GR20 North - Walks Worldwide

TRIP DOSSIER
GR20 North
CORSICA
• One of the most challenging long-distance walk in Europe
• Magnificent scenery and majestic mountains
• Trek across the challenging Monte Cinto ridge
Group and Self-Guided Departures
Walking Grade: D – Strenuous
Trip Code: TCGN
For dates and prices visit
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01962 737 565
Date of issue: 16 March 2016
CORSICA
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GR20 North
Introduction
Corsica - ‘the island in the sea’, an island of sunshine
and beauty. The GR20 is considered to be one of the
most challenging long-distance walks of Europe. The
trail takes you through the most wild and beautiful
landscapes Corsica has to offer across rugged rocky
terrain, granite slabs, shingle, forests and meadows.
There are a few long days of 7-8 hours walking so it is
essential that you are very fit and motivated for this walk.
The GR20 North runs from near the west coast to the
centre of the island starting with a trek to Bonifatu, before
embarking on one of the most challenging treks along
the GR20. Your journey takes you across 30m
footbridges, rocky terrain, traversing plateaus, forests,
encompassing the majestic Cirque de la Solitude to the
shepherd huts of Vallone. The trail climbs Bocca di
Fuciale, with views across the Golo Valley and descends
to Verghio. Trek through the beech forests to Col Bocca
St Pedro across to Lac de Nino and the Camputile
Plateau. You final days walk takes you across Breche
de Capitello pass 2200m, to the glacial lake of Lac de
Mello leading to Corte, you will then be transferred to
Poretta for a final farewell celebrationary dinner. The
hotel is located by Bastia airport making it easier for
departures the following day.
Important Note
Due to the specialist nature of our holidays, day to day
itineraries should be taken as a guide only, and as
statements of intent and not contractual obligations. We
regularly update our trip dossiers to take into account
changes to trekking routes, accommodation, local
transport etc. Such changes are a factor of this type of
holiday and when made are out of necessity. Other
factors such as adverse weather, unforeseen
circumstances and other matters entirely out of our
control etc can also lead to enforced changes during the
course of the holiday. It is not possible to guarantee that
any of our holidays will operate exactly as per the
anticipated itinerary. The most current trip dossier will be
made available on our website.
We will also send you the most up to date trip dossier
with your “Final Joining Instructions” approx. 2 weeks
before departure and you should carefully check this for
any changes that may affect your plans. Before booking
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you should read our “Types of Trip” and “Essential and
Useful information” sections on the website
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Warning’.
Your holiday
Life on trek
During the walk you stay overnight in dormitory style
accommodation including gites, camping (in tents for
two), as well as two nights in a hotel. During most of the
tour your main baggage is transported by vehicle
between accommodations for the days that you are
walking. You therefore only have to carry your usual daypack during each walking day. There are two days
however, where you need to pack and carry your
sleeping bag and an overnight bag.
Walking conditions
The terrain is varied from rocky on the mountain trails to
easier paths through the forests, and sturdy boots are
required. The walking times each day vary from between
5-8+ hrs. The ascents and descents are variable and are
600m-1300m on the longest day. The ascents and
descents and distance are indicated at the end of each
day. The effective walking time (indicated at the end of
each day in the itinerary) is an idea of how long it will take
you, although walking speeds vary greatly. The
estimations do not take into account time for stops en
route. The weather in the middle of summer will be warm,
if not, hot during the middle of the day and can be cold
at night. The weather can sometime be unstable in the
mountains, so water-proofs and wind-proofs might be
necessary. Basically you should be prepared for
allconditions!
This trip requires a high level of fitness and stamina and
is best suited to the regular, experienced walker. It is
essential that you are physically prepared for this trip and
capable of walking for approx. 6 or more hours per day
on average for several consecutive days in a
mountainous environment.
A full explanation of the trip grading can be found in our
brochure or online at www.walksworldwide.com. You
should ensure you are comfortable walking at this level
of grading and are physically prepared for the trip.
