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Ke Classic
Ke Classic
Holidays

GR20 Corsica - The Complete Route

14 reviews

15 days from

US$3,845

without flights
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Walk & Trek
Guided Group
TOUGH TOUGH

Complete Europe's toughest long distance trekking trail, the GR20 in Corsica - from north to south

Trip Code: COR
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

GR20 Corsica - The Complete Route

Highlights

  • Trek the whole of the GR20, north to south, from Calenzana to Conca

  • Enjoy varied terrain from forested slopes to airy ridges and rocky outcrops

  • Expertly guided hiking with an experienced and qualified tour leader

  • Vehicle support with access to bags where possible so you can walk in greater comfort

  • Enjoy restful nights, with 6 night’s camping to avoid the busy refuge dormitories

At a Glance
  • Group Size 6 to 10
  • 13 days trekking
  • Max altitude - 2600m
  • Join In Bastia
Accommodation & Meals
  • All meals included
  • 4 nights Hotel
  • 6 nights Camping
  • 4 nights Gite / Hostel
  • All meals included
  • 4 nights Hotel
  • 6 nights Camping
  • 4 nights Gite / Hostel
Overview

On this absolutely classic walking holiday you can challenge yourself to walk the complete GR20 Haute Route, on the beautiful Mediterranean Island of Corsica, one of the finest and hardest mountain walking routes in the whole of Europe; what a superb adventure! Rising abruptly from the Mediterranean Sea, with granite peaks soaring to over 2500m, Corsica is known as 'the Scented Isle'.

Famous for its dramatic coastline and pretty, perched mountain villages, the island reveals its most spectacular scenery only to those who are prepared to explore it on foot. Over the course of a truly spectacular 2 weeks we will cover a total of 180km of mountainous terrain, with approx 12,000m altitude ascent and descent, as we trek the entire GR20 route, from the pretty village of Calenzana near the northern coast, all the way down to Conca, in the south east.

As we follow Corsica's granite backbone down through the heart of the island, we will encounter a variety of terrain, which means that everyday is a different challenge; whether it be hiking forested slopes, high pasture and alpine valleys or scrambling airy ridges and rocky outcrops. This unique European trekking holiday offers the perfect combination of Mediterranean sunshine, inspiring scenery and a challenging walking adventure; you'll be returning home with a real sense of achievement.

If you're up for the challenge of completing one of Europe's toughest walking routes, but need to know exactly what's involved? Then read our candid guide to find out if the GR20 is for you: GR20 - Is It For You 

Is this holiday for you?

Completing Corsica's GR20 should be an achievable challenge for experienced mountain walkers. There are some consistently long days, with scrambling sections and high ridge walks; which will require you to be in very good shape, with good hill walking stamina and the ability to move confidently over rocky mountain terrain. On average we will be covering 10 - 15km per day (the longest day being …

Completing Corsica's GR20 should be an achievable challenge for experienced mountain walkers. There are some consistently long days, with scrambling sections and high ridge walks; which will require you to be in very good shape, with good hill walking stamina and the ability to move confidently over rocky mountain terrain. On average we will be covering 10 - 15km per day (the longest day being 25km), with 800 -1000m ascent/descent. This equates to around 7 - 8hrs of walking each day, with a few days of around 9hrs (this is not including stops).  We can look forward to some full and satisfying hill days, where we will begin at first light and arrive at our nightspot in the early evening. 

As the route cannot be fully vehicle-supported, you will be required to carry your sleeping bags, rain gear, the day’s food and additional snacks for the group, along with essential overnight items on 8 of the 13 walking days, though we will make sure to get your main baggage to you wherever possible (6 nights).

If you want to know more about walking Corisca’s GR20, including some suggestions of good UK based training walks, then read our candid guide: GR20 - Is It For You?


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Why KE?

If you want to walk the WHOLE GR20 then this is the itinerary for you. This is the real route and the whole trail from Calenzana in the north, all the way to Conca in the south-east. We avoid the busy refuge dormitories with 6 nights camping and the itinerary is also designed to allow you access to your main baggage on many nights, so you can carry less and enjoy more!

 

With everything except your travel insurance, airport transfers and miscellaneous expenses included, you have little to worry about except enjoying the journey.

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A single timed transfer is provided from Bastia Airport to the group hotel in Calvi where your holiday starts.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

D
Hide Details

We make a very early start today with a transfer to the village of Calenzana, heading out as soon as there is enough light. Due to the remote nature of our overnight stips, there will be several nights during the holiday where we will not have access to our kitbags. Tonight will be one of those nights and so we will be required to carry our minimum overnight gear, including our sleeping bag, during today's walk. From the signpost that marks the start of the trail we take a sandy path that heads up hill passing through chestnut trees up into the Mediterranean maquis shrublands. The trail loops up to a high airy col, from where the views of the coastline and Calvi are stunning. There is a lot of ascent today. We continue through the pine woods to our first refuge, Ortu di u Pobbio. Tonight we will stay in the refuge, or camp outside. No access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1500 M

Descent

230 M

Time

6 - 7 hours walking

Distance

12 KM
Hide Details

We will cover some really interesting and challenging terrain today as we make the rocky ascent into the cirque of Bonifatu. On reaching the top of the cirque, we stay high and contour around to the other side, enjoying spectacular views as we go. When we finish the traverse, we can enjoy a good downhill section to the national park refuge of Carrozzu. Surrounding the refuge are high pinnacles of granite forming tall spires. One of them is home to a rare family of Lammergeyer vultures. From the terrace of Carrozzu we can enjoy watching the sun setting into the sea at the end of the day. Overnight Carrozzu Refuge or camping. No access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

795 M

Descent

1070 M

Time

8 - 9 hours walking

Distance

10 KM
Hide Details

We begin today by crossing the river on an exciting suspension bridge and then ascend the gorge on a rocky path, there are fixed chains to help at times, to the Lac de Muvrella and then we continue up to the ridge above. From here, we have views of the western coastline, as well as the peaks that mark the entrance to the Cirque de Solitude. We enjoy this high traverse to a second col where the rocky descent starts to Haut Asco. We stay at the Hotel Le Chalet in this old ski station, which has been wonderfully refurbished. The hot showers and comfortable beds are well appreciated after the previous 2 nights in refuges! There is a bar and restaurant at the hotel. Tonight we have access to our main baggage.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

690 M

Descent

850 M

Time

7 - 8 hours walking

Distance

8 KM
Hide Details

From Haute Asco we take the marked trail that heads towards Corsica's highest peak, Monte Cinto (2706m) and we cross a ridge at around 2600m to descend to Lac du Cinto. This lies in a beautiful remote valley surrounded by rugged high peaks. From Lac du Cinto we ascend westwards to another high pass, the Bocca Crucetta 2450m, and from here descend to the Refuge Tighiettu and on to our overnight stop at the Bergerie de Vallone. We set up our camp nearby and dine in the cabin restaurant. There are some beautiful natural swimming pools near to the campsite. No access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1600 M

Descent

1600 M

Time

10 hours walking

Distance

13 KM
Hide Details

From Vallone we have a leisurely start to the day as the path contours round through the pine woods. The gradient soon changes as the path pulls steeply up to the col above. It will take us around two hours of steady ascent to get to the refuge, Ciottolu di Mori. Situated at 2000m this is the highest refuge on the trek. After a break to fill up with water and enjoy views from the terrace, we continue along a fantastic ridge that heads south before dropping into the Golu valley. We carry on down the valley all the way to our stop for the night at Castel di Vergio, one of the island's small ski stations. Castel di Vergio hotel has been refurbished in the last few years and is very comfortable, with a little shop that stocks a multitude of useful items and food snacks! Access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

910 M

Descent

950 M

Time

7 - 8 hours walking

Distance

15 KM
Hide Details

We start the day with easy walking on a horseshoe-shaped trail. After a level start the path climbs uphill through the woods to the Col St Pierre (1452m) where there is a small statue. We walk through beech woods then enjoy an airy ridge walk to the famous pozzine (grassy meadows) area that surround the Lac de Nino where we can enjoy the lush green turf of the lakeshore. At 1743m, this glacial lake is in a lovely, sheltered location, surrounded by a spongy peat, making it an ideal summer grazing ground for horses and cattle. From the lake, the path heads to the shepherd’s cabin of Vaccaja (1621m), a fantastic spot, which is a working goat farm, producing some of Corsica’s famous goat’s cheese. The GR20 continues on for another 20mins across a spongy plateau called the Camputile to arrive at Manganu refuge where we will stay the night in the refuge, or camping nearby. No access to main luggage.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

750 M

Descent

565 M

Time

7 - 8 hours walking

Distance

17 KM
Hide Details

We set off for another magnificent mountain day. A rocky ascent leads from the refuge up to the high breche of Capitellu (2225m). We have splendid views from here of the lakes below and the imposing summits surrounding us. The glacial lake of Capitellu (1930m) is the deepest on the island (40m) with sheer sheets of granite plunging into its depths. Further below is the large apple shaped lake of Melo surrounded by spongy grass. We make a rocky traverse around and above the lakes and continue on to the Col de la Haute Route passing above yet another lake, the Rinoso. Reaching Petra Piana (1840), a small refuge that nestles on the lower flanks of the Monte Renoso, we can stop off for a break and re-fill water bottles before continuing down the Manganello valley passing by some magnificent rock pools on the way to Tolla bridge (942m) . We cross the river and walk the last couple of kilometres up through the forest to L'Onda shepherd's cabin (1385m), where we will set up camp for the night. L'Onda is a privately owned working goat and sheep farm, with a small shop. Hot showers are usually available for an additional charge. No access to main baggage. Depending on availability of the huts, we may instead stop and over night at Petra Piana. If this is possible, this will even out the distances a little that are walked today and tomorrow. This will still be camping and no access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1400 M

Descent

1600 M

Time

10 hours walking

Distance

20 KM
Hide Details

Today will be a welcome shorter day, allowing us some valuable rest time in the afternoon. From the L'Onda bergerie, we pull up onto the ridge, where there are some truly fantastic panoramic views, we follow the ridge to the Muratello pass where we cross over and access the neighboring valley. The Monte d'Oro massif dominates, as we make our way down its flanks into the l'Agnone glacier valley below. We continue on to Vizzavona, where there is a vast forest and small railway station that marks the midway point of the GR20. Small dormitory rooms tonight with a cosy dining room in the Monte d'Oro Gite. Access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

