Mountain Adventure Holidays
Trek the classic GR20 Haute Route in Corsica, one of Europe’s most challenging and beautiful long-distance walks. The local people call the route 'Fra li Monti' 'Fra li Monti', which means 'across the mountains', it is a magnificent traverse from north to south, encompassing an impressive range of landscapes. We hike precipitous rocky trails and airy ridges, meander through pine and beech forests, and swim in the crystal clear rivers. This spectacular trekking holiday offers the perfect combination of Mediterranean sunshine, inspiring scenery and challenging walking. The GR20 is a trek of a lifetime that should be on every hikers 'bucket list'!
Rising abruptly from the Mediterranean sea, with granite peaks soaring to over 2500m (8200ft), Corsica is known as 'the Scented Isle'. Famous for its dramatic coastline and pretty mountain villages, the rugged island of Corsica reveals its most spectacular scenery only to those who are prepared to explore on foot. Over the course of a truly spectacular two weeks we will cover a total of 180km (112 miles), with approx 12,000m (39,360ft) of ascent and descent.
As well as booking this full version of the GR20 Trek we also offer the GR20 North and the GR20 South. This allows you to complete the trek over two stages if preferred.
Is this trip right for me?
The GR20 in Corsica is a very tough trek with long walking days in succession. It certainly earns its reputation as one of the toughest treks in Europe. You must be fit and accustomed to walking in the mountains, and happy to deal with sections of rocky scrambling where you might need to pull on chains, and climb ladders. Please read our full trip grading here to check if this is the trip for you.
Your GR20 adventure begins at Bastia airport, where we will meet for our transfer to Calvi. Alternatively, you can fly direct to Calvi and meet at the group hotel. For more details consult the 'Arrival & Departure' section under 'Trip Information'.
In the afternoon you can sit on the beach or explore the lovely harbour town of Calvi, said to be the birthplace of explorer Christopher Columbus. It was during the period of Genoese domination of the island that Christopher Columbus was reputedly born in the town, a claim that is supported today by a monument built into the walls of the citadel. There are many shops and restaurants to be enjoyed before we head for the mountains.
The town was briefly occupied by English naval forces in 1794, a battle in which the famous English Admiral, Lord Nelson lost his eye. Today, the town is a base for a regiment of the French Foreign Legion, and soldiers are often seen running in full kit up the steep mountain trails around Calvi.
Your guide will meet you at approximately 1915 hrs; here they will brief you on the trip ahead and answer any questions you might have about the itinerary and terrain.
Note that dinner is not included on the first evening, however, your guide will book a restaurant as Calvi can be quite busy. If you would prefer not to eat with the group please let your guide know.
Accommodation: Hotel
Today you begin a journey taking you from north to south of this beautiful island. Corsica is often referred to in the French language as 'L'Ile de Beauté', the Isle of Beauty. Over the course of a spectacular two weeks we will cover a total of 180km (112 miles), with approximately 12,000m (39,360ft) of ascent and descent. It is a wonderful adventure and although this trip is not for the faint hearted we firmly believe that the rewards are immense.
This morning we leave Calvi behind and drive for about 20 minutes to the village of Calenzana. This is where the GR20 officially beings, and no doubt we will be taking a few photos to mark the occasion. We ease into things today, giving us time to get used to the conditions, and to enjoy the views of the coast and the mountain villages. It is also an introduction to the vegetation and in early summer the trail is scented with wild jasmine, and the aromatic 'curry' plant. Today is definitely a day for wild swimming, and the beautiful crystal clear water of the many rock pools will be a theme for the northern section. We usually stop to 'cool off' in rock pools before tackling the final climb to Bonifatu where we will spend the night in a gîte.
Ascent: 800m (2624ft) Descent: 540m (1771ft) Distance: 11km (6.8 miles) Duration: 5h00
Accommodation: Gîte
It's an early start this morning for what is a long, and challenging hike, but the spectacular landscape more than makes up for the effort. The terrain is a good introduction to the rest of the first week, as we climb up into the forest and through the cirque de Bonifatu, until we reach the Carrozzu refuge where we will take a break before heading across the 30m (98ft) Spasimata footbridge, known as one of the most photographed spots on the route. We then climb up the Spasimata rock slabs using fixed cables and chains, nothing difficult but requiring steady footwork, to eventually at the Muvrella valley. Muvrella is the Corsican name for mouflon, a type of wild sheep, and with luck we may see some. The mouflon is believed to be the ancestor of all modern sheep breeds. Passing the Lac de Muverella, we have a rocky ascent to the Bocca di a Muvrella, this is a pass at 2000m (6560ft). We then have a tricky, but short, section to our second pass, the Bocca di Stagnu at 2010m (6592ft). The views from here are fantastic as we can see the western coastline, and mountains. then its downhill all the way, with a steep descent with some scrambling down to the old ski station of Haut Asco at 1422m (4664ft) and our hotel.
