ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION and ADDITIONAL INFOCorsica GR20
North to South 2012 - adapted version
A Self-Guided or Guided Walking Holiday - 13 nights, 11 days walking
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 8' 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
- £1395 per person from Calvi to Bavella with luggage transportation and including first overnight in Calvi (if first night in Calvi and transfer on Day 2 omitted, the price is £1340)
- £905 per person from Calvi to Bavella without luggage transportation
Prices for just North or South sections, self-guided, on request
INCLUDED
Calvi to Corte - Vizzavona to Bavella: 13 nights accommodation - 10 nights in gites d’etapes (dormitory type), 3 of these nights can be in double rooms (extra cost £60.00 per person), 1 night in tents and 2 nights in hotels. Dinner each night except for the nights in Calvi and Corte. Breakfast each morning. Picnic lunch on walking days. Luggage transfers (except days 4 and 6, when there is no access to your luggage and you will need to carry sleeping bag etc. whilst your main luggage is taken ahead to the next day). Maps, route notes and all necessary details needed for your holiday. Local back-up. Trained mountain guide for guided departures. It is also possible to do the North or South Section only - please ask for details.
NOT INCLUDED
Flights to Corsica, drinks, snack food, supplements for showers, insurance (essential) and unforseen transfers. Transfer to Calvi or Corte or back from Bavella and transfers not mentioned in the programme.
DEPARTURE DATES (self-guided): Every Saturday (if overnighting in Calvi) from beginning of June to end of September (NB snow can be an issue even at the beginning of June). Departures daily during this period if carrying own luggage.
DEPARTURE DATES (guided):
Every Saturday from beginning of June to end of September
To book email:
info@worldwalks.comT: (44) (0)1242 254353
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Calvi - overnight
Day 2: From Calvi to Bonifatu
You will be transferred to Calenzana, the 'land of olive trees', from where you hike to Bonifatu. The first day's walk includes the crossing of several rivers as well as magnificent viewpoints over Balagne. It is an excellent warm up to the GR20 offering superb views over coastal Corsica.
Walking time: 4H30. + 594m - 450m
Day 3: Bonifatu to Haut Asco
Leave Bonifatu for one of the longest days of the week. You will cross several rivers before reaching the famous footbridge of Spasimata (length 30m) and suspended above a waterfall. Arrive at the Valley of the Muvrella (mouflon) and its small lake. The viewpoints are numerous and marvellous. Arrive at the foot of Monte Cinto, highest summit of Corsica, where you will spend the night.
Walking time: about 8H15. + 1300m - 598m.
Day 4: From Haut Asco to the Sheepfolds of Vallone
You may have the chance to observe mouflons, which are numerous in this region of Corsica. The legendary Cirque of the Solitude offers one of the most impressive panoramas of the GR20. Steep climb involving handrails and ladder, a tricky passage that will leave you with great memories once crossed! (A detour is possible to avoid it if preferred). Reach the Tighjettu refuge before continuing towards the sheepfolds of Vallone. There is no access to main luggage tonight, minimal luggage, including a sleeping bag needs to be carried
Walking time: about 6H30. + 1050m, - 980m
Day 5: From the Sheepfolds of Vallone to Verghio
From the foot of the Paglia Orba, with views over the Golo river and the town of Niolu, climb steeply. Splendid landscapes and lots ofgranite. From the Refuge of Ciotulu i Mori, the path becomes easier and takes the transhumance route before entering woodland for your overnight.
Walking time: about 6H15. + 971m - 1017m.
Day 6: Verghio to the Sega Refuge
The route ascends. As you climb, the trees become scarce and you approach Lake Nino. From the lake, the view is splendid over part of the route that you have already walked. The path continues to one of the most beautiful refuges on the island. There is no access to main luggage tonight, minimal luggage, including a sleeping bag needs to be carried
Walking time: about 7H20. + 969M, - 1200M
Day 7: From the Sega refuge to Corte
Perhaps after final bathe in the natural pools near the refuge you'll start your last walk alongside the Tavignano river, to Corte. Plenty of swimming opportinities in the crystalline waters of the river. Overnight Corte. Dinner not included.