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Date of issue: 16 March 2016
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GR20 North
Route Notes- Help keep them up to date
Things can and do change along the routes that selfguided walking holidays follow. A sign may have been
changed, or even removed, a path may have been
obstructed, even re-routed, a landmark the route notes
refer to may simply no longer exist. It is clearly
impossible to keep track of all the changes that may
occur outside the local tour operators control and
knowledge. It may be the route notes translation can be
improved (they are translated into several languages by
the local operator after all) too. Clearly a case of “last
person to walk the route” has the most up to date
information. In the spirit of camaraderie amongst walkers
and in an effort to constantly keep route notes updated
and improved upon, the local operator (contact details in
your final joining instructions) will always welcome
notification
of
any
changes
along
the
way/recommendations for improvement if you would
care to forward any useful and specific information to
them. Alternatively, send to Walks Worldwide and we will
forward accordingly.
Detailed itinerary
Ascent: 700m / Descent: -450m
Walking duration: 4hrs / 11kms
Gite (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
No access to main luggage tonight. Sleeping bag and
overnight bag required.
Day 3 From Bonifatu to Asco
After breakfast, you will leave Bonifatu for one of the
longest stages along the GR20. The first part of the trek
is a steady walk up to Carrozzu refuge, crossing several
rivers before reaching the famous Spasimata footbridge,
which is 30 metres in length and suspended above a
waterfall (a great location for photos). You will arrive in
the Valley of the Muvrella (mouflon) with its small lake.
The viewpoints are numerous and divine from the
passes. We drop down from the high granite peaks
through the forest to arrive at Asco below. Asco is an old
ski station set at the foot of the islands’ highest peaks.
Your luggage will be waiting for you at the gite.
Altitude gain: 1,300m / Descent: -598m
Day 1 Arrive into Calvi
Walking duration: 8hrs / 9.5kms
Arrive Bastia Airport. Make your way to Calvi – there are
bus and train services to Calvi. Alternatively you can
book a transfer. (See ‘How to join and depart this trip’
section later in this Trip Dossier).
Calvi is a beautiful vibrant seaside town, with its cresent
shaped bay and fine white sand. After an introductory
briefing, there is time to explore the town or chill out on
the beach. The first eveing meal will be a local
restaurant. (See ‘How to join and depart this trip’ section
later in this Trip Dossier).
Hotel, Calvi (dinner)
Day 1 Hike Calenzana to Bonifatu
From Calvi you will be transferred to Calenzana. You will
need to carry your sleeping bag and a small overnight
bag with you as you will not have access to your main
luggage tonight. Your luggage will be available in Asco.
Calenzana is a little village sits quietly within an area
abundant with olive trees. From here you will start your
hike to Bonifatu, which lies high up in the forest. This
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stage is characterised by several river crossings as well
as magnificent views over the coast and the typical towns
of the Balagne region.
Gite, Asco (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 4 Asco to Vallone
Setting off from Haut Asco you may have the chance to
observe mouflons, which are numerous in this region of
Corsica. Todays trail is a tough, high altitude mountain
walk where the terrain is steep and rocky. You make your
way uphill progressively to a small lake and the Monte
Cinto ridge, the highest massif on the island.
The climb up to the famous 'Pointe des Eboulis' (2607m)
is steep, rocky and slow. This is the highest point on the
GR20, the view is absolutely spectacular. From here, the
trail continues along the ridge line and there are hand
holds to aid your way. You drop down to Bocca Crecetta,
the scree, and high airy décor becomes easier as you
loose altitude, you walk alongside a small river as you
approach Tighiettu refuge before reaching the
sheepfolds of Vallone, where a cluster of shepherd huts
await your camp for the night, here you will be rewarded
with ample portions of home cooked food made from
local products. You will need to pack an overnight bag.
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Date of issue: 16 March 2016
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GR20 North
Your main luggage will be waiting for you at Verghio the
following day.
Alternatively you may take a bus service from Haut Asco
at 0900 and 1430 each day. The bus fare is €35 per
person and the drop off point is at the village of Calasima.