Ascent: 1480m (4854ft) Descent: 600m (1968ft) Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) Duration: 8h30-9h00
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we head towards the highest mountain in Corsica Monte Cinto, which sits at 2706m (8878ft). The first known ascent of Monte Cinto was on 6 June 1882, by a party led by Édouard Rochat who reached the summit via the mountain's southern slopes. On 26 May 1883 a party led by the English mountaineer, Francis Fox Tuckett, including François Devouassoud, a Chamonix born mountain guide, and the landscape painter Compton, also ascended the mountain by the pass that now bears Tuckett's name. Tucker was one the main figures of the so-called Golden Age of Alpinism making ascents of 269 European peaks, and crossing 687 passes!
Eventually, after passing Monte Cinto and the remote Lac de Cinto, we continue up to a high pass, the Bocca Crucetta at 2450m (8036ft). Time for lunch and photos, before we make our way down to the Tighjettu refuge and the Bergeries de Vallon where we will camp. You do not need to carry camping gear, but do need a lightweight summer sleeping bag. The Bergeries de Vallon is an old shepherd's hut situated in a really lovely setting, with rock pools nearby for bathing.
We will ask anyone who struggled with the terrain yesterday to sit out this day, and as it is not possible to drive to Vallone, you will miss two days of hiking and take transport to Castel de Verghio to rejoin the group.
Ascent: 1600m (5248ft) Descent: 1600m (5248ft) Distance: 13km (8 miles) Duration: 8h00-9h00
Accommodation: Camping - tent and sleeping mat provided
NB: Tonight you will not have access to your luggage due to the remote location of our overnight.
This morning you will no doubt welcome an easier start to our day. We begin by walking through the laricio pine forest. The laricio, also known as the black pine, produces an oil which has been used traditionally to cure acne, common colds, and viral infections. It can also be used for treating cracked hands and feet in winter, and for sealing wooden roofs. After contemplation of this useful tree we begin a rocky scrambling section to reach the Bocca di Foggiale. We are rewarded with great views both behind us to the Calacuccia lake, and ahead of us to the Golo valley. From here we traverse the mountainside to the Ciotulu I Mori refuge which sits below the Paglia Orba peak. After a stop for drinks and snacks, we stroll along an easy high level trail with views to the seas, before heading down to the river Golo. The pools here are stunning and the water is so clear that you can see the trout swimming. You will have noticed a theme developing here. Hike, swim, hike swim! We then have a final river section to hike before entering the forests and heading for Castel de Verghio, an old ski station.
Ascent: 970m (3181ft) Descent: 1020m (3345ft) Distance: 15km (9.5 miles) Duration: 6h00-6h30
Accommodation: Hotel
We are up early and ready to face another challenging day with some stunning scenery to entice us onwards. You will notice that the landscape begins more mellow, as we climb up to the Bocca San Pedru at 1452m (4762ft), and then over a second pass the Bocca a Reta at 1881m (6169ft) as we hike towards the beautiful high meadows of the Lac de Nino at 1743m (5717ft). Surrounded by pozzines, which are little ponds in the midst of grassy meadows, it is a grazing area for horses, cattle and wild pigs. After the Lac de Nino, we will take a short break at the working farm of Bergeries de Vaccaghja.
The next section feels remote and the trail seldom travelled. It is not easy to find the route and today we really feel like we are exploring off-the-beaten track. Our overnight is at the end of a trail through pine forests and away from the crowds, with several great rock pools nearby if you fancy a swim.
The Refuge is run by Frederique and Marie, a mother and daughter team, who will also be providing our meals. Tonight we will camp and their free range chickens roam amongst our tents, although thankfully the cockerel doesn't seem to wake too early! Their Border Collie dog delights in rounding up the chickens.
Ascent: 965m (3165ft) Descent: 1200m (3936ft) Distance: 23km (14.3 miles) Duration: 8h00-8h30
Accommodation: Mountain Refuge - either dormitory or in tents in the grounds
NB: Tonight you will not have access to your luggage due to the remote location of our overnight.
