Preparing for your trip
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.
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 |
| Ascending Snowdon by Crib Goch |
| Descending from Blencathra in the Lake District by Sharp Edge |
| Scrambling along the Aonach ridge edge of Glen Coe in the Scottish Highlands |
Specifics of a trip to Corsica
Meals
Breakfast is a simple continental (cold) style with tea, coffee, milk, long life bread, butter and jam.
Evening meals are based on local specialties - starter, soup or smoked meats, main course or pasta or rice with a sauce, cheese, a fruit or a sweet pudding.
Picnics style lunches therefore please bring a tupperware for rice, pasta, lentils, couscous salad.
Should you have any food allergies, special requests or dietary requirements, please be aware that food choice is limited for vegetarians, and special diets cannot be accommodated due to the remoteness of the trek.
Climate
Set in the Mediterranean, 170km from France and 85km from mainland Italy, Corsica has a pleasant Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and moderate dry, clear winters. The climate in the mountains is alpine rather than Mediterranean. Corsica is known for its microclimates, each valley can be different, with the proximity of the mountains and the sea often generating some stormy, unpredictable weather. Corsica also has one of the highest sunshine records in France, with around 7.5 hours a day throughout the year, making it the ideal destination for active outdoor adventures. Itshould be noted that mountains see significant snow in the winter, generally lasting into May on the highest slopes.
Forest fires
During the summer months, in the event of high winds and in hot and dry conditions, forested areas can be closed to prevent fires. Areas at risk are closed to walkers in order to reduce the high risk to life. Access to these areas is prohibited during a stated time scale which could affect the walking itinerary. On certain routes including the GR20 and Mare e Monti, this could close consecutive stages, and prevent walking. Alternative itineraries may not be available.
Rivers & Lakes
Rivers and lakes may be a tempting spot for a dip on your walking holiday, but you do so at your own risk. It is important to be aware of weather in the mountains around you that could suddenly and significantly change the water level and flow of a mountain stream.
Equipment
GR20 Equipment
There is no opportunity on this trip to buy new equipment. Ensuring you have the right gear is essential for everyone’s safety. It can be equally dangerous to carry too much gear that is not useful. If you are weighed down this adds to fatigue, and you will be unable to accelerate your rhythm in bad weather.
What to bring and pack
Walking
Hiking boots or fell shoes, with soles in excellent condition, socks, shorts and t-shirts, swimwear, good quality waterproof Gortex jacket and waterproof trousers (optional), thermal hat and thermal gloves, warm fleece, sun protection (sunhat, sun cream, lip protection, sunglasses), two-litre platypus/camel-bag (a platypus system helps you to drink enough and saves time. Mix in energy drinks or electrolyte if this is something you do normally), tupperware lunch box with leak proof lid (0.8l) fork or spoon and penknife (knifes are often not provided), basic first-aid kit with blister repair (moleskin or Compeed), walking poles and headlamp.
Casual wear
Leggings or thermal tights Teva style sandals.
General
Plastic bags and zip-lock style bags Small quick dry travel towel, small wash bag with toiletries and antibacterial hand wash, earplugs, toilet paper / pocket tissues, sleeping bag -5° comfort, energy bars
Bags
Rucksack 35-45 litres (You will need a heavy-duty bin liner inside it to keep your bag waterproof, a thin nylon cover is not sufficient in heavy rain). Main luggage for your belongings 12kg, transported for you to the end of the trek.
First Aid
A first-aid kit is required. We would suggest adding to its usual contents, Imodium for diarrhea, re-hydration salts (Dioralite), Antihistamine tablets or cream and plenty of blister protection.
Accommodation
We try to describe our accommodation on the GR20 as accurately as possible. During this trip you have a mix of different accommodations. When you are reserved at a park refuge, the guardian will normally allocate you a tent.
Sleeping mats are provided. Nights can be noisy due to snoring and rustling. On the GR20 we use a mixture of park refuges, private gites and shepherds’ cabins. Refuges in Corsica are small, simple and rustic, with a limited level of comfort and a lack of facilities (cold showers, few sanitary arrangements, no blankets).
Water supplies
You can drink water from springs en-route. Spring water is generally safe to drink on the GR20 but care should be taken in drought periods and you should never drink from rivers or streams. We advise you to take purification tablets in case of emergencies.
Wildlife and Insects
Mosquitoes, wasps, ants, and other insects are common in Corsica, and in the heart of the countryside, rodents, cows, goats, foxes and wild pigs are abundant and care should be taken around them, especially with food. There are no dangerous snakes in Corsica. Bed bugs are becoming an increasing problem throughout the world on hiking trails and the GR20 is no exception. About 4mm (1/4 in) long, 2.5mm wide and brown in colour, they are notorious travellers, and walkers are the ideal way to spread infestation. Whilst bed bugs do not carry any known diseases, bites can be very uncomfortable and cause painful rashes in some people. Guardians and hoteliers are well aware of these pests and are extra vigilant in the prevention of an infestation. If you do get bitten, you should assume that your belongings are carrying bugs and/or eggs. Once infested, bed bugs are very difficult to get rid of and on returning from the trek, you should always be aware that your luggage could harbour them. The presence of animals or insects in or near any accommodation is out of our control.
Currency
You will need to bring sufficient cash to cover your personal expenses, including picnics, snacks, and drinks. Credit cards are sometimes not accepted in more remote villages. Cash machines can be found only in the larger towns.