Where you may take a fairly simple forest walk leading
back to the GR20 and onto Auberge U Vallone.
and sleeping bag. Your main luggage will be waiting for
you at Corte the following day.
Altitude gain 500m / Descent: -680m
Walking duration: 5-6 hrs / 12 kms
Camp (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
No access to main luggage tonight. Sleeping bag and
overnight bag required.
Monte Cinto Ridge walk
Altitude gain: 1,200m / Descent: -1, 200m
Day 7 Manganu to Poretta via Corte
Walking duration: 9-10 hrs / 7 kms
Camp in 3 man tents (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
No access to main luggage tonight. Sleeping bag and
overnight bag required.
Day 5 Vallone to Castel di Verghio
After waking up to views of the surrounding mountains,
the day begins with a gentle walk through a forest of giant
Laricio pines before a long climb up the Col Bocca di
Fuciale. The climb is soon rewarded as you reach up and
over the saddle towards the refuge of Ciotulu di Mori,
(2000m) where the view expands down towards the Golu
Valley. From here, the path becomes much easier, as
you wind your way down the valley, past the many rock
pools on the Golo river, which are fantastic for bathing.
The final stretch takes you back through the woods and
up again to Castel di Verghio.
For our final days trek, the trail from Manganu leads us
up through the alpine environment and the first challenge
is the crossing a small airy pass at 2200m of the Breche
de Capitelllo. This is a wonderful and technical trail
which skirts around the top of Capitello Lake. From here
we are close to Corte, the island’s historical capital. The
route takes us downhill to a second glacier lake, Lac de
Mello and down the valley of Grotelle. This is a good
place to relax with a celebrationary drink before the
minbus transfers to Poretta via Corte. You’ll overnight in
a comfortable hotel with swimming pool in Poretta,
situated besides Bastia Airport for your Sunday morning
flight home. There will be a farewell celebratory meal in
a nearby restaurant.
Walking duration: 6 hrs / 6 kms
Ascent 600m / Descent 800m
Altitude gain: 971m / Descent: -1,000m
Hotel (breakfast and lunch)
Walking duration: 6+ hrs / 13.5kms
Day 8 Depart, Bastia airport
Gite (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Depart Bastia. Arrive UK
Day 6 From Verghio to Manganu
(breakfast)
Leaving Verghio under the shadow of this superb forest,
the GR20 route starts out on the flat and gradually begins
to climb up through the beech trees to Col Bocca St
Pedro. From here the walk is varied, chesnut trees and
open airy ridges leading down to the beautitful Lac de
Nino with its little ponds (pozzines). This is one of the
most well known lakes in Corsica. The surroundings are
superb, with fantastic views of the mountains and often
horses, cows and pigs can be seen grazing in tranquility
around the lake. We follow the Tavignano River, cross
the Camputile Plateau to arrive at Manganu where we
will set up camp. You will need to pack an overnight bag
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Practical Information
How to join and depart this trip
The joining point for this trip is the group hotel in Calvi on
day 1 of the above itineraray. Arrival airport transfers
are also not included. Private transfers can be
arranged upon request. Fly into either Bastia Airport or
Calvi Airport. Calvi is accessible by train and bus from
Bastia Airport. Please see the following website for
information
regarding
the
train
service:
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Date of issue: 16 March 2016
CORSICA
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GR20 North
http://www.corsicabus.org/. In Calvi, there is also an
airport "aéroport Sainte Catherine" and a ferry port.
The departure point for this trip is a hotel in Poretta, next
to Bastia airport. You can plan your departure anytime
on day 8 of the trip itinerary. Departure airport transfers
are also not included as group members may be
departing at very different times. A licensed, metered taxi
or local, public transport may be arranged from the hotel
to take you to the airport.
Flight Inclusive
We recommend that you book this trip as a 'Flight
Inclusive' package. Booking your international flights
through Walks Worldwide guarantees you peace of mind
and provides 100% financial protection under our CAA
ATOL licence. What's more, if you book your flights with
us as well as your ground arrangements, we will manage
these flight arrangements both before and during your
trip. As an ATOL Licence holder, we are able to secure
and arrange competitively-priced airfares with most
major airlines from the UK (as displayed on our website),
as well as the option of regional departures too.