A shorter day today so we are able to be more leisurely and take our time as we descend from the mountains via the stunningly beautiful Tavignano gorge. The source of the river Tavignano is in the heart of the island, just south of Monte Cinto the highest peak in Corsica. The river flows generally east through Corte and on to the sea. However, before reaching civilisation again we have the opportunity to swim in the clear, clear water below the bridge which takes us to the other bank and down the valley.
After passing through the gorge we will arrive at the historic town of Corte. The town is famous for being the capital of the Corsican independent state during a period of resistance in the 1700's. The leader of the movement was Filippo Pasquale di Paoli a patriot who led the Corsicans, first against the Genoese, and later against French rule of the island. Corsica officially became a French province in 1770. With all of this history in mind we aim to arrive in Corte with some time to explore the town. We have not included dinner on this night to give you the chance to 'do your own thing' and eat out in a local restaurant.
Ascent: 720m (2361ft) Descent: 1400m (4592ft) Distance: 13km (8.1 miles) Duration: 5h00-5h30
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we leave Corte and start our day with a transfer of around 45 minutes to the start of our hike at the tiny hamlet of Vizzavona. By now we have reached the southern section of the GR20, and the terrain has changed to a slightly gentler landscape. We will have less rocky scrambling, and more opportunities to take in the views. On arrival at Vizzavona, popular with tourists since the Victorian era, we join the route of the GR20 with a climb through beautiful beech and pine forests to the Bocca Palmente which sits at 1640m (5379ft). At the top there are great views to the island of Elba, and behind us we have the imposing bulk of Monte d'Oro which rises above Vizzavona. From the pass we wander down to the shepherd's huts at Alzeta and then to the U Cardu ridge, and a spectacular view is unveiled, including tomorrow's objective, Monte Renoso which sitting at 2352m (7714ft) is one of the highest mountains in the southern part of Corsica. The island of Corsica is famous for its granite backbone of mountains, about forty of which are higher than 2000m (6560ft). All are located on the s-shaped spine of the island which winds from north to south. At the end of our day we arrive at Capanelle and our gîte which has an excellent terrace for an evening aperitif.
Ascent: 1079m (3539ft) Descent: 352m (1154ft) Distance: 15.1km (9.5 miles) Duration: 6h00-6h30
Accommodation: Gîte - beds in dormitory
This morning we leave Capanelle to begin our climb of Monte Renoso, which is an excellent goal for the day. With the summit sitting at 2352m (7714ft) it is the highest mountain in southern Corsica. It's a great peak that is seldom visited by most people on the GR20. The view from the summit includes both coastlines, as well as Monte Cinto , Monte Incudine and Bavella. Monte Renoso is no tougher than previous days, and is there are just small easy sections scrambling. While the highest and most impressive mountains can be found in the northern parts the 2000ers in the south are more isolated and offer better views. Once we have enjoyed the summit we have a steep descent, mostly with only a faint trail, down to the shepherds huts in the lovely valley of I Pozzi. Then it's a hard to find trail through the forests to the plateau de Gialgone, where we have a further few hours to the Col de Verde. For those who want a more relaxed day, and who do not feel the urge to climb Monte Renoso, you can opt to stay on the true GR20 route today which is considerably easier: this is also the route we take in bad weather. If you decide to do this you will be self-guided as your guide will lead the team ascending Monte Renoso.
Ascent: 953m (3125ft) Descent: 1270 (4165ft) Distance: 15.7km (9.8 miles) Duration: 8h00
If we take the lower route: Ascent: 600m (1968ft) Descent: 110m (360ft) Duration: 5h00
Accommodation: Gîte - beds in dormitory
We leave our overnight to climb steadily through woodland aiming for a high ridge and the Refuge de Prati. The views from the ridge are stunning and if the weather is clear then yet again we can see both coasts with the island of Elba on the horizon.
Elba is the largest remaining stretch of land from the ancient tract that once connected the Italian peninsula to Corsica. It was also to Elba that Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled after his forced abdication in 1814. He may have been in exile but he was allowed to keep a personal guard of six hundred soldiers! He was nominally sovereign of Elba, although the nearby sea was patrolled by the French and British navies. During the 300 days that Napoleon stayed on the island, he carried out a series of economic and social reforms to improve the quality of life, but not sufficient to keep him there! He escaped to France on 26 February 1815.
Once we leave the Refuge de Prati the climb continues and we enjoy a section of scrambling. There are some exposed sections as we make our way to the Col de Laparo before a long descent to the traditional Corsican village of Cozzano.