Walking time: about 6 hours, +684 m, -1411m.
Day 8: Corte - Vizzavona
After breakfast, you can spend time in Corte, the ancient capital of Corsica, with its citadel, museum, and cafes and bars. Then, take the train to Vizzavona where you will spend a night before carrying on the southern part of the GR20.
Photo courtesy of http://homepage.ntlworld.com/phil.newby
Day 9: Vizzavona to Capanelle
This long day begins by climbing up to Bocca Palmente. In the heart of the forest of Vizzavona, cross several watercourses until Bocca Palmente, from where the view is magnificent. Over the pass before finally arriving at the sheepfolds of Capanelle where you will spendthe night in a refuge.
Walking time: about 7H45. + 1000m - 400m.
Day 10: Capanelle to the Pass of Verde
From Capanelle, pass the sheepfolds of Traggete before attaining the Plateau of Gialgone. Cross the I Spiazzi footbridge; then descend, protected by the biggest and most majestic Corsican pines, before coming to the Verde Pass.
Walking time: about 5H00. + 700m, - 950m.
Day 11: From the Pass of Verde to Cozzano
Begin this day by ascending towards the refuge of Prati, with beautifulviews over the Renosu Massif. The view is at its best when you reach the crest, from where you will be able to view the Island of Elba if the weather allows it. Next, descend among rocks towards Cozzano, in the heart of Corsica.
Walking time: about 8H00. + 750m - 1300m.
Day 12: From Cozzano to the Sheepfolds of Basseta
This first part of the day will be devoted to the climb towards BoccaDi l’Usciolu. Reach the highest point of the day's walk before enteringa forest of ancient trees. The path descends and the vegetation becomesdenser. After crossing a stream, arrive at the sheepfolds of Basseta.
Walking time: about 6H00. + 887m - 483m
Day 13: From the Sheepfolds of Basseta to Bavella
After a passage through forest, cross a footbridge and continue through former sheepfolds towards Mount Incudine. The panorama from here towards the coast to the east, to the west and to the south is staggering. Another highlight is the appearance of the Needles of Bavella.
Walking time: about 9H. + 982m - 1100m.
Day 14: Bavella End of the stay after breakfast.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please Note: Although it is our intention to operate the itineraries exactly as detailed above, it may be necessary to make changes as a result of factors beyond our control, from local alterations, climatic conditions, limited infrastructure, accommodation or other operational factors. As a consequence, the itinerary or nightstops may be modified and we reserve the right to make changes when/if necessary. Abnormal conditions can prevail, so flexibility may be necessary.
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.
GUIDED: minimum group size - 7 participants
The greatest high-level walk in Europe. Fabulous scenery. Disappearing way of life.
If you have done this walk before we would like to hear of your personal highlights.
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ACCOMMODATION
We use a variety of different accommodations including camping, gites, refuges, cabins and hotel, depending on the section walked and the options available. The accommodation often lies a short distance off the GR20 itself. When we camp we are not in designated campsites. We provide two-man tents and slim mats, but for extra comfort we strongly recommend a thermarest.
Camping - Often camp spots are not official campsites but a place that has been selected for its wild beauty, access and water supply. They are often in the vicinity of a refuge of a shepherds cabin.
GR20 refuges - We sometimes sleep in official GR20 refuges. There is one large dormitory, with long wooden bunks that are equipped with thick mattresses, and can sleep about 50 people.
Gites - Other gites en route lodge 6 - 8 people per room.
Shepherds cabins - We may sleep in a shepherds cabin with dormitory style bunks.
Washing facilities and toilets - On certain nightstops, 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 atthe lunch break there are often rock pools or mountain torrents to refresh in.
GETTING THERE
BY 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
The starting point is Calvi on Saturday
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 PACKYou 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 moneyin 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:info@worldwalks.com
T: (44) (0)1242 254353