This version of our GR20 is for those wanting to set out from Calenzana in the North of the island and walk all the way south to Conca. The trail follows the high barrier of granite mountains that divide the island diagonally into two parts, it is about 200 km long. You have the option of carrying all your gear and we make the reservations for your food and accommodation. Alternatively, we can provide you with a luggage service which lightens your load a little. You are able to start this trek on whatever day you wish. Whether you choose to take advantage of the luggage assistance, or not, you still need a really good level of fitness to embark of this trek. You need to be sure footed and used to walking on very rough ground. There are considerable daily ascents and descents with very little flat ground. You should have a good experience of the mountains, be comfortable with maps, self reliant, confident at managing your effort and bad weather situations.

Day 1
From Calenzana village to the first refuge, Ortu di u Piobbu. It’s a hard first day, the scenery is breathtaking and varied. You look down on the Balagne region and the coastline, the maquis quickly gives way to granite mountains.
11km, 6h00, +1300m, -50m.

Day 2
This is a very dramatic part of the trail. You traverse a semi circle of high mountains, the trail works its way around the edge of a large cirque. The panoramic views are impressive. You arrive at Carrozu a refuge, surrounded by little box trees, great sunsets!
6.5km, 5h00, +650m, -900m.

Day 3
A bouncy swing bridge crossing, starts the day’s fun. You head up the Spasmata slabs and climb to the Muvrella Col. Calvi is dotted below. A beautiful descent through pine woods will lead you to an old ski resort.
7km, 5h30, +750m, -600m.

Day 4
The Cirque of solitude is the most talked about part of the trek. It is a deep gaping chasm that you walk slowly down with the aid of chains and ladders, you climb slowly out the other side. It’s an amazing route.
7.5km, 6h30, +1000m, -800m.

Day 5
Uphill to the Cod de Foggiale, why not call in at Ciottolu refuge for a drink on the terrace. An inspiring ridge walk with views of the sea leads you down into the valley to the Golu river rock-pools. A walk through the woods, before arriving at Castel di Vergio.
11km, 5h30, +650m, -650m.

Day 6
The GR20 goes to a famous lake, called the ‘Lac de Nino,’ a place where the grass is green and spongy, the water sparkles and horses run free. Continuing on, you pass ‘Vaccaja’ home to a working goat shepherd, a short distance across the plateau, is the refuge of Manganu.
12km, 5h00, +800m, -600m.

Day 7
Cross the region of lakes. A magnificent, high mountain section overlooking lakes Melo and Capitello. Until June, névé snow covers the Brèche de Capitello and therefore requires a certain amount of caution.
11km, 6h00, +700m, -950m.

Day 8
A relatively short but technical ridge leads across a series of summits. The rhythm is slow and the walking interesting. The refuge of L’onda is colorful, lots of goats, sheep, mules and horses. The homemade brocciu spinach lasagna is pretty good!
12km, 5h00, +900m, -1300m.

Day 9
The massif of the Monte d’Oro dominates here. It is one of the highest summits on the island. You drop down to arrive alongside the mountain torrent known as the ‘Cascade des Anglais.’ This is the midway point of the walking adventure.
8km, 6h00, +800m, -1200m.

Day 10
You make your way up through a forest to Bocca Palmente, this is a great view point. An easy relaxing walk will lead down to Capanelle, an old ski resort and your nightstop.
15km, 5h00, +900m, -250m.

Day 11
A lovely forest path flanks the lower slopes of the mountain called ‘Monte Renoso’ The path contours round the base of the massif. A lot of the walking is on the flat for a change. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery all the way to Col de Verde.
13km, 5h00, +350m, -650m.

Day 12
A tough pull up hill, once you are up on the ridge you can see the flat Eastern plains of Corsica. The refuge of Prati is situated on a small plateau area. You continue on to the next refuge which is further along the ridge, it’s called Usciolu.
12km, 7h30, +1150m, -700m.

Day 13
A short walk this morning completes the ridge section. You come down passing through a forest of dwarf oak trees to the ‘Col de l’Agnone.’ You make your way across the ‘Cuscionu’ plateau to arrive at your night stop, the refuge called ‘Crocce.’
13 km, 5h00, +600 m, -820 m.

Day 14
Today, you walk up to the ‘Chiralba’ col and continue up to the ridge line of the Alcudini mountain. Drop down into the Asinau valley. You can take the famous alpine trail up and through the Bavella granite needles to the Col.
9 km, 7h00, +800 m, -1000 m.

Day 15
This stage is a superb jumble of rock and pine and water. The trail from Bavella to Paliri is a joy to walk through. Easy to understand why Bavella is so talked about. From Paliri to Conca you can just reflect on the 200km behind you and you approach the East coast.
18km, 7h00, +390m, -1300m.

Every day, from early June to early September. Bookings from two people or more.

from 01/06/12 to 20/09/12

Start
Your starting point for this holiday is Calenzana
End
The holiday comes to an end at Conca
How to get there
The best airport is Bastia.
Accommodation
A mix of different accommodatations. You stay in gites, refuges and will often be in a two man tent in the vicinity of a refuge. Full board provided throughout with picnics.
First Night – The first night is not included in this holiday. We would suggest going into Calvi and booking one of the many hotels there. You can take advantage of our shuttle service the following morning up to Calanzana. The taxi service we use can recuperate your baggage should you have chosen the ‘Luggage Assistance option’
Number of people
From 2
Level of difficulty
Very tough. This holiday is for walkers who are fit and in shape. There are numerous steep uphill sections and descents that are rough under foot. There are a couple of sections that have a hand chain to assist balance. You need to be sure footed and be able to walk confortably uphill for long sections without becoming breathless.
Guide
Self guided walk.
Carrying
You can carry all your gear during this trek. Your personal gear along with your daily picnic and trail food. Or, you can opt to pay for the expensive luggage assistance.
Luggage Assistance – see supplement We are able to get your main luggage to you on the following days: Day 3, 5, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15 (ie 8 times during the trek) This lightens your load, but you still need to be able to carry your sleeping bag, wet gear and overnight gear.
Price includes
Accommodation, meals, maps, walking booklet
Price does not include
Drinks, insurance, the picnic on day 1, transport of your luggage unless you have taken the assistance option.