Ascent: 750m (2460ft) Descent: 1300m (4264ft) Distance: 20km (12.4 miles) Duration: 8h00
Accommodation: Gîte - beds in dormitory
Today we start by climbing through 'macquis', a type of shrub that grows densely on the mountains in Corsica, and is often scented by aromatic plants. This gives way to chestnut trees as we arrive at the impressive Arête a Mondi. As we arrived at the ridge we have a view down on the 'tented' community that surrounds the Refuge Usciola. We follow this ridge line which takes us to the Punta d'Usciolu at 1815m (5953ft), and then to the Punta di a Scaddatta at 1834m (6015ft) and then to our final pass today at Bocca di L'Agnonu. For the next few hours the route weaves through exciting notches on the ridge, sometimes exposed, but with relatively straightforward scrambling with wonderful views. We take a moment to catch our breath and take in the scenery before we start our descent through wonderful beech woodland, and eventually the pasture lands leading to our gîte at Il Croce. In the case of bad weather we will travel on a lower route today via the village of Zicavo. Tonight we will either be in a gîte or we will camp. Tents will be provided you do not have to carry one, but you do need your sleeping bag. Despite the remote location will have access to your luggage.
Ascent: 1430m (4690ft) Descent: 742m (2433ft) Distance: 18km (11.25 miles) Duration: 8h00
Accommodation: Gîte - beds in dormitory
A spectacular day today which begins early morning with a hike to the Col d'Incudine, from where we have wonderful views back towards Monte Cinto, the highest peak in Corsica. We can also see the island of Sardinia in front of us, which lies immediately south of Corsica. It that isn't enough to keep the photographers happy we also have views to the Aiguilles de Bavella where we will soon be heading. First thought we have a descent on rocky slabs to the Refuge d'Asinau. The refuge takes its name from the seven Towers of Asinau which feature on the ridge we are heading for. Leaving the refuge we follow an easy woodland trail before a climb to the Aiguilles de Bavella, this variant offers a spectacular route through spires, and boulders, and we have a section of chains to help with conquering a steep rock slab. The Aiguilles de Bavella are rocky spikes of red granite that dominate the hill of the same name, the word 'aiguilles' means 'needles'. A good indication of the type of terrain we are tackling.
Ascent: 1300m (4264ft) Descent: 1400m (4592ft) Distance: 20km (12.4 miles) Duration; 9h00-10h00
Accommodation: Gîte - beds in dormitory, or private rooms
The final day is a lovely way to end the stunning GR20. Our hike offers wonderful views across the granite peaks of Corsica, before we enter our final pine forest. After an easy stroll we begin to make our way up to the Refuge de Paliri where a cool drink is always welcome. This final section to Conca does not disappoint and the scenery remains spectacular right to the official end point of the Corsica GR20. Over the course of a truly spectacular two weeks you will have covered a total of 180km (112 miles), with approx 12,000m (39,360ft) of ascent and descent. That's no small achievement, and it is why this has to be one of the most challenging, but also rewarding long distance hikes in the world. We finish our day with a short transfer to Porto-Vecchio for a night by the sea. Tonight dinner is not included to allow you to venture out on the town and enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful resort.
Ascent: 700m (2296ft) Descent: 1670m (5477ft) Distance: 19km (12 miles) Duration: 7h00
Accommodation: Hotel
The holiday package ends after breakfast. Please contact us if you’d like any extra days added to your trip.
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
On all our trips we aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking. We have given details of our favoured venues and those we intend to use. If unavailable we will book alternative accommodation of a similar standard. Note that for this trip we have not provided details of ALL the accommodation we will use as we prefer to keep this out of the public domain.
Our trip fees are based on two people sharing a room. If you are travelling on your own your booking will be based on a twin bedroom sharing with someone of the same gender, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. In many cases a single room is available for a supplementary fee, but these can be in short supply and require early booking. Note that it is very rare to have air conditioning in European mountain areas, and most bedrooms do not have this facility.
The accommodation on the GR20 has a reputation for not being the most comfortable of mountain accommodation, but we aim to use hotels and privately-run gîtes which are comfortable, and clean.
It includes: 6 nights in hotels, 6 nights in gîtes, 1 night in a traditional mountain refuge & 1 or 2 nights camping. Your luggage will be transported to each accommodation except on 2 nights (Day 4 & 6) when you will be staying in remote locations. On these nights you will be required to carry a few extra items in your day pack.
A single room may be available for solo travellers in Calvi, Corte and Porto Vecchio, but will incur a supplement and is dependent on early booking as the number of single rooms is limited.
