Corsica's classic coast to coast adventure trek - Bavella to Calenzana the famous GR20 - Ascent of Paglia Orba - Vehicle support. 14 nights accommodation, 1 night yurt, 2 nights hotel, 6 nights refuge camping, 3 nights wild camping, 2 nights gite. Demanding trekking, max. altitude - 2525m. All meals included.

Corsica's Haute Route, the GR20, is classed as Europe's finest and hardest long distance trek.
Rising abruptly from the Mediterranean, with pink granite peaks soaring to over 2500 metres/8200 feet, Corsica is known as 'the mountain in the sea'. Famous for its dramatic coastline and perched mountain villages, this rugged island reveals its most spectacular scenery only to those who are prepared to travel on foot. Starting out in the south-east among the towering pinnacles of Bavella, our Haute Route trail takes us through the heart of the island to the colourful little village of Calenzana on the north-west coast. En route, we negotiate 180 kilometres/110 miles of mountainous terrain; forested slopes, high pastures, airy ridges and alpine valleys. A challenging optional detour takes us to the high point of the trip at the summit of the stunning viewpoint peak, Paglia Orba (2525m/8284ft). Our improved itinerary now includes the 3 final stages of the GR20, unquestionably one of Europe's greatest adventure holidays. The GR20 is a route for walkers who are in good shape - it is a tough, rugged mountain itinerary. Though well-established and well-marked, the paths are often very rocky with numerous steep uphill sections and descents that are rough under foot. The average distance covered each day is between 10 and 15 kilometres (equating with 6 to 8 hours of walking, not including stops). Because this route cannot be fully vehicle-supported, group members will carry their sleeping bags and essential overnight items on most of the walking days. However, you have access to your main luggage regularly during the trek.

We run this trip in conjunction with the English tour-operator KE Adventure Travel.

Day 1
Meet group in Bastia. Transfer by minibus across the island and southwards to the Col de Bavella, where we overnight in a gite .

Day 2
We take the 'alpine variant' of this stage of the GR20, which passes through the very heart of the massif of Bavella to the Asinau Valley. Overnight at the Bergerie d'Asinau. .

Day 3
Monte Alcudina (7001ft), the rocky high point of southern Corsica, is on our route today, before we follow an open ridge walk to overnight at Usciolu refuge .

Day 4
We continue along the ridge, more high level walking takes us on to the Prati Refuge, beyond which we descend to the Col de Verde (4229ft). Gite. .

Day 5
Traversing the flanks of Monte Renosu (7733ft) we pass the small ski station of Capanelle and on via the Boca Palmente (5381ft) to descend through the forest to Vizzavona (3018ft). Gite. .

Day 6
A big climb following the Agnone Valley, to cross the flanks of Monte D'Oro near Punta Muratello at 6890 feet. We descend a ridge to our overnight stop at Refuge de l'Onda (4695ft). .

Day 7
Taking the GR20 variant we follow a high ridge to the Petra Piana Refuge (6037ft). From here we cross the Col de la Haute Route (6955ft) and then descend to Grotelle (4495ft). Camp. .

Day 8
Skirting Lac de Mello, we follow the GR20 across the rocky breche of Capitellu (7300ft) and then descend to reach the shepherds' cabins at Vaccaja (5318ft). Camp.

Day 9
An easy trail passes Lac de Nino followed by ridge and forest walking to Castel di Vergio, another small 'ski station'. From here, we hike upwards to the Ciottulu di Mori Refuge (6529ft). .

Day 10
Detouring from the GR20, we make an early morning ascent of Paglia Orba (8284ft) for fine views across the island, then descend to the cabin of Vallone. Camp.

Day 11
An exciting mountain day, as we traverse the 'Cirque of Solitude' to the Col du Perdu and make the long descent to Haut Asco (4665ft), where we stay in a hotel. .

Day 12
We climb to cross the rugged Col a Muvrella (6560ft) and descend to the Refuge de Carrozu, where we stay in the refuge.

Day 13
More rugged alpine terrain, en route to the Refuge Ortu di u Piobbu..

Day 14
A long descent with stunning coastal views, takes us to Calenzana (837ft). From here we make the short transfer to Calvi and our hotel.

Day 15
Services end after breakfast. Depart Bastia.

Price: €1,795
Please, contact Sarah Quee for booking.

Start
Meeting point in Bastia airport, Sunday morning.
In the arrival hall at 11h00. The guide will be meeting the flight arriving from Manchester.
End
Services end after breakfast, Sunday in Bastia
How to get there
Fly to Bastia
Accommodation
1 night yurt, 2 nights hotel, 6 nights refuge camping, 3 nights wild camping, 2 nights gite.
Number of people
of 5 to 12
Level of difficulty
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 comfortably uphill for long sections without becoming breathless.
Guide
Experienced mountain leader
Carrying
Our aim is to give you access to your kit bags as often as is practicable. We can achieve this on 7 nights of the trek. Effectively, this means that you will be carrying your sleeping bag and minimal overnight essentials on most of the days. See itinerary.
Price includes
Full board accommodation, all transfers, guide services
Price does not include
Travel to and from Corsica, unscheduled transfers, your drinks, additional activities, holiday insurance