The reputation of the GR20 is well-earnt, it is a hard, tough and beautiful trail. It offers great trekking and an insight into rural Corsican mountain life. This version of the trek is accessible to walkers who are fit and out in the hills regularly. It is assisted by mules who carry your gear, each night you will find your main luggage waiting for you, you carry your day sack only. The group size is limited to 12 walkers maximum, a guide and a muleteer. The groups are of mixed ages and backgrounds, it’s a popular holiday with our French walkers, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself testing you language skills, as well as your stamina!

Day 1
In the afternoon, transfer by minibus to the Col de Bavella, passing through the villages of the Alta Rocca. The journey takes approximately 2h30. Time to settle into the gite before the evening meal.

Day 2
Walk along the GR20 alpine variant to pass through the very heart of the Bavella massive. Rose granite needles tower above, a chaotic jumble of granite surrounds you. Descent into Asinau valley.
7km, 5h00, +750m, -550m.

Day 3
Optional ascent to the dramatic summit of Monte Alcudina (2134m). The view is panoramic, you can see your route stretching out ahead. The plateau of Cuscionu, dotted with shepherds cabins that were once the homes of many shepherds’ families.
8km, 3h00, +560m, -560m.

Day 4
You leave Crocce crossing the strikingly green pozzines along a small river. You join the mountain ridge which will lead you to Usciolu refuge. The high airy views are superb.
13km, 5h00, +820m, -600m.

Day 5
Back up on the ridge we have some great views of the Taravo valley, our trail is high and exposed, we pass through some narrow granite passes before arriving at the col de Laparo. We drop down from the mountain side onto a green flat pasture. The end of today’s walk will take us to our nightstop, Prati refuge.
10km, 6h00, -900m, -800m.

Day 6
From the refuge we pick up the GR that heads quickly down to Col de Verde. From here we walk on the lower flanks of the majestic Renoso mountain. The trail follows a long easy undulating path all the way to an old ski station called Capanelle.
15km, 7h00, -1000m, -1200m.

Day 7
Today the last stage of the southern section of the GR20 follows a long undulating trail past several shepherds’ cabins. We pull uphill to the Col Palmente where we can enjoy views of the east coast and sea lagoons. We head down through a forest on a well graded path to Vizzavona.
15km, 6h00, +250m, -900m.

Start
At 2 pm, at Ajaccio's bus station.
End
Around 7 pm, at Ajaccio's bus station.
How to get there
Ajaccio ferry terminal or airport.
Accommodation
Refuge, small communual dormitory in gite, camping in two men tents in the vicinity of shepherds' cabins. Breakfasts, picnics and evening meals.
Number of people
of 6 to 14
Level of difficulty
The GR20 is for walkers who are fit and in good shape. There are numerous steep uphill sections and descents that are rough under foot. One part of the walk is assisted with a hand chain at Bavella.
Guide
Experienced Tour Leader. You will be in a mixed group of French and English speaking persons. An English speaking guide cannot be guaranteed, good notions of French are required.
Carrying
You need to carry a small day sack only with a water bottle, camera, picnic and wind jacket. The main luggage will be transported by vehicle or mules between the different accommodations. At Asinao (D2) you will have to carry your sleeping bag for the night.
Price includes
Full board accommodation, local transfers, luggage transfers and guide.
Price does not include
Unscheduled transfers, drinks, additional activities, entrance fees, holiday insurance and travel.

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