The GR20, on the mountainous Mediterranean island of Corsica, is reputated to be the toughest waymarked trail in Europe. This ambitious route for fit and agile walker covers 190 km as it makes a complete traverse through the island's high mountains. It can be completed in about two weeks, and calls for backpacking the whole way, sometimes with hands-on scrambling along the way. Facilities are limited to a dozen mountain refuges and a mere handful of hotels or gites.
The 'classic' route is described in the guide, along with high and low-level alternatives, plus extra mountain climbs. This guide explains exactly what is involved in following the GR20, including what walkers need to carry.
General Map of Corsica Introduction Geology Brief History Travel to Corsica Travel Around Corsica How to Reach the GR20 When to Walk the GR20 How to Walk the GR20 How to Use this guide Maps of the GR20 Mountain Weather Path Conditions Mountain Rescue Kit Check Services on the GR20 Food, Drink and Fuel Language Currency Flowers and Wildlife Advice in a Nutshell Points to Bear in Mind Food Supplies and Services Calenzana and the Start of the GR20 Stage 1 Calenzana to Refuge d'Ortu di u Piobbu (high-level) Stage 1 Calenzana to Refuge d'Ortu di u Piobbu (low-level) Ascent of Monte Corona from Refuge d'Ortu di u Piobbu Stage 2 Refuge d'Ortu di u Piobbu to Refuge de Carozzu (high-level) Stage 2 Refuge d'Ortu di u Piobbu to Refuge de Carozzu (low-level) Stage 3 Refuge de Carozzu to Haut Asco Ascent of Monte Cinto from Haut Asco Stage 4 Haut Asco to Auberge U Vallone Link from Auberge U Vallone to Albertacce Stage 5 Auberge U Vallone to Hotel Castel di Vergio Ascent of Paglia Orba from Refuge de Ciottulu di I Mori Stage 6 Hotel Castel di Vergio to Refuge de Manganu Link from Refuge de Manganu to Soccia Stage 7 Refuge de Manganu to Refuge de Petra Piana Link from Bocca a Soglia to Bergeries de Grotelle Ascent of Monte Ritondu from Refuge de Petra Piana Stage 8 Refuge de Petra Piana to Refuge de l'Onda (low-level) Stage 8 Refuge de Petra Piana to Refuge de l'Onda (high-level) Link from Bergeries de Tolla to Tattone Stage 9 Refuge de l'Onda to Vizzavona (low-level) Stage 9 Refuge de l'Onda to Vizzavona (high-level) Vizzavona and the Midpoint of the GR20 Stage 10 Vizzavona to Bergeries d' E Capanelle Link from Hotel Monte d'Oro to Bocca Palmento Stage 11 Bergeries d' E Capanelle to Bocca di Verdi (low-level) Stage 11 Bergeries d' E Capanelle to Bocca di Verdi (high-level) Stage 12 Bocca di Verdi to Refuge d'Usciolu Link from Refuge d'Usciolu to Cozzano Stage 13 Refuge d'Usciolu to Refuge d'Asinau Link from Refuge d'Usciolu to Zicavo Link from Bocca di l'Agnonu to Bergerie de Basseta Link from Zicavo to Refuge d'Asinau Stage 14 Refuge d'Asinau to Village de Bavella (low-level) Stage 14 Refuge d'Asinau to Village de Bavella (high-level) Stage 15 Village de Bavella to Conca Conca and the End of the GR20 APPENDIX 1 Summary of GR20 Walking Times and Facilities APPENDIX 2 Reverse Route Summary APPENDIX 3 Basic French for the GR20 APPENDIX 4 Topographical Glossary
Paddy Dillon is a prolific outdoor writer with over thirty guidebooks to his name, as well as more than a dozen booklets and brochures. He writes for outdoor magazines and other publications, as well as for tourism organisations. Paddy lives near the Lake District and has walked in every county in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales; writing about walks in every one of them. Paddy enjoys simple day walks, challenging long-distance walks, and is a dedicated island-hopper. He has led guided walks and walked extensively in Europe, as well as in Nepal, Tibet, Africa and the Rocky Mountains of Canada and the USA. While researching routes, Paddy works directly onto a palmtop computer, so that his descriptions are precise, having been written at the very point at which the reader uses them. Paddy takes his own photographs, has appeared on radio and TV, and is a member of the Outdoor Writers' Guild.
This is an unashamable plug for Paddy Dillion's book. Its really excellent! Even the "foreigners" we met were using it- as it is both more accurate and relevent than the alternatives. If you think its too heavy, as my ultra light nut thought, just do what he did and cut it up- but don't leave for the GR20 without it." Posted on www.Outdoorsmagic.com discussion site, July 2006 'Paddy provides everything to know before tackling the route.' Strider LDWA, August 2006 This book is not only a good book, but a down to earth practical book. Paddy gives you all the pre trek beta, and doesn't hide anything. The photos in the book are excellent and leave you in no doubt of the breathtaking scenery. The recent new maps are an excellent improvement and make its usage far easier than the previous edition (impartial feedback). The Aitchison-Jones Walker's Handbook 2007