670 M

Descent

1180 M

Time

6 - 7 hours walking

Distance

11 KM
Hide Details

An early start this morning as we begin our big day of 28km of beautiful trails! Today's walk is long, but the route is relatively straightforward. We walk up to the Bocca Palmente, a pass which offers great views on a clear day to the flat coastal plains and sea lagoons. We drop down the other side and start a long easy section past shepherd's cabins and on to pass near to Capanelle (1640m), which is a small ski station in winter. We are essentially traversing the flanks of the dominating mountain massif, Monte Renoso. We traverse open slopes with wonderful views, cross numerous chutes and runnels of water before our last approach in and out of the forest, to our overnight stop at the Col de Verde (1289m). Col de Verde is a private gite and restaurant in a forest setting. We overnight in either the gite dormitory on in one of the smaller cabins. Access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1090 M

Descent

970 M

Time

9 - 10 hours walking

Distance

28 KM
Hide Details

From Col de Verde a forest trail ascends up through the woods and onto the high ridge above. We continue along the ridge in a southerly direction to reach the Refuge de Prati. We skirt around the Punta Del la Cappella and two further summits along the ridge before crossing the Col de Rapari. At the second col, Bocca di Laparo (1538m) there is a welcome drinking water spring nearby. The GR20 continues following a ridge passing close to the summit of Monte Formicula to reach the Refuge d'Uscioulu (1750m), which we will camp beside. No access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1290 M

Descent

830 M

Time

9 - 10 hours walking

Distance

16 KM
Hide Details

From the Usciolu refuge we follow a superb rocky ridge known as the Arete a Monda which involves some sections of straightforward scrambling. After the rocky ridge the trail goes down through dwarf beech tree woods to a flat picnic area and spring stop. Once at the Bocca de l'Agnone (1570m), there are several trails that lead to the different accommodations dotted around this unique plateau area. It is the highest and biggest plateau on the island, the vegetation and lovely clear waters make it a haven of wild beauty. We have selected a friendly private gite for our overnight stop, at Crocce. We either stay in the gite or camp. Access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

450 M

Descent

650 M

Time

7 hours walking

Distance

15 KM
Hide Details

From our gite, we head in a south easterly direction to the col Bocca di Chiralba (1743m). We then ascend to the ridge above to meet it at 2029m. Here we are in the shadows of the Monte Incudine summit. We follow the trail downhill via the refuge of Asinau to the river in the base of the valley. An easy section through the woods brings us to the alpine path that leads up and over the famous granite pinnacles of Bavella. The most exciting and challenging sections of today's route are towards the end of the day, as we scramble up some rocky slabs; there will be fixed chains there to assist us on the trickiest sections. Overnight gite at Col de Bavella. Access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1000 M

Descent

1325 M

Time

9 hours walking

Distance

16 KM
Hide Details

The granite spires and pine tree forests make for a memorable last days walk. By mid morning we will arrive at the last of the refuges, Paliri. As we come down out of the mountains there is a real sense of achievement. On arriving in the village of Conca we have a well-earned drink before transferring to our hotel near Bastia airport (approx 3hrs). We are able to relax at this wonderful hotel before having a celebratory final meal in the restaurant here.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

690 M

Descent

1680 M

Time

8 hours walking

Distance

20 KM
Hide Details

The holiday ends after breakfast. Airport transfers are not included.

Meals

B
Hide Details

A single timed transfer is provided from Bastia Airport to the group hotel in Calvi where your holiday starts.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

D
Hide Details

We make a very early start today with a transfer to the village of Calenzana, heading out as soon as there is enough light. Due to the remote nature of our overnight stips, there will be several nights during the holiday where we will not have access to our kitbags. Tonight will be one of those nights and so we will be required to carry our minimum overnight gear, including our sleeping bag, during today's walk. From the signpost that marks the start of the trail we take a sandy path that heads up hill passing through chestnut trees up into the Mediterranean maquis shrublands. The trail loops up to a high airy col, from where the views of the coastline and Calvi are stunning. There is a lot of ascent today. We continue through the pine woods to our first refuge, Ortu di u Pobbio. Tonight we will stay in the refuge, or camp outside. No access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

We will cover some really interesting and challenging terrain today as we make the rocky ascent into the cirque of Bonifatu. On reaching the top of the cirque, we stay high and contour around to the other side, enjoying spectacular views as we go. When we finish the traverse, we can enjoy a good downhill section to the national park refuge of Carrozzu. Surrounding the refuge are high pinnacles of granite forming tall spires. One of them is home to a rare family of Lammergeyer vultures. From the terrace of Carrozzu we can enjoy watching the sun setting into the sea at the end of the day. Overnight Carrozzu Refuge or camping. No access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

We begin today by crossing the river on an exciting suspension bridge and then ascend the gorge on a rocky path, there are fixed chains to help at times, to the Lac de Muvrella and then we continue up to the ridge above. From here, we have views of the western coastline, as well as the peaks that mark the entrance to the Cirque de Solitude. We enjoy this high traverse to a second col where the rocky descent starts to Haut Asco. We stay at the Hotel Le Chalet in this old ski station, which has been wonderfully refurbished. The hot showers and comfortable beds are well appreciated after the previous 2 nights in refuges! There is a bar and restaurant at the hotel. Tonight we have access to our main baggage.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

From Haute Asco we take the marked trail that heads towards Corsica's highest peak, Monte Cinto (2706m) and we cross a ridge at around 2600m to descend to Lac du Cinto. This lies in a beautiful remote valley surrounded by rugged high peaks. From Lac du Cinto we ascend westwards to another high pass, the Bocca Crucetta 2450m, and from here descend to the Refuge Tighiettu and on to our overnight stop at the Bergerie de Vallone. We set up our camp nearby and dine in the cabin restaurant. There are some beautiful natural swimming pools near to the campsite. No access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

From Vallone we have a leisurely start to the day as the path contours round through the pine woods. The gradient soon changes as the path pulls steeply up to the col above. It will take us around two hours of steady ascent to get to the refuge, Ciottolu di Mori. Situated at 2000m this is the highest refuge on the trek. After a break to fill up with water and enjoy views from the terrace, we continue along a fantastic ridge that heads south before dropping into the Golu valley. We carry on down the valley all the way to our stop for the night at Castel di Vergio, one of the island's small ski stations. Castel di Vergio hotel has been refurbished in the last few years and is very comfortable, with a little shop that stocks a multitude of useful items and food snacks! Access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

We start the day with easy walking on a horseshoe-shaped trail. After a level start the path climbs uphill through the woods to the Col St Pierre (1452m) where there is a small statue. We walk through beech woods then enjoy an airy ridge walk to the famous pozzine (grassy meadows) area that surround the Lac de Nino where we can enjoy the lush green turf of the lakeshore. At 1743m, this glacial lake is in a lovely, sheltered location, surrounded by a spongy peat, making it an ideal summer grazing ground for horses and cattle. From the lake, the path heads to the shepherd’s cabin of Vaccaja (1621m), a fantastic spot, which is a working goat farm, producing some of Corsica’s famous goat’s cheese. The GR20 continues on for another 20mins across a spongy plateau called the Camputile to arrive at Manganu refuge where we will stay the night in the refuge, or camping nearby. No access to main luggage.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

We set off for another magnificent mountain day. A rocky ascent leads from the refuge up to the high breche of Capitellu (2225m). We have splendid views from here of the lakes below and the imposing summits surrounding us. The glacial lake of Capitellu (1930m) is the deepest on the island (40m) with sheer sheets of granite plunging into its depths. Further below is the large apple shaped lake of Melo surrounded by spongy grass. We make a rocky traverse around and above the lakes and continue on to the Col de la Haute Route passing above yet another lake, the Rinoso. Reaching Petra Piana (1840), a small refuge that nestles on the lower flanks of the Monte Renoso, we can stop off for a break and re-fill water bottles before continuing down the Manganello valley passing by some magnificent rock pools on the way to Tolla bridge (942m) . We cross the river and walk the last couple of kilometres up through the forest to L'Onda shepherd's cabin (1385m), where we will set up camp for the night. L'Onda is a privately owned working goat and sheep farm, with a small shop. Hot showers are usually available for an additional charge. No access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

Today will be a welcome shorter day, allowing us some valuable rest time in the afternoon. From the L'Onda bergerie, we pull up onto the ridge, where there are some truly fantastic panoramic views, we follow the ridge to the Muratello pass where we cross over and access the neighboring valley. The Monte d'Oro massif dominates, as we make our way down its flanks into the l'Agnone glacier valley below. We continue on to Vizzavona, where there is a vast forest and small railway station that marks the midway point of the GR20. Small dormitory rooms tonight with a cosy dining room in the Monte d'Oro Gite. Access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

An early start this morning as we begin our big day of 28km of beautiful trails! Today's walk is long, but the route is relatively straightforward. We walk up to the Bocca Palmente, a pass which offers great views on a clear day to the flat coastal plains and sea lagoons. We drop down the other side and start a long easy section past shepherd's cabins and on to pass near to Capanelle (1640m), which is a small ski station in winter. We are essentially traversing the flanks of the dominating mountain massif, Monte Renoso. We traverse open slopes with wonderful views, cross numerous chutes and runnels of water before our last approach in and out of the forest, to our overnight stop at the Col de Verde (1289m). Col de Verde is a private gite and restaurant in a forest setting. We overnight in either the gite dormitory on in one of the smaller cabins. Access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

From Col de Verde a forest trail ascends up through the woods and onto the high ridge above. We continue along the ridge in a southerly direction to reach the Refuge de Prati. We skirt around the Punta Del la Cappella and two further summits along the ridge before crossing the Col de Rapari. At the second col, Bocca di Laparo (1538m) there is a welcome drinking water spring nearby. The GR20 continues following a ridge passing close to the summit of Monte Formicula to reach the Refuge d'Uscioulu (1750m), which we will camp beside. No access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

From the Usciolu refuge we follow a superb rocky ridge known as the Arete a Monda which involves some sections of straightforward scrambling. After the rocky ridge the trail goes down through dwarf beech tree woods to a flat picnic area and spring stop. Once at the Bocca de l'Agnone (1570m), there are several trails that lead to the different accommodations dotted around this unique plateau area. It is the highest and biggest plateau on the island, the vegetation and lovely clear waters make it a haven of wild beauty. We have selected a friendly private gite for our overnight stop, at Crocce. We either stay in the gite or camp. Access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

From our gite, we head in a south easterly direction to the col Bocca di Chiralba (1743m). We then ascend to the ridge above to meet it at 2029m. Here we are in the shadows of the Monte Incudine summit. We follow the trail downhill via the refuge of Asinau to the river in the base of the valley. An easy section through the woods brings us to the alpine path that leads up and over the famous granite pinnacles of Bavella. The most exciting and challenging sections of today's route are towards the end of the day, as we scramble up some rocky slabs; there will be fixed chains there to assist us on the trickiest sections. Overnight gite at Col de Bavella. Access to main baggage.

