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The GR20 North in Corsica
Trek the toughest section of the GR20 over seven days as you attempt to tick off half of this extremely tough walk.
Key information - GR20 North
Duration
7 nights, 6 days' walking 5-8 hours a day.
Difficulty level
Tough - read more on our walking gradings here.
Accommodation
Camping, simple refuges and shepherds' cabins - all shared dorms with limited showers and WCs.
Walking type
Self-guided.
Start and finish points
Vizzavona to Bonifatu. Fly into and out of Calvi.
Departure dates
Sundays from June-September.
What do we include in the GR20 North itinerary?
Contact us on 01489 866992 to book your GR20 North walking tour.
What's included in your package?
- Return flights: Stansted to Calvi/Calvi to Stansted
- 6 nights' on Full Board
- One night bed and breakfast
- Train to Vizzavona on arrival day
- Luggage transfers on specific days
- Map and route notes
- 24 hour assistance service provided by our walking specialist partner
Not included:
- Meals not stated in the trip notes
- Drinks
- Travel insurance
- Return airport transfers from/to other arrival airports
GR20 North, route map
The GR20 North mountain walk
Your fitness will need to be on point for this section of the GR20.
Starting in Vizzavona and walking your way to Bonifatu, you will trek through some of the most challenging mountain terrain, experiencing high ridges, deep chasms and bare granite slopes for long periods of time. Continuous steep ascents and descents will greet you daily, along with the most stunning scenery. Resilience will need to be at the top of your personality traits! This trek benefits from a luggage service where you will be reunited with your main bag at selected points throughout your trek.
The GR20 is becoming more and more popular, but it remains the most difficult trek in Europe. To overlook this could put inexperienced walkers in danger. There is a need to prepare for this trip properly and to not overestimate your ability. The GR20 is for hikers in very good physical shape who already have the experience of high mountain trekking over several days, and are able to manage to self-guide their walking with all that that involves: determination, effort, map skills and orientation, being aware and being able to handle adjustments in the weather.
This walk is very challenging; you need to be sure-footed and have appropriate scrambling experience – you need to know how to place your feet on rocky ground.
Luggage moving and day sack
During this trek, you will carry a 35-45 litre rucksack with a water bottle, sun and wet weather gear, camera, food container for picnics, trail food, all your overnight gear including cutlery, washbag, clean items of clothing, and sleeping bag.
Your main luggage is transported by vehicle at the following points: Vizzavona, Col de Vergio, Haut Asco and Bonifatu.
There are fresh water springs en route, so you do not have to be weighed down with litres of water.
For safety reasons, we do not accept single-person reservations.
For the full itinerary, trip notes, technical information and kit list, view our download our factsheet.
Getting prepared
We recommend at least three sessions a week of aerobic exercise and regular hill walking. It is good to get in some hill walks on rough, uneven terrain, to build up ankle strength. Train to walk downhill, get used to knowing where to put your feet. Aim to progress walking downhill at a reasonable pace, two walking poles will reduce the shock on your legs.
Relevant walks you should have undertaken before the GR20:
1. Ascending Snowdon by Crib Goch
2. Descending from Blencathra in the Lake Dristrict by Sharp Edge
3. Scrambling along the Aonach Eagach ridge end of Glen Coe in the Scottish Highlands
Where you'll be staying
You will be staying in a mix of dorms and tents within Gites and refuges, on your last night, back in Calvi, you will be staying in a 2-star hotel before heading home.
What we love about this itinerary
The challenge!
This route is famous and known for being the most difficult mountain walk in Europe. Therefore, the rewarding feeling once you complete the route, is amazing!
The scenery
Corsica's unique terrain makes the GR20 a stunning walking route, with endless breathtaking views to take in during the hike, you will be wowed at every turn.
Getting back to nature
Some nights you will be camping, so this itinerary is perfect for those who love to be out in nature, enjoying the simple pleasures.
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