. The refuge Ciuttolu di Mori (1990 m) is the highest refuge in Corsica - this area is home to the wild mountain mouflon. Head for the Col de Foggiale and then a stunning descent through rocks and pine trees. No access to main luggage tonight.
11 km, 5.30 hours, +650, -650
Day 12 Vallone to Haut Asco
A steep and steady climb past the foothills of Monte Cinto, then reach Bocca Minua (2218 m) the entrance to the Circle of Solitude. This is a spectacular cirque with a path plunging to its depths - chains in places will help you in difficult bits. Once out of the circque the trail is downhill to Haut Asco.
7.5 km, 6.5 hours, +800, -1000.
Day 13 Haut Asco to Bonifatu
A lovely ascent brings to Bocca di Stagnu at the foot of the Muvrella from where there is a wonderful view over Calvi Bay. Continue the descent to Bonifatu - transfer to Calvi.
9km, 6 hours, +600, - 1400
DIFFICULTY OF WALK
The GR20 is for walkers who are very fit. The paths are often very stony with numerous steep up-hill sections and descents that are rough under foot. There is between 4h00 and 9h30 effective walking per day, often with considerable altitude gain - it is a tough, rugged, mountain itinerary. Please note that for safety reasons we cannot offer this to single walkers. The effective walking time is an indication of how long it will take, though walking speed varies enormously. The timings do not take into account stops en route.
GROUP SIZE
SELF-GUIDED: There will be a group of people starting the walk on the same day but they may decide when they set out and how long they want to take. The group size varies but is usually 14 people.
The greatest high-level walk in Europe. Fabulous scenery. Disappearing way of life.
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ACCOMMODATION
Depending on availability you will spend the night in dormitories in gites, refuges or occasionally in tents near shepherd’s cabins. We'd like to stress that the accommodation along the GR20 is basic. Hot showers are not guaranteed in the refuges. When camping, there are basic comforts, either a converted shower or a river. You will put up your own tents which are held in storage at each of these places. Sleeping bags are ESSENTIAL.
All food is included in the package. Breakfast usually consists of a hot drink and bread and jam. Dinner is a 3 course meal, normally with soup or cold meats as a starter, a wholesome carbohydrate-rich main course and cheeses and fruit for desert. Lunch is usually a pre cooked pasta/rice/lentil salad, with extra bread, cheese, meat and fruit.
Washing facilities and toilets - On certain night stops, there are toilets and showers available (can be an additional charge for shower.) When camping, there is always running spring water and often a mountain torrent to wash beside. During the walking day at the lunch break there are often rock pools or mountain torrents to refresh in.
CARRYING AND LUGGAGE
Your main luggage is transported to the different night stops that are accessible by vehicle. This luggage should not weigh more than 10 kilos and must be clearly marked with your name.
On several nights you will not have access to your main luggage - see itinerary.
GETTING THEREBY AIR: flights to Calvi via Nice and Marseilles. Direct flights to Ajaccio and Bastia (with Easyjet from Bristol, London and Manchester) and thence by train to Calvi. From Bavella there is an early-morning bus to Ajaccio; thence train to Calvi.
BY BOAT: a high-speed service NGV, overnight ferries and semi fast ferries offer a regular service to Calvi port.
SNCM Ferries - Departs from Marseille, Nice or Toulon.
Corsica Ferries and Moby Lines - Departs from Toulon Nice and Italy.
MEALS
Continental breakfast - tea, coffee, bread, butter and jam.
Picnics - pasta or potato salads, sandwiches and local cheeses.
Evening meals - will be served in restaurants, inns, shepherd's cabins or camp. Local specialities consisting of a starter, ample main course, cheese or dessert. Trail food - we suggest you come equipped with snacks for extra energy.
STARTING POINT
Starting point : Inside Ajaccio's ferry terminal at 2 pm.
End : Around 1pm, at the SNCF train station in Vizzavona, after your last hike. There is a train station at Vizzavona with a direct link to both Ajaccio and Bastia. Bus to Calvi.
BOOKS ON CORSICA
- The Rough Guide to Corsica (David Abram) published by Rough Guides
- Landscapes of Corsica (Noel Rochford) published by Sunflower Books
- A Granite Island (Dorothy Carrington)
- Cadogan Guide
WHAT TO BRING AND PACK
You will need a bag that can serve as a daypack 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 and your sleeping bag. This is applicable for four nights and 6 walking days. Your bag needs to have a capacity of app. 35 - 45 litres. For your main baggage, a rucksack or suitcase should be limited to 15 kilo maximum per person.
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)
- Personal first aid kit with good blister protection
For your Picnics
- A good cutting knife (NB not to be carried as hand luggage in aeroplanes), fork, spoon, plastic cup
- Some plastic bags
- Tupperware box with lid that closes
Sun and rain protection
- Sunglasses and sun cream
- Sun hat
- Wind and waterproof jacket (Gortex 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).
Relaxing time
- Trainers or open sandals
- Warm fleece and casual wear
MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
Changing money in Corsica is not very easy, even at Ajaccio airport. Owing to this difficulty we advise that you carry your money in euros and bring the cash that you will need throughout your holiday. Most shops etc. now accept visa card but not the refuges nor small mountain village shops.
BACKUP
A back up team is always on hand during your walking holiday able to assist in any eventuality to ensure the smooth running of your trek.
WHAT TO CARRY:
For most of the trek you will need to carry a day sack with your waterbottle, camera, picnic and gortex jacket only. However, your rucksack must have the capacity for minimal personal gear and a sleeping bag on occasion. There are numerous fresh water springs en route so you do not need a huge amount of water, or to use purifying tablets. Your main luggage will be transported between the different night stops.
INSURANCE
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
To book, contact worldwalks at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353