Accommodation

Gite / Hostel

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

The granite spires and pine tree forests make for a memorable last days walk. By mid morning we will arrive at the last of the refuges, Paliri. As we come down out of the mountains there is a real sense of achievement. On arriving in the village of Conca we have a well-earned drink before transferring to our hotel near Bastia airport (approx 3hrs). We are able to relax at this wonderful hotel before having a celebratory final meal in the restaurant here.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

The holiday ends after breakfast. Airport transfers are not included.

Meals

B
Hide Details
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Airport Airport
Point Point
Direction Direction
Trek
Transfer

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • The group will be led by an experienced and qualified tour leader
  • A single timed group transfer from Bastia Airport to Calvi on Day 1
  • All road transfers detailed in the itinerary
  • All meals
  • All accommodation as described
  • During the trek a full service - including food and all camping equipment (excluding personal equipment)
  • A closed cell foam camping mat
  • Vehicle support and baggage transfer

  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers (other than the single group transfer to Calvi on Day 1)
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks etc
  • Any costs incurred should you depart the trip early

Day 1
There will be a single group transfer from the airport in Bastia to the group's accommodation in Calvi. This transfer is in the early evening. All clients arriving into Bastia airport earlier than the group transfer on Day 1 can wait at the airport and join this transfer (a local guide or a representative of our local agent will assist).

Day 15
You will need to make your own travel arrangements from the group hotel to the airport in time for your flight; the easiest way to do this is by taxi.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All meals are included from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 15.

Water from the taps may not be drinkable in all locations on this trip - please check with your guide. We recommend taking water purification tablets and a reusable bottle with a filter such as Water-to-Go, which can both be used to help make safe other water sources. Please note that we do not encourage the purchase of single use plastic bottles.

Breakfasts will be continental style and usually consist of a hot drink and bread and jam. If you are used to a large breakfast, it may be a good idea to bring some supplements such as cereal bars. Dinner will be a simple meal of home cooked food. At most of the places we stay this will consist of a starter of soup or cold meats followed by a wholesome and carbohydrate-rich main course such as pasta. Cheese and bread is also a large portion of the diet here. In most cases this is a set meal though it is normally possible to ask the hut guardian for more. Lunch is usually a pre cooked pasta/rice/lentil salad, with extra bread, cheese, meat and fruit. For this you will need a plastic Tupperware box (about 0.6 litre), and a fork or spoon. A penknife is a very useful piece of kit for lunches as well. In some places your lunch box will be filled for you overnight and in others you will be given a sandwich type lunch. A trail snack is also provided each day and you can purchase these at some of the huts and gites, but you may wish to supplement this with additional snacks brought from home.

Please note that it can be difficult (but not impossible) to cater for vegetarians on the GR20. The refuges are isolated and depend upon local produce so if you are a vegetarian you should be prepared for a more restricted choice and a repetitive menu. Your lunch choices will be limited and often only omelettes or basic pasta dishes will be available in the evening. We recommend that you bring your own supply of protein (eg nuts and seeds) to ensure you can keep up your energy levels, as this may not be provided in the quantities you require otherwise. It may also be able to purchase nuts etc... en route at some of the accommodations.

Unfortunately it will not be possible to cater for any other dietary requirements.

During this trip the group will have 4 hotel nights. The other nights during the trek we make use of park refuges, or small privately owned gites, either staying in the non-segregated (mixed female/male) dormitory-style sleeping arrangements or camping outside. Camping is often a better option to staying in the busy dormitories. On camping days group members will put up their own tents, which are held in storage at each of the gites/refuges. Whilst camping outside the refuges, we will still have use of the toilet and washing facilities. Please note that washing facilities at some of the refuges are simple and the water can be cold. Our evening meals will be also provided by the refuges and these will be taken in the basic dining area provided.

It is possible to provide Single rooms (however these are very limited), but not single tents on this holiday. In the hotels the rooming is either on a twin, triple or quad sharing basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired with other travellers of the same sex. Additional hotels nights in Bastia are available, please contact the KE office for prices.

Please note: it is not possible to bring your own tent o this holiday.

The group will be led by an experienced and qualified tour leader,

The altitudes on this holiday are not extreme and the maximum altitude attained is no more than the equivalent of a pressurised cabin on an international flight. You may ‘feel’ the altitude the first time you trek above 2000 metres but all that is required is a slower pace to compensate. You should pay particular attention to your hydration levels while trekking above 2000 metres.

Approximately €300 should be sufficient to cover your personal expenses including snacks, drinks, some tips and the final airport transfer. Bottled water, soft drinks, beer and wine are available at many of the refuges on the route, but can sometimes be expensive. If you are intending to buy expensive souvenirs, you should budget accordingly. You should bring this money with you in cash Euros as there will be no opportunity to change money once the trek starts.

Tipping is the accepted way of saying thank you for good service. It is important to remember that tipping is voluntary and should be dependent on good service. How much to tip your guide and local staff is entirely up to you, but we do recommend that you give any tips together as a group.

Costs for early departure

This is a very challenging trek, which is reflected in the grading. In Corsica we work with qualified IML mountain guides who work to strict safety standards and you should note that if they feel that your physical condition or performance is detrimental to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of the group as a whole, or if they feel that your general wellbeing is put at risk by continuing, you will be asked to leave the tour. You will only be asked to leave at points where there is close road access to return to Calvi or Bastia and you will be reunited with your baggage at the earliest opportunity. From the point of your evacuation you will be expected to cover all of your expenses, although our local agent will offer assistance with making alternative travel and accommodation arrangements either to remain in Corsica or travel home early. You may be able to claim for any additional expenses incurred due to your evacuation through your travel insurance.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage, which should be a soft bag, and one 45 litre rucksack. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline. During the trek your main baggage will remain in the support vehicle and you will have access to this on a total of 8 nights. There will be 6 nights where you do not have access to your main baggage. Effectively, this means that on 10 days you will be carrying your sleeping bag and any overnight essentials. 

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

The currency for part or all of this holiday is the Euro.

It is essential that you spend time getting relevant exercise. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. You should be getting out and doing a challenging cardiovascular fitness regime leading right up to your trip. You need to develop considerable stamina and endurance. You should be used to your hiking gear, which means that you are comfortable with your rucksack and used to carrying a certain weight. You need to have walking shoes/boots with excellent grip soles that you are used to, two poles that you know how to walk with and a camel bag (both of which we strongly recommend).

The temperatures that we can expect to encounter can be far ranging anything from freezing to 30°C. The micro climates in Corsica make the weather very unpredictable and fast changing. Be ready for hot sunshine, storms, harsh wind, rain, hail and snow cannot be ruled out in the summer months either. You can experience a whole range of conditions in the same day from minus temperatures through to severe heat and sun. For departures earlier in the year there is a stronger possibility of snow on some of the higher passes, on rare occasions with higher than normal levels of snow this can mean we need to transfer round this section - this transfer would be included in the trip cost and is not an extra charge as mentioned in the 'Additional Information' section.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • GR 20 Corsica. Paddy Dillon (Cicerone Press).

  • Corsica Walking Guide. Bergverlag Rother GMBH.

  • Corsica. Insight Guide.

GR20 2 map set 1:60,000 Libris

2 large scale maps showing the entire GR20, a useful guide Derived from IGNs with contour interval of 50m. and relief shading and spot heights. GR and other trails are shown. Though not at the detailed scale of the IGN, these are probably the better option for following the route without having to bring lots of maps.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

The following check list should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.

You must bring the following items:

  • Hiking boots

  • Socks

  • Trekking trousers

  • Waterproof overtrousers

  • Shorts

  • Underwear

  • Baselayer shirts (1 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve)

  • T-shirts and/or casual shirts

  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper

  • Windproof/waterproof jacket

  • 2 trekking poles – highly recommended

  • Sunhat

  • Warm hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Lightweight thermal gloves

  • Sleeping bag (comfort rating 0°C)

  • Daypack c. 45 litres

  • Headtorch and spare batteries

  • Sun protection (including for lips)

  • Water bottles x 2 (1 Litre) or 2 litre Camelbak/Platypus style drinking system. We highly recommend camelback/platypus system for this trek. (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

  • Water purification tablets

  • Washbag and toiletries

  • Small towel

  • Toilet paper

  • Antibacterial handwash

  • Tupperware lunch box (0.6 litre)

  • Fork & spoon

  • Penknife

  • Small padlock (to lock trek bag)

  • Insect repellant

  • Basic first aid kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Immodium) painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, antihistamine cream/tablets (in case you get bitten!) and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are a good idea.

The following items are optional:

  • Sleeping bag liner

  • Thermarest (note that closed cell foam mats are provided)

  • Waterproof daypack cover - recommended

  • Gaiters

  • Trainers or sandals

  • Spare laces

  • Earplugs (particularly if you are not the one snoring!)

  • Swimwear

  • Travel clothes

  • Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)

  • Camera

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Notes

You will not have access to your main trek bags on 6 nights. Effectively, this means that on 8 days you will be carrying your sleeping bag and any overnight essentials.