The Calvi Hôtel is in a gorgeous location right beside a sandy beach on the outskirts of the town of Calvi. A short walk under the palm trees and you will find yourself right beside the sea. The hotel is light, airy and modern. There are also a number of seaside bars within easy reach of the hotel. You can walk into town to explore the historic streets in 10 minutes or so.
Tonight our destination is the Hotel Le Chalet which is situated at the foot of Monte Cinto, the highest mountain in Corsica. It was built in 1964 and has 28 bedrooms with en suite facilities. It has a terrace which is a great place to enjoy the views and watch the sunset.
This evening we are truly under the stars as we camp beside the ancient shepherd's hut at the Bergeries de Vallon. You do not need to carry any camping gear as we will organise tents and sleeping mats. You do, however, need to carry your sleeping bag. Tonight you will not have access to your luggage due to the remote location of our overnight. The Bergeries de Vallon is an old shepherd's hut situated in a really lovely setting, with rock pools nearby for bathing.
We finish today at the old ski station at Castel de Verghio, where we have our hotel of the same name. Well, nearly the same name, but as often in Corsica there are several variations on spelling! The hotel is high in the mountains and right on the GR20, as well as several other hiking routes. It was fully renovated in 2010 and now has 29 bedrooms with balconies, and en suite facilities.
We are in the forests in the mountains for our overnight at the Refuge de la Sega. The Sega is run by Frederique and Marie, a mother and daughter team who give a warm welcome. The refuge is in a lovely location away from the crowds, with stunning rock pools nearby for a freshening swim before dinner. The accommodation will be either in dormitories, or in tents in the grounds of the refuge.
A 'refuge' is simple accommodation in the mountains where we can sleep and have our meals provided. They are run by 'guardians' or 'guardiennes' if the team is female. For many it is a way of life, rather than a career and we are grateful for these people who are happy to spend the summer months in remote areas providing hikers with a service. Thank you!
In Corte we stay in the Hotel du Nord which dates back to 1861. It has now been renovated to offer guests comfort without losing any of its charm. The rooms are equipped with an LCD TV with Satellite connection, a telephone, a hairdryer, a fan, and free Wi-Fi connection. The hotel is situated in the mountains, but in the centre of Corte. It does a great breakfast buffet!
The Gîte U Fugone is full of character. It was built beside the GR20 more than 30 years ago and has been welcoming hikers ever since. It is run by the Maurizi family; Régine, her son Roger-Philippe, and her daughter Laure. It is situated in an ideal spot in a lovely setting. Accommodation here will be dormitory style.
The Relais San Petru de Verde is in the heart of Corsica, near Col Verde at the top of the Taravo Valley. The Relais is set in a natural and wild environment surrounded by a mature forest of Laricio pine trees, beech and firs. There are hot showers and a camping area. We will most likely be in dormitories or in the small chalets scattered around the grounds of the Relais.
Tonight we head off the trail to Cozzano to enjoy an over night stay at the Auberge A Filetta. This family run auberge has a swimming pool which is ideal for cooling down after your day of trekking. Enjoy a homemade meal in the restaurant whilst soaking in the views of the Taravo mountain.
Tonight at the Bergerie de Croci we will either be in a dormitories or we will camp. As stated previously tents will be provided, you do not have to carry them, but you do need your sleeping bag. You will, however, have access to your luggage. The facilities are simple and accommodation basic. A case of feeling like we are way out in the wilds!
The Auberge du Col de Bavella is perfectly located, in the heart of the Aiguilles de Bavella, for our overnight stay. This auberge was founded in 1936 by the Grimaldi family and has been run by the family ever since. Enjoy traditionally charcuterie and authentic, family-style cuisine in this stunning location.
The four star Golden Tulip hotel is a touch of luxury and a fitting end to your time on the GR20. You could enjoy your time relaxing by the pool and soaking up the views of the port. Alternatively you could walk to the stunning Cala Verde beach and take a dip in the sea. The rooms are modern and and well equipped with a flat screen tv, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, air conditioning and WiFi.
Arrival
You can take the ferry from mainland France or Italy to the island of Corsica, but would only recommend this if you are travelling with a car as public transport is not frequent.
If you decide to fly you will travel to Bastia airport where we will collect you on the Sunday. You can also choose to arrive the evening before and meet the group at Bastia airport for the transfer to Calvi. Alternatively, you may prefer to fly direct to Calvi and meet at the group hotel, particularly those coming from the UK, as there is a direct flight from Gatwick to Calvi.
