GR20 North - Vizzavona to Bonifatu

Vizzavona is the mid way point for the GR20. There is a forest with a small railway station nestled at the heart of it which is a hive of activity for walkers setting out or finishing up their GR20 treks. At the beginning of the 20th century the hamlet was a popular resort for the English, take the GR20 path towards the beautiful Cascade des Anglais. 

The start of this walk is a lead in trail that will come out near to Canaglia, a hamlet in the forest. From here the path follows a mountain torrent with smooth rocks and enticing pools all the way to a shepherd's cabin set in a grassy clearing, the perfect rest stop at Tolla. The GR20 leaves the forest and continues on, emerging in a beautiful open valley, in total contrast to the first part of the walk. 

From Petra Piana a short uphill section takes you to the high rocky ridge above the refuge. The GR20 crosses a mountain col and continue on the high route, the views are spectacular, with Corte, the island’s historic capital in the distance and a series of wonderful glacier lakes to discover. From the small Brèche above Lake Capitello, plunge downhill to Manganu refuge situated on the edge of the Camputile plateau. 

The GR20 leads gently uphill, a relaxing walk through beech woods, and across the green spongy turf to the Lac de Nino. At 1743m this glacier lake is in a lovely  bucolic spot, surrounded by spongy peat, with runnels of water, ideal grazing ground for ponies in the summer. From the lake a classic ridge walk leads towards Col de St Pierre with magnificent views and the occasional blue glint of the sea.  

The GR20 trail follows the Golu valley. Mid way up the valley, the GR20 crosses the torrent, and leaves the valley floor heading up to the ridge line. From here there are clear views of the villages dotted on the west coast and the indented outline of the island in the sea. From Ciuttolu di I Mori (2000m), the highest refuge in Corsica, between Tafanatu and Paglia Orba, the GR20 falls steeply through a chaos of harsh granite rock and giant pine trees.

Today is a tough, high altitude mountain walk. The GR20 makes its way uphill to the foothills of the Mt Cinto, the highest summit on the island. After a couple of hours, you arrive at Bocca Crucetta, a ridge leads to the ‘Pointe des Eboulis’, 2607m - the highest point on the GR20, the view is amazing.  From here, the path literally plunges down to the small lake the other side and the trail continues downhill, across the scree before arriving in  Haut-Asco.

From Haut Asco, a superb ascent takes you to Bocca Di Stagnu (2010m) at the foot of the Muvrella (2150m). From Lake Muvrella  the view over Calvi bay is incredible. After Carozza refuge, you continue the descent to Bonifatu via the Mare e Monti. Transfer to Calvi upon arrival in Bonifatu. Holiday ends in Calvi.  Hotels available in Calvi, please ask for details.