In recent years some of the national park refuges have suffered from outbreaks of bed bugs. We minimise this risk by only staying at national park refuges on 6 nights of the trip and using tents if possible when staying at the refuges. However to be extra safe we would recommend spraying your sleeping bag and liner with an insect repellent such as Lifesystems EX4 spray. (be careful using DEET based insect repellents as they can melt plastics)

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 from 14 reviews

It might be Europe's toughest GR trek, but it's one of the world's most beautiful ★★★★★

Ok, first some context. I'm a travel and mountain journalist, and a qualified Mountain Leader and Climbing Wall Instructor. I have trekked all over the UK, including some of the toughest routes in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. I've also trekked in many incredible locations abroad, including the Alps, the Picos de Europa, the Dolomites, Triglav in Slovenia, Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail and more. I'm also something of a mountaineer, winter climbing regularly in Scotland, and having bagged several Alpine peaks, including the Matterhorn last year. To be clear: this isn't some form of willy-waving boast, but rather to give you an idea of where my background lays when I say the following: this is one of the most spectacular treks I've ever walked, and also one of the toughest.

Before I get onto the details, I need to speak about our guide Paulin. I have been lucky enough to travel and work with many guides, but none have been as superb at their job as Paulin. He was extremely professional, highly knowledgeable, and very patient with our group. But more than that he was overflowing with passion for Corsica. It felt like being shown the mountains by a good friend who was happy to share all that he knew and spread his love of the landscape. I hope to travel to Corsica again and see more of the mountains, and when I do, I shall be hoping to reconnect with Paulin. He really is a special guy, a credit to the local agent and KE Adventure, and a true ambassador to Corsica.

So, onto the nitty-gritty...

Part one: the beauty.
The mountains of Corsica are simply stunning, and I wasn't prepared for just how much they and the surrounding landscape would vary throughout the trek. It's a near constant assault on the senses, with the ever-changing colours of the rock, transitioning from grey to red and glowing in the sunrise and sunsets, highlighted by the vast swathes of greenery from the forests and matched by the herbal scents of the maquis, accompanied by the calls of birds, deer, and wild pigs, and the echoing ring of unseen cowbells high in the mountains. And that's just on the main GR20 route. When you factor in the regular off-path detours to find hidden swim spots and viewpoints that without Paulin I'd never have known were there, the experience was elevated to another level altogether; it often felt that the mountains were there just for us. Another benefit of having Paulin was learning of the heritage and natural history of the various places we passed through. Paulin has previously been a botanist and a goatherd and was a wealth of incredibly useful information, including where to find the best Corsican cheese at the mountain bergeries! Be warned - it can be strong!

Part two: the effort.
Even with a fairly decent trekking CV, I found this tough. The thing to be aware of is that it's not just one thing that makes it tough, but the combination of multiple challenges. The trek is 13 days long. Just getting up and walking for 13 days, often with limited sleep and early starts, is draining - by the end of the fortnight I was exhausted. Then there's the distance. This isn't 13 days of short walks. Yes, a few days come in at under 10km, but most are more, and at least a couple were well over 20km. This shouldn't come as a surprise - 180km in 13 days - but it is something to remember, particularly when you take the ascents into account. With around 12,000m of total ascent during the trek (many days are up and down and up and down and up and down and...you get the picture) that's nearly 1000m of ascent per day. In truth, some days are more and some are less, but if you imagine walking up and down a Scottish Munro every day for 13 days in a row, then you're starting to get the picture. But there's still more to factor in: the technicality. There are several days that involve exposure to some big drops and scrambling over difficult terrain. Some of these sections are protected by chains, but many aren't. If you're to get the best out of these days you need to be comfortable on this sort of terrain, including slabs which can be notoriously slippery when wet. Oh, and you'll be doing all this with a sizeable pack on your back.

Part three: the preparation
We've established that you'll be trekking for 13 days covering an average of around 14km distance and nearly 1000m of ascent every day while negotiating tricky terrain with a heavy pack on your back - how on earth do you prepare? The truth is you can't. At least, not for all of it in one go. But what you can do is build up your training separately. Get used to walking uphill. Grow comfortable on steep scrambling terrain. Get used to carrying a heavy pack (it has a notable effect on your balance). But most importantly, be as fit as you possibly can. If getting to the hills every week is tricky (I hear you - I live in Norfolk) then take out a gym membership and thrash your cardio. Sign up to spin classes. Make use of cross trainers or stair machines. Make time to make the effort. It'll all be worth it once you're in Corsica. And for two very important reasons. Firstly, as a minimum, you need to make sure you're capable of completing the trek. If you're not, the guide will tell you so and you will be asked to leave. This may sound harsh, particularly as you've paid your money to be there, but if it's not safe to continue, or not fair on the group, you will be required to drop out. And this latter point brings us on to the next reason your fitness needs to be tip top. You'll be walking as part of a group, and any group is limited by its slowest members. While you certainly won't be left behind if you're physically capable of completing the trek, you don't want to be the reason the group as a whole gets caught in a late afternoon thunderstorm, or misses sunrise at a spectacular viewpoint, or misses out on a spectacular high-level mountain route to take a shorter and easier low-level bypass, all because you can't keep up with the pace.

Part 4: Kit and useful tips
The KE kit list is good. Read it and pay attention to the details. All of them. Don't debate them based on previous experience - I did and was missing a few useful bits I had to pick up in a supermarket in Calvi. You might think you can get away with a smaller pack, but 40-45 litres is what you need. You'll be carrying all your day-hiking gear, plus your sleeping bag and overnight kit, plus some communal items like food. One member of our group tried to get away with a 30-litre pack (because it would fit in EasyJet's carry-on frame) and ended up with stuff clipped to and hanging off his pack like a human game of Buckaroo - not ideal for technical scrambling. You might not usually take a Tupperware box for lunch, but the takeaway lunches the refuges provide are usually rice, pasta, or lentil salads, and they don't travel too well in a dry bag. Both a sleeping mat and waterproof trousers are, at the time of writing, listed as optional on the kit list. I'd suggest they're essential. The self-inflating sleeping mats provided in the refuge campsites are ok, but although many tents are on raised sleeping platforms, some are pitched straight onto the ground which is cold and rocky. Even when in prime condition (which by the end of the season they're definitely not) the thin sleeping mats provided barely hide the lumps and don't keep out much cold, so take your own mat to add to the pile. And while you might get away with wearing shorts for the entire trek, the Corsican thunderstorms can be big and wet - even if you don't mind your knees getting wet, a pair of waterproof trousers will keep the water out of your shoes. Be sure to also take a set of camping cutlery (don't assume you'll be given a knife to spread the jam on your breakfast bread at the refuges) and a set of earplugs (dorm rooms are a snore-fest).

Part five: a word about footwear
I'll get straight to the point: approach shoes, or mid-ankled version, or light and flexible boots are the only way to go. The weight of stiff leather hiking boots will be a huge handicap over 180km, but more to the point they simply won't perform as well. For delicate scrambling moves - especially when smearing on slabs - the precision and flexibility of lightweight shoes or boots simply cannot be beaten. But a couple of things need to be considered. The GR20 is not the first time to try walking in shoes if you've always walked in boots. My advice would be to get a pair of shoes (or lightweight boots) well in advance and do all your training in those. Finally, if you've got a tried and tested pair of boots that have served you well all their life and you're thinking they may have one good trip left in them, the GR20 is not the trek to see out their retirement. The Corsican mountains gobble up boots, and if your footwear is not in excellent condition there’s every chance it will simply fall apart. Really, I saw it: a boot shedding its sole halfway up a scramble.

One last far from essential but handy tip: the best GR20 souvenirs (badges, patches, t-shirts, fridge magnets etc) I saw were in the shop at the Haut Asco hotel. This is only three days in so it’s easy to assume that there will be more opportunities later on, but there were none as comprehensive as this. And as it’s the overnight accommodation where you have access to your luggage, there’s nothing stopping you buying as much as you want and sticking it in your transfer bags!

If you've bothered to read all the above, thank you - I hope it was useful. If you've skipped to the end for a summary, then this is it;

The GR20 is beautiful and tough in equal measure. But prepare properly, have the right kit, and go into it with your eyes open and it might just be one of the best things you'll ever do.
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By Benjamin from Norwich | 18 September 2024

The amazing rock scenery and rock pool swims were a highlight ★★★★★

KE does the whole of classic routes, good guides, well organised, and generally attracts people with the right ability for the trip. For tougher trips including this one I've contacted the office on specific points and always find staff helpful and knowledgeable. This trip borders on mountaineering requiring the ability to move at pace over difficult ground as well as sustained ascents and descents on rocky terrain, sometimes in the wet. And having done Striding Edge or the TMB does not giv e you any idea of what to expect or how to equip and train yourself. The things I’d especially highlight:

1. If you’ve not previously rock climbed, find your nearest bouldering wall and practice there, wearing the footwear you plan to use on the trip. And if it won’t embarrass you too much, do it with your loaded rucksack!

2. Approach shoes with a rubber rand and grippy sole are ideal, you can get some with a bit of ankle support to mid height if that’s a worry for you. I wore a nearly new pair of Merrell Moab 3 mid height boots which I’m familiar with and happy would meet the needs of this route for me.

3. Do a trial pack of your hike rucksack with everything you will take on the camping sections.

4. Trip grading. I’ve previously done CHR and hikers HR as well as Bhutan thunder dragon ride. I found the GR20 the toughest of all

The food was pretty basic at the refuges but much as expected, this is not a culinary highlights trip! We did sample excellent local cheese and they catered fine for me as a vegetarian. The KE advice on diet and food supplements is spot on - one of the guys brought instant porridge oats to supplement breakfast and I wished I’d thought of that.

Our guide, Paulin, was very cheerful, attentive and informative with a fine sense of humour. His local knowledge and experience, visiting the shepherd hut where he had been a goatherd, his choice of route details and rock pools to picnic at - all gave special experiences on what is a very busy route.
By Pauline from Peterborough | 17 September 2024

The Complete GR20 ★★★★★

After 30 years of travel, I can say in all honesty that Paulin is the best guide I have had the pleasure to deal with. A passionate, experienced and fun loving character. A true asset to Corsica. My highlights were Paulin and the never ending beauty that Corsica has to offer.

