This trip is ideal for individuals travelling alone who wish to join a guided group. Please bear in mind that we use local mountain guides whose proficiency of the English language cannot be guaranteed.
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.
Day 1 Ajaccio - valley of Manganellu Transfer to the hamlet of Canaglia where we begin our trek along a superb mountain stream with natural pools. We climb to the heart of the valley of Manganellu until reaching the refuge (1840 m). Night in a tent or at the refuge. 5h00 of walking. + 1200m.
Day 2 The lakes of Restonica By the col (mountain pass) on the high route, you will discover the lakes of Restonica, under the watchful eyes of Monte Ritondu. You will climb to the breach of Capitello before descending to the refuge of Manganu. Night in a tent.
6 hours of walking. + 765m, -1005m.
Day 3 Lake Ninu Set in the middle of short green turf, the famous lake Ninu is stunningly offset with a backdrop of mountains. We traverse a labyrinth of small blue ponds (or pozzines) surrounded by a bright green natural lawn.
We start our descent where we discover in the far distance, the gulf of Sagone. At the Col de Saint Antoine, we walk through the heart of a conifer forest before reaching Verghio.
5h30 of walk, + 400m, -600m. Night in a lodge.
Day 4 The ‘col de Foggiale’ We will climb to the refuge of Ciuttolu di i Mori (1990 m). At the col de Foggiale we descend on a rocky path to the sheep-folds of Vallone.
You will need to carry the belongings you need for the night as you won’t have access to your main bag.
Night in a tent, evening meal at the auberge.
6 hours of walking, +760m, -720m.
Day 5 The ‘cirque de la solitude’ We will pass the refuge of Tighjettu before climbing to Bocca Minuta (2218 m). Crossing the cirque de la solitude – a semi-circular rock face, is the most famous section of the GR20 and the most technical (using chains and a ladder), although it is still within the reach of any competent walker with a head for heights.
Night and evening meal in a lodge at Haut Asco. 6h30 of walking, +1000m, -1020m.
Day 6 The Monte Cintu This is a memorable day with an ascent of the highest mountain in Corsica, the Monte Cintu (2706m).
7h30 of walking, + 1400m, -1400m.
Day 7 Lake of Muvrella - end of the trek By the Bocca di Stagnu, at the foot of Punta A Muvrella (2148 m), we leave the valley of Ascu to arrive in the forest of Bonifatu. We will pass the lake of Muvrella and the footbridge of Spasimata.
We will stop at the refuge of Carrozzu, before crossing a splendid forest of
pines and of birches to the forest house of Bonifatu where the trek finishes.
A transfer by bus is provided to Calvi.
7 hours of walking +730m, - 1610m.
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.
Fact sheet
Details
Starting point Ajaccio. Meet at the bus and maritime station at 8h00 on day 1. Our team will then take care of your main luggage. Be ready and prepared for the first walk.
End Calvi (the walk should finish around 17h00 at Bonifatu, return to Calvi around 17h45).
Accommodation Accommodation is provided in the way of tents (matresses provided) and in refuges (dormitories).
Number of people Maximum of 14
Level of difficulty You need to be used to trekking in the mountains. Average 6-7 hours of hiking per day on sometimes difficult trails.
Carrying You will have access to your main bag on days 3, 5 and 6. For days 6 and 7 you will only need to carry your day sack.
Options - If there are less than 8 people in a group there is an additional fee of: : 50€
Included From the point at which the tour meets, the transfers, full board, the assistance of a mountain guide, luggage assistance as described.
Not included Insurances, transport up to the point of the meeting place, and after the point of dispersal in Calvi, personal expenditure.
