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The Grand Randonnee (GR) 20 is considered to be Europe's most challenging long-distance walking trail. Established in 1972 the route traverses the interior of Corsica for 200km, crossing granite mountains and rugged alpine terrain with opportunities to view stunning snowcapped peaks. The outstanding feature of the walk is the diversity of terrain, from lush forests of pine and beech to narrow trails through towering pinnacles, to high windswept plateaus. On some stages you will be required to climb ladders and scramble steep rock to ascend the granite passes, however the 360 degree views are worth the effort. At night enjoy the warm hospitality of the gîtes d’etapes or mountain refuges where like-minded walkers can share their experiences of the day. This trip is an ideal challenge for fit walkers with map reading skills and good outdoor experience in mountainous terrain but is unsuitable for vertigo sufferers. Stunning gorges and alpine lakes are included in this challenging hike from Calvi in the north of Corsica to Vizzavona near the centre of the island.
Note: for safety reasons this trip cannot be operated for one person / solo traveller. Minimum two people required.
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22kg of CO2-e PP per day
(108kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Calvi, transfer to Calenzana and walk to Bonifatu (4.5hrs)
The trip begins in Calvi from where you will have a morning (9am) transfer organised to Calenzana. This little village, surrounded by olive trees, is where the hike begins. (We suggest buying picnic supplies in Calvi before setting out). The walk today is spectacular, with several river crossings as well as magnificent viewpoints of the typical towns of the Balagne region. It is an excellent warm up for the GR20 offering superb views of coastal Corsica. Overnight gite. Double room option possible* Distance: 11km/6.9mi, + 700m/2297ft, - 450m/1476ft We can assist with booking your pre-tour accommodation in Calvi on request - please ask for details.
Meals: D
Day 2
To Haut Asco (8-8.5hrs)
After breakfast, you will leave Bonifatu for one of the longest days of the trek. The trail quickly gains altitude, leading through a rugged mountain environment with several river crossings along the way. One of the highlights is the famous Spasimata footbridge, followed by the route towards the Muvrella Valley. A small mountain lake lies at the heart of this impressive landscape, surrounded by rocky peaks and unspoilt wilderness. Magnificent views unfold throughout the hike as you make your way deeper into Corsica's high mountains. The trail then continues through this dramatic mountain scenery before reaching Haut Asco, a former ski resort nestled in the Cinto mountain range. Overnight gite. Double room option possible* Distance: 9.5km/6mi, + 1300m/4265ft, - 598m/1962ft
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
To the sheepfolds of Vallone (8.5hrs)
As the Cirque de la Solitude has been closed to the public since 2015, you will cross the Great Barrier Reef via Monte Cinto and through the Pointe des Éboulis. From Bocca Minuta, you descend to the small valley of Straciaconne where you may have the chance to observe mouflons (the wild sheep). Dinner is at the shepherd hut in Vallone, an ideal setting with the backdrop of a starry sky for the night. Overnight: tent. Distance: 9km/5.59mi, + 1200m/3936ft, - 800m/2625ft Note: carry your overnight gear as your main luggage is not available on this day - it is transferred Haut Asco to the accommodation in Verghio.
Day 4
On to Verghio (6-6.5hrs)
After waking up to views of the surrounding mountains, the day begins with a gentle walk through a forest of giant Laricio pines before a long climb up the Bocca di Fuciale. Your setting for the day is the valley of the Niolu, located at the heart of the island. You walk past the foot ofone of the most beautiful summits in Corsica, the Paglia Orba and the strange Capu Tafunatu. When the weather is good, there is a stunning viewpoint over the gulf of Porto before descending into the small valley of the Golo. The shepherd’s hut of Radule and a series of natural pools punctuate your walk towards the forest and the Castel di Verghio. Overnight gite. Double room option possible* Distance: 14km/8.69mi, + 970m/3186ft, - 1015m/3337ft Note: luggage transfers are not available to the refuges (next 3 nights) - your luggage will delivered to the accommodation in Vizzavona. You need to carry your gear required in your rucksack.
Day 5
To Manganu Refuge, via Lake Nino (7.5hrs)
This morning pass Bocca San Pedru between the sky and the sea. Then magic happens after passing Bocca a Reta. To the east, the coastline stands out against the deep blue of the Mediterranean. On the other side, a glacial cirque is revealed, which hides, in a green setting, one of the jewels of the Corsican mountains. Bordered by its pozzines (mountain waterhole), Lake Nino welcomes a herd of wild horses. Overnight: tent (near the refuge) Distance: 16km/9.94mi, + 869m/2851ft, - 689m/2260ft Note: no luggage transfer days 5-7 and no access to your main luggage, carry your overnight needs in your rucksack. Your main luggage is transferred Verghio to Vizzavona.
Meals: B,L
Day 6
Continue to Petra Piana refuge (6hrs)
Streams and rocky bars follow one another before you reach a plateau of pozzines. Then the Capitellu breach will offer you a breathtaking view of the Melu and Capitellu lakes. After some effort to reach Bocca Muzella (2206m), you will descend to reach a small plateau where the Petra Piana refuge is located. Note meals are not included at this refuge - all are payable locally. Overnight: tent (near the refuge) Distance: 8.5km/5.28mi, + 670m/2198ft, - 465m/1526ft Note: no luggage transfer
Meals: Nil
Day 7
A panoramic walk to l'Onda (5hrs)
A rather short, aerial and panoramic stage between the massifs of Monte Rotondo and Monte d'Oro. Be careful however as there are some tricky passages in strong winds! On a clear day, you will have the chance to see the Gulf of Ajaccio. Meals are not included at this refuge - all are payable locally. Overnight: tent (near the refuge) Distance: 7km/4.34mi, + 560m/1837ft, - 965m/3166ft Note: no luggage transfer
Day 8
Through the magical Agnone valley to Vizzavona (6.5hrs)
Last day on the northern part of the trail. A magnificent stage awaits you from the Onda refuge towards Vizzavona, passing through the magical Agnone valley at the foot of Monte d'Oro. After the Turtettu footbridge there is a multitude of small waterfalls and streams. Between forest and the clinking of water, you will make your way towards Vizzavona. Your luggage will be at the gite waiting your arrival. Overnight gite. Double room option possible* Distance: 10km/6.2mi,+ 630m/2067ft, - 1140m/3740ft
Day 9
Trip concludes
Trip concludes in Vizzavona after breakfast
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Basic hut accommodation, dormitory style in bunk beds that are usually a long platform with a mattress. They generally has a communal kitchen and shared bathrooms that may be separate to the main building.
Access to the refuges bathroom and dining facilities are available.
GRADE 5 - This trip requires a good to excellent level of fitness and you should be an experienced hiker, comfortable in alpine terrains through varying weather conditions. It is a requirement of participation that you are able to orient yourself in mountains with a map scaled to 1/25000th. The trip involves 4.5 to 8.5 hiking hours per day on sometimes difficult trails. The route is the hardest long distance trail in Europe. Certain sections need to be scaled using ladders, bridges and chains. There is much rock scrambling and ascents are up to 1400 metres and very steep in parts. There are sections throughout which would not be suitable for sufferers of vertigo.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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