By Nick from Morpeth | 17 September 2024

June 2024 Trip ★★★★★

I would highly recommend this trip if you are in good shape, not afraid of heights, have a lot of trekking/camping experience, and are flexible. The trails are quite rocky with a lot of steep up and down climbs that can really take a toll on your knees and feet. I would suggest taking a second or third alternative pair of shoes/boots to keep in your transported duffel in case the first pair doesn't work out or falls apart. Bring blister and toe supplies (duct tape, vaseline, etc). Ear p lugs and possible eye mask for sleeping.
Poles and possibly a spare just in case one breaks. Definitely bring a water filter and use it even in 'potable' sources. Bring small denomination bill to use in the refuges.
The refuges can be very crowded and sometimes confusing. Generally, the showers and toilets had lines. Refuge operators are very busy and can get irritated and testy if you don't follow their rules and are patient. Tents and provided mattresses were of good quality but I have heard they may not be so great by the end of the season.
Scenery is really beautiful and is constantly changing. One thing that doesn't change are the rocky trails. You will test your nerves on some parts of the trail as there are some long drops if you aren't paying attention and really being careful. Weather was varied but we had it pretty good on the June trip. If you encounter rain, things will be increasingly difficult with the slippery rocks.
Our guide was very good at getting us to where we had to go on time. She knew some spectacular alternative routes and took us to some great swimming holes. She kept a good eye out in keeping us as safe as possible on a lot of the difficult sections.
Overall, I felt really great about finishing the gr-20 and I will cherish the memories of the trek and the really excellent people that were in my group. I highly recommend this trip. You will never forget it.
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View all (14)
By Michael from North Carolina, USA | 13 August 2024

The Complete GR20 ★★★★★

This is the 3rd holiday I've taken with KE, and all trips have been superb.

Alizee was amazing! She really did go out of her way to ensure that we all had the best possible experience. e.g. she offered us several small, optional, detours from the main, advertised route to experience something special, like the summit of Monte Cinto, other summits, a lovely waterfall where we could swim in the pool below, a bergerie that sold freshly made local delicacies such as goats cheese donuts etc. She was at all times really enthusiastic about the trip, and she was keen to share her excellent local knowledge of the area, including the flora and fauna.

Facilities and cleanliness of the various camp sites was mixed. KE obviously have no control over the National Park camp sites, and in most of the remote places, these were the only available option. Where a choice of campsites was available, I believe that the best ones were chosen for us e.g. Crocci, which was fabulous. The decision to allocate us to tents where possible, rather than the noisy dormitories of the refuges was a good one!
By Cath from Carnforth | 01 July 2024
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Traveller Reviews
4.9 out of 5 from 18 reviews
Leave a Review
It might be Europe's toughest GR trek, but it's one of the world's most beautiful
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ok, first some context. I'm a travel and mountain journalist, and a qualified Mountain Leader and Climbing Wall Instructor. I have trekked all over the UK, including some of the toughest routes in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. I've also trekked in many incredible locations abroad, including the Alps, the Picos de Europa, the Dolomites, Triglav in Slovenia, Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail and more. I'm also something of a mountaineer, winter climbing regularly in Scotland, and having bagged several Alpine peaks, including the Matterhorn last year. To be clear: this isn't some form of willy-waving boast, but rather to give you an idea of where my background lays when I say the following: this is one of the most spectacular treks I've ever walked, and also one of the toughest.

Before I get onto the details, I need to speak about our guide Paulin. I have been lucky enough to travel and work with many guides, but none have been as superb at their job as Paulin. He was extremely professional, highly knowledgeable, and very patient with our group. But more than that he was overflowing with passion for Corsica. It felt like being shown the mountains by a good friend who was happy to share all that he knew and spread his love of the landscape. I hope to travel to Corsica again and see more of the mountains, and when I do, I shall be hoping to reconnect with Paulin. He really is a special guy, a credit to the local agent and KE Adventure, and a true ambassador to Corsica.

So, onto the nitty-gritty...

Part one: the beauty.
The mountains of Corsica are simply stunning, and I wasn't prepared for just how much they and the surrounding landscape would vary throughout the trek. It's a near constant assault on the senses, with the ever-changing colours of the rock, transitioning from grey to red and glowing in the sunrise and sunsets, highlighted by the vast swathes of greenery from the forests and matched by the herbal scents of the maquis, accompanied by the calls of birds, deer, and wild pigs, and the echoing ring of unseen cowbells high in the mountains. And that's just on the main GR20 route. When you factor in the regular off-path detours to find hidden swim spots and viewpoints that without Paulin I'd never have known were there, the experience was elevated to another level altogether; it often felt that the mountains were there just for us. Another benefit of having Paulin was learning of the heritage and natural history of the various places we passed through. Paulin has previously been a botanist and a goatherd and was a wealth of incredibly useful information, including where to find the best Corsican cheese at the mountain bergeries! Be warned - it can be strong!

Part two: the effort.
Even with a fairly decent trekking CV, I found this tough. The thing to be aware of is that it's not just one thing that makes it tough, but the combination of multiple challenges. The trek is 13 days long. Just getting up and walking for 13 days, often with limited sleep and early starts, is draining - by the end of the fortnight I was exhausted. Then there's the distance. This isn't 13 days of short walks. Yes, a few days come in at under 10km, but most are more, and at least a couple were well over 20km. This shouldn't come as a surprise - 180km in 13 days - but it is something to remember, particularly when you take the ascents into account. With around 12,000m of total ascent during the trek (many days are up and down and up and down and up and down and...you get the picture) that's nearly 1000m of ascent per day. In truth, some days are more and some are less, but if you imagine walking up and down a Scottish Munro every day for 13 days in a row, then you're starting to get the picture. But there's still more to factor in: the technicality. There are several days that involve exposure to some big drops and scrambling over difficult terrain. Some of these sections are protected by chains, but many aren't. If you're to get the best out of these days you need to be comfortable on this sort of terrain, including slabs which can be notoriously slippery when wet. Oh, and you'll be doing all this with a sizeable pack on your back.

Part three: the preparation
We've established that you'll be trekking for 13 days covering an average of around 14km distance and nearly 1000m of ascent every day while negotiating tricky terrain with a heavy pack on your back - how on earth do you prepare? The truth is you can't. At least, not for all of it in one go. But what you can do is build up your training separately. Get used to walking uphill. Grow comfortable on steep scrambling terrain. Get used to carrying a heavy pack (it has a notable effect on your balance). But most importantly, be as fit as you possibly can. If getting to the hills every week is tricky (I hear you - I live in Norfolk) then take out a gym membership and thrash your cardio. Sign up to spin classes. Make use of cross trainers or stair machines. Make time to make the effort. It'll all be worth it once you're in Corsica. And for two very important reasons. Firstly, as a minimum, you need to make sure you're capable of completing the trek. If you're not, the guide will tell you so and you will be asked to leave. This may sound harsh, particularly as you've paid your money to be there, but if it's not safe to continue, or not fair on the group, you will be required to drop out. And this latter point brings us on to the next reason your fitness needs to be tip top. You'll be walking as part of a group, and any group is limited by its slowest members. While you certainly won't be left behind if you're physically capable of completing the trek, you don't want to be the reason the group as a whole gets caught in a late afternoon thunderstorm, or misses sunrise at a spectacular viewpoint, or misses out on a spectacular high-level mountain route to take a shorter and easier low-level bypass, all because you can't keep up with the pace.

Part 4: Kit and useful tips
The KE kit list is good. Read it and pay attention to the details. All of them. Don't debate them based on previous experience - I did and was missing a few useful bits I had to pick up in a supermarket in Calvi. You might think you can get away with a smaller pack, but 40-45 litres is what you need. You'll be carrying all your day-hiking gear, plus your sleeping bag and overnight kit, plus some communal items like food. One member of our group tried to get away with a 30-litre pack (because it would fit in EasyJet's carry-on frame) and ended up with stuff clipped to and hanging off his pack like a human game of Buckaroo - not ideal for technical scrambling. You might not usually take a Tupperware box for lunch, but the takeaway lunches the refuges provide are usually rice, pasta, or lentil salads, and they don't travel too well in a dry bag. Both a sleeping mat and waterproof trousers are, at the time of writing, listed as optional on the kit list. I'd suggest they're essential. The self-inflating sleeping mats provided in the refuge campsites are ok, but although many tents are on raised sleeping platforms, some are pitched straight onto the ground which is cold and rocky. Even when in prime condition (which by the end of the season they're definitely not) the thin sleeping mats provided barely hide the lumps and don't keep out much cold, so take your own mat to add to the pile. And while you might get away with wearing shorts for the entire trek, the Corsican thunderstorms can be big and wet - even if you don't mind your knees getting wet, a pair of waterproof trousers will keep the water out of your shoes. Be sure to also take a set of camping cutlery (don't assume you'll be given a knife to spread the jam on your breakfast bread at the refuges) and a set of earplugs (dorm rooms are a snore-fest).

Part five: a word about footwear
I'll get straight to the point: approach shoes, or mid-ankled version, or light and flexible boots are the only way to go. The weight of stiff leather hiking boots will be a huge handicap over 180km, but more to the point they simply won't perform as well. For delicate scrambling moves - especially when smearing on slabs - the precision and flexibility of lightweight shoes or boots simply cannot be beaten. But a couple of things need to be considered. The GR20 is not the first time to try walking in shoes if you've always walked in boots. My advice would be to get a pair of shoes (or lightweight boots) well in advance and do all your training in those. Finally, if you've got a tried and tested pair of boots that have served you well all their life and you're thinking they may have one good trip left in them, the GR20 is not the trek to see out their retirement. The Corsican mountains gobble up boots, and if your footwear is not in excellent condition there’s every chance it will simply fall apart. Really, I saw it: a boot shedding its sole halfway up a scramble.

One last far from essential but handy tip: the best GR20 souvenirs (badges, patches, t-shirts, fridge magnets etc) I saw were in the shop at the Haut Asco hotel. This is only three days in so it’s easy to assume that there will be more opportunities later on, but there were none as comprehensive as this. And as it’s the overnight accommodation where you have access to your luggage, there’s nothing stopping you buying as much as you want and sticking it in your transfer bags!