Arrival at Bastia Airport
We have included a single-timed transfer from Bastia Airport to Calvi on the trip Arrival day. If your flight is significantly delayed you may need to take a private transfer and it is worth checking your travel insurance will cover this 2 hour journey. Bastia has the largest choice of flights from various European destinations.
For those joining at the airport, you will meet the group between 1100 hrs - 1300 hrs, depending on flight times. We will let you know the meeting time when we have everyone's flight details, usually about two weeks before departure. If everyone arrives on an earlier flight, we will depart early.
There is a choice of airports in terms of flying to Bastia: if the UK flights don't work for you, then you can look at arriving from Paris, Nice, Marseille, Toulouse, Lyon, Lille, Vienna and Basel. Skyscanner gives various options.
Bastia Airport is 17 km (10.6 miles) from the town centre. If you’re staying near the airport, then we recommend Hotel Poretta, Hotel Le Lido or Chez Walter. Or Hotel Pineto in Biguglia, next to the sea, which is 9km (5.6 miles) from the airport.
Buses run (infrequently) from the airport to Bastia centre.
Arrival at Calvi
It is also a really good option to fly to Calvi and make your own way to the group hotel. We normally hold a briefing before dinner and would ask that you arrive by 1800 hrs. Note that Calvi is only suitable for the arrival at the beginning of the trip - your departure airport will need to be either Bastia or Figari.
Departure
From experience our customers all have different plans at the end of the tour and we will assist in organising transfers back to the airport if required. Please note this a return transfer is not included.
Departure from Bastia Airport
Bastia Airport is just over 2 hours by car; we would recommend booking flights departing after mid-day. If you have a long wait for your flight, we recommend booking a day room at the Hotel Poretta which is within walking distance of the airport, and has an outdoor pool. With a lot of luggage you may want to get a taxi to the hotel even although the distance is short.
Departure from Figari Airport
Figari airport is only a 25 minute drive from our end hotel in Porto Vecchio, compared to 2h50 to Bastia. A taxi from Porto Vecchio to Figari is not expensive and we can help co-ordinate taxi shares for those who would like to this option.
Travel in general
If you are planning to extend your holiday and stay on in Corsica it is worth noting the public transport system is not frequent and taxis are expensive. A good resource for onward travel is the Corsica bus website.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. Note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in.
At least once each summer we experience unseasonal conditions that really do make every item on the kit list essential. If you do not have the correct kit, our guide may ask you to leave the trip until you have purchased the necessary items. Every year we experience unseasonal snow at least once. It can also rain very heavily and temperatures can go from being around 35° Celsius (96° F) one week, to below ) 0° (32° F) the next. So, if it rains, you will need waterproof jackets AND trousers, and will be glad of several pairs of gloves. If it snows, you will need decent hiking boots (NOT hiking trainers), walking poles, warm clothes and warm hat and gloves. It is also possible to experience a heatwave. If this happens, you will likely require numerous sachets of rehydration salts and will need to carry 3-4L of water. A sun hat will be absolutely essential.
For a fuller explanation of the kit listed below you can check out Lindsay's tips and tricks for the GR20 here.
Drinking Water - on this trip we stay in a number of mountain huts where the only safe source of drinking water is to buy bottled water. As well as being environmentally unsustainable this can also be very expensive. For this reason you may wish to consider a water filtration system. We avoid recommending any specific product and ask that you do your own research into the safest and most efficient system.
Equipment
Clothing
Dormitory nights in Refuges/Gîte
Comfort
Personal First Aid
Documentation
Optional items
Additional Information
Walking Boots
We cannot stress enough that the GR20 is rugged underfoot, and if your walking boots are showing signs of wear, the GR20 will almost certainly finish them off. Make sure your boots are in good condition before arriving as there are no gear shops on the hike, apart from a small shop in Corte in the middle of the trip. If you have any new equipment such as a rucksack or walking boots, it is a good idea to have used them a few times before the trip in order to avoid blisters/sore spots.
Walking Poles
Walking poles will really help your knees, and if you haven’t used them before, it would be a good idea to practice beforehand so they are not a hindrance.
Hydration
With regard to hydration we keep up a steady pace for much of the day and it can be difficult to take in enough water if you have to remove your pack to access your water bottles, and for this reason we recommend a hydration system. However, having witnessed various disasters over the years with hydration systems, for example, your entire supply of water disappearing due to a leak, we recommend using a hydration system AND water bottles to avoid this situation. There are not always places to fill up water during the day, so on some days we have to carry all of our water for that day.
