This guidebook describes the classic GR20 trek, a north-to-south traverse of the rugged mountains of Corsica, renowned as Europe's toughest GR long-distance route. Described in 16 stages, some with high and low-level alternatives, the route is roughly 190km in length and takes approximately two weeks to complete. The GR20 climbs high into the mountains. It is a demanding trek suitable only for experienced walkers, and there are several steep 'hands-on-rock' sections calling for a sure foot and a good head for heights. It is possible to stay under a roof every night but many trekkers opt to camp.
Step-by-step descriptions of each stage are accompanied by 1:50,000 mapping, together with information on ascent/descent, terrain and the availability of food, water and accommodation/shelter. There is also invaluable practical information such as path conditions, what to take, and getting to/from and around Corsica. Overviews of the history and geology of the island and local plants and wildlife are offered to enhance the trekking experience. Finally, a separate map booklet, included with the guide, provides all the 1:25,000 IGN mapping needed to complete the GR20.
Starting in Corsica's northwest, in picturesque Calinzana, the route winds southeast through the heart of the island, finishing on the eastern side, just north of Porto Vecchio in the township of Conca. It showcases Corsica's rich diversity of landscapes and ethereal beauty. Bare rock and sheer cliffs contrast with black sand beaches, alpine pastures, maquis and pockets of forest. There are also opportunities to detour from the route to visit traditional mountain towns and villages for a taste of Corsica's vibrant history and culture and to take in neighbouring summits, including the island's highest peak, Monte Cinto. For those up to the challenge of hiking part or all of the route, the GR20 promises adventure, memorable experiences and rich rewards.
CONTENTS
Map key
Overview map
Route summary table
Introduction
Geology
Brief history
Getting to Corsica
Getting around Corsica
Getting to the GR20
When to trek
How to trek
Maps
Mountain weather
Path conditions
Mountain rescue
What to take
Services along the route
Food, drink and fuel
Language
Currency
Using this guide
Plants and wildlife on Corsica
Maquis
Trees
Flowers
Wildlife
The GR20
Stage 1A Calinzana to Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu (high-level)
Stage 1B Calinzana to Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu (low-level)
Excursion Ascent of Monte Corona from Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu
Stage 2A Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu to Refuge de Carozzu (high-level)
Stage 2B Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu to Refuge de Carozzu (low-level)
Stage 3 Refuge de Carozzu to Ascu Stagnu
Stage 4 Ascu Stagnu to Auberge U Vallone
Link route Auberge U Vallone to Albertacce
Stage 5 Auberge U Vallone to Hôtel Castel di Vergio
Excursion Ascent of Paglia Orba from Refuge de Ciutullu di I Mori
Stage 6 Hôtel Castel di Vergio to Refuge de Manganu
Link route Bergerie de Vaccaghja to Corti
Link route Refuge de Manganu to Soccia
Stage 7 Refuge de Manganu to Refuge de Petra Piana
Link route Brèche de Capitellu or Bocca a Soglia to Bergeries de Grottelle
Excursion Ascent of Monte Ritondu from Refuge de Petra Piana
Stage 8A Refuge de Petra Piana to Refuge de l’Onda (low-level)
Stage 8B Refuge de Petra Piana to Refuge de l’Onda (high-level)
Link route Bergerie de Tolla to Tattone and Vizzavona
Stage 9A Refuge de l’Onda to Vizzavona (low-level)
Stage 9B Refuge de l’Onda to Vizzavona (high-level)
Stage 10 Vizzavona to Bergeries d’E Capanelle
Link route La Foce to Bocca Palmentu
Stage 11A Bergeries d’E Capanelle to Bocca di Verdi (low-level)
Stage 11B Bergeries d’E Capanelle to Bocca di Verdi (high-level)
Stage 12 Bocca di Verdi to Refuge d’Usciolu
Link route Refuge d’Usciolu to Cuzzà
Stage 13 Refuge d’Usciolu to Refuge de Matalza
Link route Tignosellu to Zicavu
Link route Zicavu to Refuge de Matalza
Stage 14 Refuge de Matalza to Refuge d’Asinau
Alt Stage 13/14 Refuge d’Usciolu to Refuge d’Asinau (variant)
Stage 15A Refuge d’Asinau to Bavedda (low-level)
Stage 15B Refuge d’Asinau to Bavedda (high-level)
Stage 16 Bavedda to Conca
Appendix A Facilities along the route (Calinzana to Conca)
Appendix B Facilities along the route (Conca to Calinzana)
Appendix C Accommodation list
Appendix D Basic language notes
Appendix E Useful contacts
Appendix F The Cirque de la Solitude
Maps
The route of the GR20 is well marked throughout. While walking without maps can never be recommended, it is true to say that the waymarking is so good that trekkers might never need to refer to a map for directions. However, this would mean walking in complete isolation from the surroundings, never knowing the names of nearby mountains and valleys, never knowing in advance the shape of the terrain, and never knowing of other route options. To walk without a map is to walk with no real knowledge of your surroundings.
The best maps of the route are produced by the IGN (Institut Géographique National) at a scale of 1:25,000. The map booklet that accompanies this guide shows the route of the GR20 on these maps.
If you wish to carry the paper maps as well, six sheets are needed to cover the entire route, as follows:
4149 OT Calvi
4250 OT Corte and Monte Cinto
4251 OT Monte d’Oro and Monte Rotondo
4252 OT Monte Renoso and Bastelica
4253 OT Petreto-Bicchisano and Zicavo
4253 ET Aiguilles de Bavella and Solenzara
These maps have blue covers and belong to a series known as Top 25. Order them in advance of your visit from map suppliers such as Stanfords (7 Mercer Walk, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9FA, tel 020 7836 1321, www.stanfords.co.uk), The Map Shop (15 High Street, Upton-upon-Severn WR8 0HJ, tel 01684 593146, www.themapshop.co.uk) or Cordee (tel 1455 611 185, www.cordee.co.uk).
The wonderfully compact Didier Richard map of the GR20, using IGN mapping at a scale of 1:50,000, covers the entire route on a single sheet and includes plenty of mountainous terrain off-route. The ISBN is 978-2-344-00043-4, and it is readily available at airport shops, tourist information offices and many other outlets around Corsica. The IGN Mini Corse map, which covers the whole of Corsica at a scale of 1:250,000, is handy to refer to if making long bus or train journeys around Corsica. IGN mapping at all scales can be viewed online at Géoportail, www.geoportail.gouv.fr.
The maps in this guidebook are at a scale of 1:50,000. The gradient profiles provide an immediate visual appreciation of all the ups and downs along the way.