If you've bothered to read all the above, thank you - I hope it was useful. If you've skipped to the end for a summary, then this is it;

The GR20 is beautiful and tough in equal measure. But prepare properly, have the right kit, and go into it with your eyes open and it might just be one of the best things you'll ever do.
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By Benjamin from Norwich | 18 September 2024
The amazing rock scenery and rock pool swims were a highlight
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
KE does the whole of classic routes, good guides, well organised, and generally attracts people with the right ability for the trip. For tougher trips including this one I've contacted the office on specific points and always find staff helpful and knowledgeable. This trip borders on mountaineering requiring the ability to move at pace over difficult ground as well as sustained ascents and descents on rocky terrain, sometimes in the wet. And having done Striding Edge or the TMB does not giv e you any idea of what to expect or how to equip and train yourself. The things I’d especially highlight:

1. If you’ve not previously rock climbed, find your nearest bouldering wall and practice there, wearing the footwear you plan to use on the trip. And if it won’t embarrass you too much, do it with your loaded rucksack!

2. Approach shoes with a rubber rand and grippy sole are ideal, you can get some with a bit of ankle support to mid height if that’s a worry for you. I wore a nearly new pair of Merrell Moab 3 mid height boots which I’m familiar with and happy would meet the needs of this route for me.

3. Do a trial pack of your hike rucksack with everything you will take on the camping sections.

4. Trip grading. I’ve previously done CHR and hikers HR as well as Bhutan thunder dragon ride. I found the GR20 the toughest of all

The food was pretty basic at the refuges but much as expected, this is not a culinary highlights trip! We did sample excellent local cheese and they catered fine for me as a vegetarian. The KE advice on diet and food supplements is spot on - one of the guys brought instant porridge oats to supplement breakfast and I wished I’d thought of that.

Our guide, Paulin, was very cheerful, attentive and informative with a fine sense of humour. His local knowledge and experience, visiting the shepherd hut where he had been a goatherd, his choice of route details and rock pools to picnic at - all gave special experiences on what is a very busy route.
By Pauline from Peterborough | 17 September 2024
The Complete GR20
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

After 30 years of travel, I can say in all honesty that Paulin is the best guide I have had the pleasure to deal with. A passionate, experienced and fun loving character. A true asset to Corsica. My highlights were Paulin and the never ending beauty that Corsica has to offer.

By Nick from Morpeth | 17 September 2024
June 2024 Trip
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I would highly recommend this trip if you are in good shape, not afraid of heights, have a lot of trekking/camping experience, and are flexible. The trails are quite rocky with a lot of steep up and down climbs that can really take a toll on your knees and feet. I would suggest taking a second or third alternative pair of shoes/boots to keep in your transported duffel in case the first pair doesn't work out or falls apart. Bring blister and toe supplies (duct tape, vaseline, etc). Ear p lugs and possible eye mask for sleeping.
Poles and possibly a spare just in case one breaks. Definitely bring a water filter and use it even in 'potable' sources. Bring small denomination bill to use in the refuges.
The refuges can be very crowded and sometimes confusing. Generally, the showers and toilets had lines. Refuge operators are very busy and can get irritated and testy if you don't follow their rules and are patient. Tents and provided mattresses were of good quality but I have heard they may not be so great by the end of the season.
Scenery is really beautiful and is constantly changing. One thing that doesn't change are the rocky trails. You will test your nerves on some parts of the trail as there are some long drops if you aren't paying attention and really being careful. Weather was varied but we had it pretty good on the June trip. If you encounter rain, things will be increasingly difficult with the slippery rocks.
Our guide was very good at getting us to where we had to go on time. She knew some spectacular alternative routes and took us to some great swimming holes. She kept a good eye out in keeping us as safe as possible on a lot of the difficult sections.
Overall, I felt really great about finishing the gr-20 and I will cherish the memories of the trek and the really excellent people that were in my group. I highly recommend this trip. You will never forget it.
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By Michael from North Carolina, USA | 13 August 2024
The Complete GR20
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This is the 3rd holiday I've taken with KE, and all trips have been superb.

Alizee was amazing! She really did go out of her way to ensure that we all had the best possible experience. e.g. she offered us several small, optional, detours from the main, advertised route to experience something special, like the summit of Monte Cinto, other summits, a lovely waterfall where we could swim in the pool below, a bergerie that sold freshly made local delicacies such as goats cheese donuts etc. She was at all times really enthusiastic about the trip, and she was keen to share her excellent local knowledge of the area, including the flora and fauna.