Luggage
1x Medium sized kit bag/holdall or suitcase, preferably on wheels. Keep the weight to 15kg (33lbs) or below. Luggage with wheels is best. Be aware that your luggage is being transported by taxi and the taxi companies only accept one bag per guest. If you have more than one bag we may have to pay extra and if this is the case we would ask you to refund Tracks and Trails. Ensure you are able to carry your luggage upstairs if necessary, as some of the hotels do not have lifts, and you may have to walk across rough ground on campsites with it. Carry enough dry bags/plastic bags to protect the contents of your luggage bag, which on occasion may be left outside. When it does rain it can be torrential and you may find the contents are wet.
Diet
Dinners and lunches are plentiful, but the breakfasts in the more basic accommodation are standard French Refuge issue, ie dry bread and jam. You may want to bring extra items such as dried fruit, energy bars etc. Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mixes are also recommended especially for those with vegetarian, gluten free or celiac diets. Please read the section under 'Trip Information' which refers to 'Food and Water' as it is not easy for remote locations to cater for gluten free or vegan diets.
Leaders are all first aid trained and carry their own first aid kit
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. The single supplement for this trip is £700-£900.
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
Please note your guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
Your hiking guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting. You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
We would like to make it clear that due to the wild and rocky nature of the terrain on the GR20 that your guide also has complete discretion to ask you to leave the trip if your fitness and ability adversely impacts on safety.
Is this trip right for me?
The GR20 in Corsica is a very tough trek with long walking days in succession. It certainly earns its reputation as one of the toughest treks in Europe. You must be fit and accustomed to walking in the mountains, and happy to deal with sections of rocky scrambling where you might need to pull on chains, and climb ladders. It is not a suitable trip for those who suffer from vertigo, nor is it a trip for those who are not sure-footed and confident, as there is more technical terrain than you might think for what is essentially a walking path.
The GR20 is not always accessible by road, and it is not easy to simply miss a day of hiking and take a rest. As the days are long, we cannot afford to go too slowly (as you may be used to doing on easier treks). We will hike for around 8h00 each day, and some days are 9h00 to 10h00. We need to maintain a pace which we would describe as 'steady' without too many stops. Some of the ascents are long, and the descents are steep and rocky, and these can be challenging for those with knee issues.
If for any reason your fitness is not at the suitable level for this trip we reserve the right, for safety reasons, to ask you to take public/private transport to the next possible meeting point with you group. Any costs in this regard will be paid for by you, the client.
We have graded the trip challenging:
"Our toughest trips are those we deem to be ‘challenging’. By this we mean challenging physically and mentally. You need a high level of fitness, considerable previous experience of multi day walking trips, and a good attitude. You should enjoy walking for full days and be prepared to cope with regular ascents/descents of between 1300-1800m (4264-5904ft), and crossing passes at up to 3500m (11,480ft). You need to be able to deal with bad weather and to be able to look after your self in terms of being too cold, too hot, too wet, too tired. You do not need to be an athlete, but you do need to know what it is like to walk all day to get to where you are going. You should be able to cope with rough and loose terrain, and deal with exposed sections of paths, and occasional sections of cabling or ladders to assist on steep ground. Expect to walk for up to 9 hours a day."
On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support on all but 2 of the nights, which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required. On the nights you are in the mountain huts you will need to carry just a few extra items in your rucksack.
As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea.
On our GR20 walking trip lunches are included in your trip fee except for Calvi on your arrival day and in Bonifacio on your rest day. Your kit list will ask you to bring a plastic 'Tupperware' lunch box and cutlery as you will often be given a pasta or lentil salad as well as other items for lunch. Approximately 0.6-0.8 litres will be adequate. Label it with your name, and if you are vegetarian please make this obvious on the box.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
GR20 – Corsica by Paddy Dillon (A Cicerone Guide)
Corsica Trekking GR20 by David Abram (Trailblazer Guide)
Rough Guide or Lonely Planet Guide to Corsica
Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have some maps of the route then the 1:60,000 Didier Richard maps cover the whole route on two maps – Haute Corse and Corse du Sud.
If you prefer to have the route in more detail, you need six of the 1:25,000 IGN French maps:
4149 OT Calvi
4250 OT Corte and Monte Cinto
4251 OT Monte d’Oro and Monte Rotondo
4252 OT Monte Renoso
4253 OT Petreto-Bicchiasano and Zicavo
4253 ET Aiguilles de Bavella and Solenzara
If you would like to order any of these maps in advance then please let us know and we can add them to your order – we can either post them to you, or give them to you at the start of the trip. The price is approximately £15 each for the IGN maps, and £14 each for the Didier Richard 1:60,000 maps, plus postage if applicable.
