GR20 South

Tour  

Walking  |  GR20

GR20 South Section - Self-guided. 7 nights / 6 days of tough walking

Tackle the south section of the GR20 over seven days as you take on the 'introduction' to the full GR20

GR20 South

Duration: 7 nights

Walking: 6 days' walking: 5-8 hours a day

Difficulty level: Tough - read more on our walking gradings

Accommodation: Camping, simple refuges and shepherds' cabins - all shared dorms with limited showers and wcs

Type: Self-guided

Start and finish point: Bavella to Vizzavona. Fly into / out of Figari

Departure dates: Sundays from 5th May to 15th September

 

 

 
The south section of the GR20 is considered the 'easier' half of the toughest trek in Europe. It remains extremly challenging, even though it is seen as an introduction to the GR20. 

The walks are still lengthy, between 5-8 hours a day, and the experience needed to complete this section remains the same as the north. On this trek you will be reunited with your main bag five out of the seven days, which means on some days you can carry less kit, making the experience a little gentler. Accomodation is still basic with limited facilities, camping or staying in simple refuges in remote yet stunning locations throughout the week. Altitude gains are lower too on the south section, facing an average of 700m each day. 

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, be aware and can 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. 

 

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
 

Key Information

This mountain walk is graded as:

What's included

  • Return flights: London to/from Figari
  • 6 nights' on Full Board
  • 1 night on B&B
  • Luggage transfers on specific days
  • Map and route notes
  • 24 hour assistance service provided by our walking specialist partner

What's not included

  • Train from Vizzavona to Ajaccio at end of walk (approx €10pp)
  • Meals not stated in the trip notes
  • Drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Return airport transfers from/to other arrival airports

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, tupperware with picnic, trailfood, all your overnight gear including knife, fork, etc, washbag, clean items of clothing, and sleeping bag.
Your main luggage is transported by vehicle to Bavella, Coscione, Col de Verde, Capanelle and Vizzavona

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 full itinerary, trip notes, technical information and kit list, view our detailed GR20 South web page, or download our factsheet.