Facilities and cleanliness of the various camp sites was mixed. KE obviously have no control over the National Park camp sites, and in most of the remote places, these were the only available option. Where a choice of campsites was available, I believe that the best ones were chosen for us e.g. Crocci, which was fabulous. The decision to allocate us to tents where possible, rather than the noisy dormitories of the refuges was a good one!
By Cath from Carnforth | 01 July 2024
Tough but Satisfying
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This is the toughest trek I've ever done! Tougher then the Huayhuash or the Annapurna Circuit, tougher by far than the Ultimate Tour of Mont Blanc. Early September was hot, you're not really quite sure what to expect: Day 1, you start and you ascend. Day 2, you start and you ascend. Day 3 onwards: you've probably got the idea by now. We did quite a lot of Alpine Variants, often this cut down on the total distance of the days walking, but involved a lot of ascent and descent and fa r more scrambling than I had anticipated. (I'm not a scrambler and I believed my wife when she said it was 'only' a tough trek!) We did quite a lot of early starts, either to cover the distance for the day, to get somewhere, usually a pass, for sunrise or simply to avoid the heat. The views were magnificent, the refuges (we camped mostly) variable, the food became at times repetitive. I was never hungry and there was a cold beer available every night when one produced an adequate number of Euros. Take your own thermorest, certainly by the end of the season many of the provided ones were leaking, and the ground is hard. The weather varies: we had sun and lots of it. The week before and the week after; thunderstorms. You have to be prepared for anything. Hydration systems and poles: essential. On hot days I was getting through almost 4 litres or more of water. The GR 20 destroys boots: one of the party was loosing chunks of rubber from the Vibram soles of his just worn in new boots. Mine were almost new at the outset and looked like I'd worn them for a couple of years in the UK by the end of the journey! Good head torches and plenty of spare batteries. You might be using the head torch for 2 hours before sunrise, including a 90 minute ascent in the star light as dawn breaks on the mountains around you. And not just on one day. The end result is an outstanding feeling of satisfaction when you complete the walk, and you quickly forget the moments of doubt along the way. But, you must be fit and you must have prepared well. The distances might look like big days out in the lakes, but the ascent and descent is far more, and relentless. The paths can be very rocky and hard underfoot, I had some new cushioned in-soles and they really helped. It was also helped by our guide: Paulin. Probably the best trekking guide that I have ever had the pleasure to travel with. He had been a shepherd and refuge hand in the past and even when we were going over stuff that I would never have considered in the UK gave me absolute confidence that I could do it; and sometimes I was a long way outside my usual comfort zone. Of the 8 who started, 2 dropped out on the way. One should never have been there in the first place, the second was probably inadequately prepared for how relentless it is. You definitely need a plan B when you set out. The remaining 6 worked well as a group to support and encourage each other. We were noticeably older than most of the other trekkers, who seemed to average about 30 years of age, but we had prepared well and had the mental strength to just keep plodding on when it got really tough. Would I do it again, actually yes!
By Nicola from Windermere | 26 September 2023
A challenging two weeks, but total feeling of achievement on completion.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This is a challenge and not a typical hiking experience, but if you're prepared to keep at it it's totally worth it for the powerful scenery on route and total feeling of satisfaction and achievement at the end. The North section is very a very dramatic, rocky mountain landscape, which is more difficult to negotiate, but ultimately wonderful. The South section has more typical hiking paths, with its own beautiful scenery and fabulous walking days. A fabulous experience all in all, thou gh not to be under-estimated. We had a fabulous guide and I met some super people within our group, who all helped each other get through the challenges that the trip brought. I will never forget my GR20 experience.
By Gillian from Wirral | 02 July 2023
GR20 - Corsica - july-Aug 2022
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I decided to do this trek - 'toughest trek in Europe' in July this year before relocating to US. I just couldn't have left without doing it. After 13 days on trail, through dust, heat, thirst, laughter and some incredibly beautiful scenery I feel I have never done anything like this before. To me it is definitely the toughest trail that has given me a sense of achievement unlike EBC or Haute Route which really are walk in the park in comparison. The nearest I can compare GR20 to i s walking up and down Tryfan twice in a day at almost 1.5 times the altitude in 30 + degrees followed by steep scree ascends and decends and boulder fields. And remember there's isn't a cozy b&b and pub waiting for you at end of the day. I arrived Calvi earlier than rest of the group via easyjet flight from Gatwick. I spent a bit of time at beach, and a late dinner with rest of the group. Next day taxi ride to start of the trek. First day seemed easy with naive me thinking it's not that difficult, stopping plenty of times to take photos, have a bite or two and then walking in between. The reality hit next day with some long scrambling sections where I wish I had two spare pair of eyes to watch my every step while the other pair can enjoy the scenery. I prioritised my feet over the scenery. And that was the case right until the last day. North is treacherous due to lack of water, absence of gentle grassy path, you need to watch your feet more than the scenery around and a very good experience with scrambling comes handy. If you haven't scrambled then the hikes mentioned by KE on the website is a good preparation. The trail just can't be compared with EBC, Kili or TMB. This trail will test your endurance, stamina and technical skills. There were days when we kept hiking from 6:30ish in morning with few water breaks and late lunch breaks ( 2- 3 PM) so that the difficult sections are completed before scorching afternoon sun hits us. I am personally really grateful to our guide to keep the pace otherwise we would have hiked until dinner time (7 PM). When I look back I did enjoy the scrambling and won't mind doing it again. What I didn't like at all were the steep scree like ascents and decents - the latter in particular. A knee support and walking sticks come really handy to tackle these. The two good days in North were when we got to stay at the ski resort. It was a great motivation to get through the day. In general most places including the campsites and gites were clean, owners very friendly and there was always plenty of food on our plates. The gite at Crocce requires special mention - the best lasagne, charcuterie and wine. You will be deluded to think South is easy. Its easier but still not TMB. Most sections in South are very long, have ascents and decents (including a steep one on second last day) and of course the scrambling sections. There are water sources available enroute in South so we didn't have to carry all three litres every day. There were pools to cool down that also served as good picnic spot.We were very fortunate to not have had any rain or storm while hiking all 13 days. This is a must do trail. Everyday is different. After GR20 all other trails feel easier and acheivable. If you enjoy scrambling have some tolerance for heat and don't mind staying in tents then give this a try Some tips for the trek below > Prepare for the trek. KE has plenty of information for that > Buy Paddy Dillons GR20 to get an idea > Watch YouTube videos (there's a good one by Klara Kousalova) > Have an open mindset. If you feel you can't do it then you can leave the trail on day 3, 5 and so on. > Trust your guide. Ask them questions if needed. Ask for help if required. Let them know what you can and can't do. I am not very tall but good with scrambling. So my guide always gave me a hand in sections that didn't have grips - those steep or tall boulders/ rocks . > Carry atleast 3 litres of water. Some of the group memebers were left without water on day 2. > Walking sticks are your best friends. If like me you have never used them, still bring them along. You will soon realise why. > Keep it light. You will carry 2 days of gear with you in North twice. Keep it light. My gear weighed 10K + 4K of food and water which made scrambling very difficult first 3 days. Leave all your creature comforts in your main bag.. use small pots/travel size to carry body wash, sunscreen etc. Nalgene does leak-proof travel size containers. Check weather so you can decide whether waterproof, down jacket etc are really required. > You will need lot of sunscreen. Get a neck gaiter (protection) too. Of course, the sunglasses and hat. >Your shoes will be baterred by the end of this trail, so ensure you have strong pair with good grip. I brought a backup with me that I had to use after day 6 as the sole of my first pair came off. Plenty of people on trail with damaged toe and toe nails. > Germolene and Bandage as every plant in corsica is spiky and you have to walk over them. You will be scratched and bruised. > Avoid rice if given in lunch boxes. Rice is notorious to go bad in heat. I as well as another group ended up being sick after having rice for lunch. Those who didn't have it were fine. > do not smoke as it is prohibited at campsites and may cause fire due to extremely dry conditions. >Drink as much water as possible at the start of trek and whenever you see a source. I carried water purifying tablets but no one else did and they were all fine. > Do not miss the sun rise, sun set and the stars each night. Its unforgettable. > Try local drinks including ice tea, beer and some really good wine Remember the trek is difficult but achievable. It is very enjoyable with some stunning scenery.
By Priyanka from Berkshire | 19 August 2022
Possibly the Hottest GR20 Ever ? !
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The 10 of us who booked the Real GR20 to start in the last week of June were hoping to avoid the crowded peak summer months on the route and the heat, for Paddy Dillon in the Cicerone guide states that in June “the days will be warm, but not too hot”. However, no-one could have anticipated the record-breaking ‘chaleur’ that built up in central France and the Mediterranean in 2019. Even at 2,000 metres, the shade temperatures had built up to the mid-30’s (C) by the afternoon and we even heard that 110 F (43 C) had been recorded at a refuge 2 days ahead of us! Mind you it could have been worse: apparently it rained almost every day in June 2018 and all we had was 30 minutes of rain on the afternoon of Day 10, with the accompanying thunder & lightning storm missing the ridge we were on by some distance. Martin, a French guide, had the responsibility of helping us keep safe & on route, assisting those who needed it on the well-signed but exceeding rough terrain, and sorting out the pre-booked meals and accommodation with the refuge, gite & hotel owners. The heat was not long in taking its toll and at the end of Day 3 one of our party had to drop out temporarily for 5 days due to a combination of vomiting and heat exhaustion. Two days later it was even more dramatic, as a rescue helicopter had to be called in to evacuate another team member who was close to collapse with the heatstroke and a viral infection. Fortunately the heat relented just a fraction after that and the remaining 5 men and 3 women all finished the route, most showing a few scars, sores & aches after the 13 days, which averaged around 1,000 m (3,280 feet) of ascent & similar descent. Although the daily distances varied from 8 - 28 km (5.0 to 17.4 miles) the days were long, with our shortest day’s walking being 5 minutes under 7 hours and the longest 11 hrs 45 mins. The latter was one of the 2 ‘double stage’ days, necessary to fit the 15 stage route into the fortnight dictated by the weekly UK flight schedules. Most days we started early (7.30am was a late departure) and generally we climbed for the first two hours or so to a col. Fortunately KE Adventure does the route from North to South and this meant that we were usually on the shaded western side of the mountainous island spine for this early morning climb. Once high we needed full sun protection, although the second week brought the occasional cooling breeze in the afternoon. Food on the trek was mostly basic but nourishing & plentiful, although we had to make sure we replenished mineral salts and there never seemed to be any salt at breakfast-time. Most of us carried 3 litres of water in our packs each morning it was so hot, and we also drank lots of the refreshing sparkling local “Orezza” mineral water. We also became very adept at dunking our headgear into any stream we crossed to help cool us down, especially in the hotter afternoons. After a hard, sweaty day a shower (cold at the refuges) and a Pietra beer were always very welcome! The 2-person Quechua pop-up tents did their job and we all slept reasonably and didn’t pick up any bed bugs. However, the facilities at some of the refuges were very stretched e.g. 2 showers and a couple of toilets between around 80 people! Having access to our main luggage on 8 nights, meant we could swap some gear around and enjoy the luxury of 3 days towards the end of the route when we didn’t have to carry overnight gear and so enjoyed walking with lighter packs. All in all it was a tough, very spectacular walk that needed determination, especially as there was only around 10 hours of easy ’normal’ walking on the flat. Nowhere is the route as exposed as, say, Crib Goch and it is not highly technical: basically one needs the ability to be able to rock hop confidently on very broken ground and walk across granite slabs of varying degrees of steepness without slipping. We soon mastered the knees bent, “Charlie Chaplin” splayed waddle technique for the steep downhill slabs! You don’t have to be ‘superhuman’ to complete the route but you do have to pay careful attention to what your body is telling you. If you don’t attend to chafing, pains and blisters as soon as is possible they will only get worse and cause even greater problems as the tough days follow one after the other. We were lucky in that our group contained 4 medics so the first aid gear we had between us must have been some of the most comprehensive ever seen on the route! If I had to summarise each day in a single line, it would be something like:- Sunday (23/6): Arrival and exploring Calvi Monday (24/6): Calenzana to Piobbio - Uphill most of the Day but Not Too B ad with Views & Shade. Tuesday (25/6): Piobbio to Carrozu - The First Day of ‘Proper’ GR 20 Scrambling Wednesday (26/6): Carrozu to Haut Asco - Slabs, Slabs and more Slabs: A ‘No Poles’ Day Thursday (27/6): Asco to Ballone - A Tough Thursday but alas No ‘Solitude’ Friday (28/6): Ballone to Vergio - The Day of Drama as We Lose Our 2nd Victim to the Heat Saturday (29/6): Vergio to Manganu - “Easy” Saturday – but Still Spectacular Scenery Sunday (30/6): Manganu to L'Onda - A Tough but Wonderful Walk: possibly the “Highlight Day” of the Trip. Monday (1/7): L'Onda to Monte d'Oro - A Hard, Short Day to End the Northern Section Tuesday (2/7): Monte d'Oro to Col de Verde - A Long ‘Normal’ Hike in the Woods – Light Packs at Last! Wednesday (3/7): Col de Verde to Usciolu - A Two-ascent, Full-mountain Day Thursday (4/7): Usciolu to I Crocci - The Easiest Day on Our GR20 Friday (5/7): I Crocci to Col de Bavella - MEGA Tough but Amazing Scenery Plus a Summit Saturday (6/7): Col de Bavella to Conca - No Let Up: Relentless to the End! On our trip our waterproofs were virtually redundant and so was all the cold weather gear we had brought. Snacks from the UK to eat on the trail were a nice luxury and even chocolate-coated ones didn’t melt if you ate them early on in the day! Overall it’s a trek that gives great satisfaction to look back on, with great views and companionship while you’re ‘following the fléchés’.
By John from Solihull | 17 July 2019
Possibly the Hottest GR20 Ever!

