GR20 NORTH - GUIDED VERSION FROM CALENZANA TO CORTE	price from 899 €
Corsica - Guided walking - 7 days

Considered as the most difficult and technical long-distance walk of Europe, the GR20 attracts walkers from all over the world looking for a challenge. The North section of the GR20 is the hardest. The route in the North stays high on rocky paths, passing close by to the summits of many mountains. It also includes the most famous passage of the GR20: the Cirque de la Solitude. This steep ascent uses a combination of fixed chains and a metal ladder. The Cirque de la Solitude is the only technical passage, requiring care and attention and a head for heights, but no technical experience. This circuit will allow you to discover the most beautiful and the most wild areas of Corsica all with the aid of a guide.

Program

Day 1 From Calenzana to Bonifatu Your trip will start in the morning from Calvi. Calvi is accessible by plane, train or ferry. A transfer to Calenzana is then organised for you. South-east of Calvi, this little village sits quietly within an area abundant with olive trees. From here you will start your hike to Bonifatu, which lies high up in the forest. This stage is characterised by several river crossings as well as magnificent views of the typical towns of the Balagne. It is an excellent warm up to the GR20 offering superb views towards the Corsican coast. Food: L,D Accommodation:Gîte (double room available). Luggage: Your luggage will be waiting for you at the gîte. Walking: About 4h30. Height gain: + 500m Height loss: -230m

Day 2 From Bonifatu to Haut Asco After breakfast, you will leave Bonifatu for one of the longest stages along the GR20. Once more crossing several rivers before reaching the famous footbridge of Spasimata, which is 30 metres in length and suspended above a waterfall (a great location for photos). You will arrive in the Valley of the Muvrella (mouflon) with its small lake. The viewpoints are numerous and divine from the passes. The route continues to the foot of the Monte Cinto, the highest summit of Corsica, where you will spend the night. Food: B,L,D Accommodation: Gîte (double room available). Luggage: Your luggage will be waiting for you at the gîte. Walking: About 8h15. Height gain: +1430m Height loss: -546m.

Day 3 From Haut Asco to the sheepfolds of Vallone In this dream setting, you may have the chance to observe mouflons, which are numerous in this region of Corsica. The legendary ‘Cirque de la Solitude’ offers one of the most impressive landscapes of the GR20. Equipped with handrails and a ladder, this is a technical passage which will leave you with great memories, once crossed! A (long) detour is also possible to avoid it. The route continues passed the refuge of Tighjettu before reaching the sheepfolds of Vallone, where a cluster of shepherd huts await you with ample portions of home cooked food made from local products. Food: B,L,D Accommodation: Tent Luggage: Your main bag will not be available on this day Walking: About 6h30

Day 4 From the Sheepfolds of Vallone to Verghio 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. The climb is soon rewarded as you reach up and over the saddle towards the Refuge of Ciotulu i Mori, where the view expands down towards the Golo valley. From here, the path becomes much easier, as you wind your way down the valley, past the many rock pools on the Golo river, which are fantastic for bathing. The final stretch takes you back through the woods and up again to Castel di Verghio. Food: B,L,D Accommodation: Gîte (double room available) Luggage: Your luggage will be waiting for you at the gîte. Walking: About 6h15. Height gain: +600m Height loss: -640m.

Day 5 From Verghio to the Sega refuge Today maybe a long day for some walkers, but it is a real treat. Leaving Verghio under the shadow of this superb forest, the route gradually begins to climb and the trees start to fall away. The morning’s effort is rewarded by the descent to Lac de Nino with its little ponds (pozzines). This is one of the most well known lakes in Corsica. The surroundings are superb, with fantastic views of the mountains and often horses, cows and pigs can be seen grazing in tranquillity around the lake. The path continues to follow the river (and its many bathing pools) to lead you to one of the most beautiful refuges on the island. Food: B,L,D Accommodation: Refuge. Luggage: Your main bag will not be available on this day. Walking: About 7h20 Height gain: +600m Height loss: -640m

Day 6 From the Sega refuge to Corte After tearing yourselves away from the natural pools near the refuge, you will make your way down the Tavignano gorge, to Corte. This stage offers more opportunities en route for bathing in the crystal clear waters of the Tavignano river. Overnight at a hotel in Corte. Dinner is not included and so you are free to eat at a restaurant of your choice, all within easy reach of the hotel. Food: B,L Accommodation: Hotel, twin rooms. Luggage: Your luggage will be waiting for you at your hotel. Walking: About 6 hours Height gain: +70m Height loss: -750m

Day 7 Corte Your holiday ends after breakfast.

22d of August 2007

We had a wonderful time in Corsica and especially enjoyed the GR20 and the scenery. Thank you very much for organising for us. Zoey, UK.