On the island of Corsica the weather during the summer months is normally clear and warm. The snow should have melted by around late June, and July is the hottest month with the least amount of rainfall, with June, August and September also being relatively dry. The temperatures in the summer can range from 5°Celsius (41°F) to around 30°Celsius (86°F), but note that in July 2013 and 2015 it did reach 36°C (96.8°F).
It is generally hot and dry, but due to the mountainous nature of the terrain it is not uncommon to have sudden thunder storms, harsh wind, heavy rain, hail and sometimes even snow, so it is important to be prepared for any eventuality.
At least once per summer we experience unseasonal conditions that really do make every item on the kit list essential. If you do not have the correct kit, our guide may ask you to leave the trip until you have purchased the necessary items. Every year we experience unseasonal snow at least once. It can also rain heavily and temperatures can be erratic, in the mid 30°Celsius (96°F) one week, to below 0°Celsius (32°F) the next. So, if it rains, you will need waterproof jackets AND trousers, and several pairs of gloves. If it snows, you will need decent hiking boots (NOT hiking trainers), walking poles, warm clothes and warm hat and gloves. It's also essential that you can put your waterproof trousers on without removing your boots.
It is possible to experience several weeks of heatwave at a time. If this happens, you will likely get through numerous sachets of rehydration salts and will need to be carrying 3-4L of water, and a sun hat will be essential.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
You will need money for lunch in Calvi, and dinners in Calvi, Corte and Porto Vecchio. For dinner we find that between 25-30 Euros per dinner is sufficient, while 10-15 Euros per day for drinks and snacks should be enough. For your two week trip you should have between 300-400 Euros in cash. Bottled water, wine, beer and soft drinks are available at almost all of the refuges, and you might find that the hot weather makes you consume more cans of soft drink than would be normal for you. There are cashpoints at Bastia airport, at Calvi, Corte and Bonifacio. Credit cards are not accepted in the refuges, and there will be no money-changing facilities throughout the trip so please do not bring cash in another currency, nor travellers cheques, as you will not be able to use them. Please note that arriving on a Sunday, the banks will be closed.
Food
On all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes.
If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation as soon as possible. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us.
We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. In some remote accommodation in the mountains a shortage of water may mean that showers are not available.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
New European Travel Regulations from mid 2025
If you are a guest travelling to one of our European holidays you may be impacted by a significant change to travel regulations expected to be in place from the middle of 2025. The new EITAS scheme will start operating this year and, whilst a start date is not yet confirmed, it is likely to affect our summer holidays in 2025 and any winter holiday thereafter. As your holiday approaches we recommend that you check for updates on the website HERE.
We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
We work with experienced and professional guides who are passionate about their work. Over the years we have always strived to pursue adventurous routes in special places where you can truly experience the pleasure of a long distance hike which takes you into the wild mountains and off the beaten track. With all our trips we work with qualified International Mountain Leaders who have spent years training to earn the right to work in the mountains. Tracks and Trails is a small company more interested in the enjoyment of our clients than making huge profits, and as a result we tend to have small groups, experienced leaders and happy clients.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, if you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case.
The refuges along the GR20 are, unfortunately, renowned for bed bugs, and this is one of the main reasons we avoid the huts. We do not stay in any establishment where they have been reported (unlike other operators): we are either in hotels or private gîtes, so we are not so likely to encounter them. However, it is worth noting that at the end of each trip, we recommend that you wash all your clothes at quite a high temperature, just on the off-chance that they have come into contact with these mites.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sun 22 Jun - Sat 05 Jul Code: LCG1 |
Price: £3395 | 2 more to guarantee | Book |
|
Sun 07 Sep - Sat 20 Sep Code: LCG2 |
Price: £3395 | Spaces available | Book |
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sun 21 Jun - Sat 04 Jul Code: LCG1 |
Price: £3530 | Spaces available | Book |
|
Sun 06 Sep - Sat 19 Sep Code: LCG2 |
Price: £3530 | Spaces available | Book |
| From Price | £3395 |
| Holiday Type | Walking |
| Duration | 14 Days |
| Group Size | 4-10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2352m (7714ft) |
| Countries Visited | France |
| Meet In | Bastia Airport, Corsica |