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By John from Solihull | 17 July 2019
So proud & privileged to have done the GR20. Surpassed expectations. Fantastic!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
GR20 is something I've always wanted to do. I have travelled a fair amount but never with a guided group or as a 'single' before. It was a spur of the moment decision to book with KE as I thought this may the only way I would get to go before my knees got past it or waited until friends could join me. I wasn't disappointed. For once, having someone else take care of everything was a real treat. The group of 10, 5 male, 5 female all ages got along very well, no misfits. Paulin our guide was fantastic, friendly, caring, couldn't do enough to please. He lived locally (French Corsican), spoke excellent English and had great knowledge of flora and fauna in the mountains as well as history of Corsica. The trek was demanding with some longish days and some very early starts but walking under the moon and stars to be greeted by some wonderful dawns and sunrises made it even more special. The scenery was second to none so if used to exposure, walking/scrambling on steep, sometimes rough ground you can't fail to enjoy this trek just to be in such a stunning enviroment. Yes, huts/facilties can be basic and breakfasts simple (often just bread and jam) but as expected when refuges are remote. I guess for people never having done this sort of thing before they could be disappointed. However, food was plentiful along the way and we were never hungry. Regular snack stops to top up the energy. For me the beauty of going on a guided trip was not having to worry about finding/booking accommodation en route, worrying about water supplies (I had heard lack of water could have been a problem). Having all the local knowledge of the guide: where you could get a phone signal for weather forecasts etc. When a storm came in, the guide knew best how to adjust the itinary accordingly to ensure everyone's safety. Our guide was also great at keeping everyone going at a good pace in between breaks to to ensure we all got from place to place in reasonable time. (Some days were long and classed as 'double days' in order to complete the trek in 2 weeks). Apart from the hotel stays, breakfasts and evening meals were taken inside the refuges but sleeping was mainly outside in tents rather than the refuges themselves. I had no problem with this and felt it hugely decreased the likelihood of being bitten by bed bugs. I had got a little phobic about this before the trip as I know bedbugs can be a problem in some places. I did spray a repellent over my sleeping bag, liner as a precaution. I can happily report that none of our group experienced the dreaded critters. Other advice: Good and not too well used boots. 5/10 of the group had problems with their boots beginning to fall apart, (gaffer tape, cable ties, glue all came in handy) as the terrain is rather unforgiving. September was a great time for pleasant temperatures. There was one non pole user in the group, (never used or needed before) but by the end of the trip was having knee/leg problems. Would definitely advise everyone take a pair as a fall back. My biggest dread was not being able to finish because of knee pain....yes, as the days went by they were giving me some stick on the downhills but with poles, strapping and antiinflammatories I made it, loved it, cream crackered by the end but would do it all again. It's a shame Easy Jet only fly once a week to Bastia from UK but if anyone had the time or arrived via France staying on an extra few days for some r and r by the coast, exploring the islands in the south, Cap Corse in the north or a vineyard tour would be the icing on the cake. I'll just have to go back! Thank you KE...what next to top this trip? :)
By Claire from Kendal | 27 October 2017
The GR20. Is it really the toughest walk in Europe?
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Like so many people, I'd had the GR20 on my list for quite a while. It is said to be the toughest walk in Europe but I never believe walks that claim to be the best or toughest (or whatever) in the world, but of course the only way to find out is to give it a go. I'd recently walked the Tour de Mont Blanc and had heard various comparisons between the two. ("not much difference really" and "TMB is a stroll in the park compared with GR20") so it seemed that I had to d o it to find out. I'm very fit, although the wrong side of 60, and so I was confident that, even if it was tough, I would have no problems completing it but there was still a good deal of fear as I arrived in Corsica. Our guide was a local by the name of Paulin and he turned out to be excellent - but more of that later. His first job seemed to be to scare us to death, telling us for example just how many hours it would be before we next saw water and that maybe we should consider better waterproofs, boots and just about everything else, but I know from of old that guides like to be safe rather than sorry, I would reconsider that view after this walk. After a pleasant evening in Calvi, getting to know each other, we set off before dawn to drive to the start of the walk. We knew that the first few days would be tough because the Northern "half" is notoriously difficult with all of the high mountains and passes. We also knew that there would be a long climb straightaway, and indeed that it would go on for the main part of the morning. In fact the day could best be described as brutal and relentless. When we finally stopped for lunch (at a truly spectacular viewpoint - but I can't tell you where because it's one of Paulin's many secret places) I was about as tired as I had ever been on any walk. For the first time in my life, I was questioning whether I should be doing this walk. But after a long break including a siesta, I was refreshed and ready for the walk to the first refuge. The accommodation that night was in tents by a refuge. Over the course of the walk we stayed in a variety of places. Most common was the two-man tent by a refuge, but we also had bunkhouses (never shared with people outside our group, but sometime mixed sex groups within it) and hotels. Like all of the bunkhouses, this first one had a great atmosphere and we grew to know many of the people who were walking the route as we were usually in the same accommodation. They varied by the way from the ultra fit - the French Foreign Legion were there - to "Pajama Girl" who walked in her pajamas during the morning as well as "Skegness Man" who who have looked more at home in that seaside resort. By the end of the first day, we had worked out what the GR20 was like. It was indeed tough and we knew that Day 2 was the toughest and highest of them all. Because there was no access to our main bags, we would again be carrying everything that we had with us and there were already many conversations about what we should and shouldn't have carried with us far too many shirts was my schoolboy error. Although tougher than Day 1, the second day felt easier, probably because we were more ready for what the mountains were going to throw at us. We were once again very tired but I was already starting to think that the worst was behind us. At the end of the third day we finally reach our first hotel, which meant a hot shower, a decent bed and the chance to stock up on a few essentials - energy bars were a favorite here. More significantly, the hotel had a shop which sold, among other things boots. One member of our group took advantage of this and more than one other regretted not doing so. And here's the thing: when comparing the GR20 with other walks, the temptation is to compare distance and height-gain and this would be a mistake. The thing that needs to be considered is the terrain that you are walking on. When I look back at my photos of those first three days, all I see is rock. There is no grass or indeed any other vegetation. There is also very little flat - although there is what is known as "Corsican flat" which is not flat at all. It just means that it keeps changing from to up to down and back to up again. I'd come across the term "Himalayan flat" before, so I wasn't too surprised by the phrase, but in my view, Corsican flat is much more difficult and tiring to walk on. And that's not all. It's very tough terrain, no two steps are the same. I found myself constantly having to turn twist and stretch. It was really very difficult. Day 2 we calculated was only 9.5 miles long, but it took us 9 hours. I've rarely faced this sort of terrain. Our guide, though, never talked about distance - he usually talked about hours and occasionally in height. "Just 200 metres left" he said one day. It took us two hours - and it was 200 metres DOWN! Early on a couple of people wanted to know how far, but we all soon realised that time is a much better measure. And so the walk continued. Some of the group discovered that there were no rest days - having expected at least one. But here's the thing: This is really a 16 day walk and if you were to do it that way, each of those days would be tough. But 16 days doesn't work as a holiday, especially when the planes only come in once a week, and so there are three "double days". These are mostly in the "softer" south but were feared nevertheless. But despite the double days, the walk did get easier. There were still a few very tough days which would start before sunrise and involved walking uphill for 4 hours or so, but we were getting used to it now. As I write this, I'm realising that I've now managed to repress some of the pain I had on some of those long ascents. For the first five days the weather was fabulous, not as hot as it have been a few weeks previously but clear blues skies were waiting for us every day. But the forecasts were getting more and more worrying - thunderstorms were approaching and might be coming our way. We'd already had a couple of very early starts just in case the threatened storms came our way in the afternoons as promised but they had so far not materialised. Day 6 though, was a another matter. We were told to expect thunder in the night which might mean that we couldn't attempt to get over the col. We knew that we had a long day and we needed an early start but at 4.30 there was still a massive storm overhead and we were told to stay in bed. So we had instead a lie-in and a leisurely walk down to a nearby pool which would have been lovely had we not known that we now had a lot of catching up to do. It's probably here that I ought to mention our guide, Paulin, He had many great qualities, as I would expect a mountain leader to have. But he also had a few extras: before becoming a guide, he had worked as a shepherd in the mountains and seemed to know everyone. This was a major advantage, because he was constantly having to negotiate for meal times and accommodation with the local refuge managers. He never once failed us. But I think it was his knowledge of the mountains and in particular, his focus on the weather that was his greatest asset. On more than one occasion he rearranged a start time to avoid the worst of the weather. What this usually meant was that we started early and as you are getting more and more tired that is not always what you want to hear. But on more than one occasion, he was proved absolutely right as we heard of other groups that started later and then had to turn back. Safety is the one thing that you take for granted with a guide, but it's not often that he is proved to be right. So the walk continued into the softer south. It's not soft there, of course, but it feels like it after a week in the north. In the south there was vegetation and we usually got to our bags in the evening which meant that we didn't have to carry a sleeping bag - bliss! There was less ascent and descent but the days were perhaps even longer as we started to cover more distance. Better, there was a feeling around the group that we would all make it. We knew what we were up against now and were prepared for it. The only question that some of us had (5 of the 10 of us!) was: would our boots make it to the end? Mine were only about 4 months old but were rapidly falling apart. In fact they made it to the end (but not home - I threw them away at the end) but their condition did mean that for almost the whole walk I was carrying around a pair of back-up shoes. If there's one tip that I would give it would be to get VERY good boots. Despite our confidence, though, we all knew that there were still many ways that we might fail. But we didn't - not one of us. In the bar at the end we were all casually saying that maybe it's not that tough after all, but tongues were very much in cheeks as we said it. Be under no illusions, this is a very tough walk. So is it the toughest walk in Europe? Well. I believe that's in the eye of the walker. But I have no doubt that it's the hardest walk that I've ever done. And one of the most rewarding.
By John from Swindon | 02 October 2017
Fantastic mountain adventure
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was a challenging, exciting and adventurous trip. Stunning scenery, big mountain days and awesome sunrises combined to make this a truly memorable experience. The accomodation was great- a mixture of hotels, gites and shepherds huts which more than catered for a gluten intolerant diet. We took, and would echo, the advice to sleep in a tent where possible as this was by far the better option; better views, more comfort...and quieter! Our guide was outstanding; knowledgeable, patient and took the time to ensure that every trekkers needs were more than catered for throughout the trip. We would highly recommend the GR20 with KE as it is a proper challenge and one that leaves you with an enormous sense of achievement.
By Lisa from Nottingham | 08 September 2017
Corsica August 2017

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By Lisa from Nottingham | 08 September 2017
Epic
★ ★ ★ ★

GR20, despite being hyped up so much, is an epic adventure. It offers rugged mountains, forests, pools, lakes, and long long hikes. Be fit and have stamina and just enjoy it. The mountain huts have been recently improved, with better toilet and shower facilities, so you can have a shower at any hut. Food is hearty. There is a danger of wild fires in August. All in all, an epic hike, one of the few in Europe.

By Bostjan from Brussels | 18 August 2017
Tough, challenging but great fun and a real sense of achievment
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

<p>Travel light !</p>

By William from Belfast | 15 August 2017
GR20, Corsica, September 2015

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By Jonathan from ABINGDON | 25 October 2015
COR Gallery

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By Malcolm from UK | 25 September 2015
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  • GR20 Corsica - The Complete Route
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: COR /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 21 Jun and ends on Sat 5 Jul
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$550
  • Single Supplement Price: US$430 - Includes 4 nights only - Calvi, Haut Asco, Castel di Vergio & Bastia.
  • Download Trip Notes

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  • GR20 Corsica - The Complete Route
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: COR /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 5 Jul and ends on Sat 19 Jul
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$550
  • Single Supplement Price: US$430 - Includes 4 nights only - Calvi, Haut Asco, Castel di Vergio & Bastia.
  • Download Trip Notes

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  • GR20 Corsica - The Complete Route
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: COR /03/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 19 Jul and ends on Sat 2 Aug
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$550
  • Single Supplement Price: US$430 - Includes 4 nights only - Calvi, Haut Asco, Castel di Vergio & Bastia.
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • GR20 Corsica - The Complete Route
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: COR /04/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 23 Aug and ends on Sat 6 Sep
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$550
  • Single Supplement Price: US$430 - Includes 4 nights only - Calvi, Haut Asco, Castel di Vergio & Bastia.
  • Download Trip Notes

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  • GR20 Corsica - The Complete Route
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: COR /05/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 30 Aug and ends on Sat 13 Sep
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$550
  • Single Supplement Price: US$430 - Includes 4 nights only - Calvi, Haut Asco, Castel di Vergio & Bastia.
  • Download Trip Notes

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The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining in Bastia. For clients making their own flight arrangements, Bastia Airport is the most convenient for transfers to the group hotel.

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