Land Only
If you would prefer to arrange your own international
travel you can book this trip as a 'Land Only' package,
where the price does not include international flights.
Please note that if you are booking your own flights there
are certain risks you should be aware of. Many airline
tickets purchased directly are non-refundable and often
do not provide you with any financial protection (unlike
booking your flights with ourselves where you would be
100% protected under our CAA ATOL licence). For this
reason we strongly advise that you check the rules of any
flight booking you make, and check the limitations under
any insurance policy you may have in relation to
cancellation or date changes. We cannot be held liable
for any losses incurred or consequences of any flight
bookings or related travel arrangements you have made
yourself, such as if your international flights were
delayed or cancelled and you could not join or depart
your holiday on time. If you do decide to book Land Only,
we strongly advise that you do not book international
flights or make other travel arrangements (especially if
there are financial penalties for cancellation or change)
until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. Please
also ensure when making your own international travel
arrangements that they enable you to join and depart this
trip in accordance with the criteria specified in the How
to join and depart this trip section of this Trip Dossier.
Local transport
On day 2 you will be transferred from Calvi to the start of
the trek at Calenzana. Your luggage will be transferred
to the overnight stops, with the exception of days 3 and
5, where you will need an overnight bag. You are
required to take a local train from Corte to Casamozza
(this is not included in tour price) and you will be
transferred from Casamozza train station to your hotel in
Lucciana. Airport transfers are not included, but can be
arranged on your behalf. If you do not want to walk the
Monte Cinto ridge the bus transfer from Haut Asco to
Calasime on day 4 is €35 per person.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is based on a dormitory share, with
shared bathroom facilities in the gites and at the refuge.
Accommodation in the hotels in based on twin-share with
en-suite. It may be possible to upgrade to double or twin
in the gites for four nights, subject to availability please
speak to your consultant for a quote.
Food
Meals included are indicated in the outline itinerary.
Drinks and other refreshments are not included.
Breakfast normally consists of tea, coffee, bread and jam
whilst the evening meal, where included, are generally 3
courses. Breakfasts are small so we suggest that you
bring a selection of snacks, dried fruit, cereal bars etc to
provide extra energy along the way. Water can be
purchased en-route or taken from mountain springs, but
you may like to take iodine tablets to purify your drinking
water. Iodine is preferable to chlorine as a water
steriliser, and a supply of powdered fruit juice would be
a useful luxury to take away the taste of the sterilising
medium. Please notify us if you have any special dietary
requirements. Vegetarians can usually be catered for
along the GR20, although the accommodation needs to
be told in advance by the local tour operator and also
reminded by you upon arrival at your accommodation.
Changes broader than that can be difficult given that the
gites are dependent upon local produce.
Climate
It is of course impossible to predict the precise weather
conditions you will encounter during the course of your
holiday. However, we do schedule our holidays to
coincide with what should be the most suitable weather
periods for walking. The summer temperatures at sea
level average 20-25oC but can frequently reach 30oC.
Generally temperature decreases by 2oC for every 300
metres of ascent particularly when the warm Corsican
sun goes down, leading to cold, clear nights. Rainfall in
the summer is rare but spectacular thunderstorms are
not uncommon. Snowfall is heavy in the winter with snow
often persisting in the mountains until late spring, early
summer.
Mountains are notorious for creating their own, localised
weather conditions, so you should always be prepared
for inclement weather conditions. For climate statistics
visit www.worldweather.org
Roughly speaking temperatures decrease by approx.
1ºC for every 200-metre increase in altitude. Be
prepared for all weather conditions, even in summer.
*Please note that in extreme bad weather you will not be
able to walk certain sections of the GR20. You should
notify our local agent immediately if this happens. The
same applies if you have extreme fatigue/physical
ailments that prevent you from walking. Our local agent
will then organize a taxi transfer for you to the next
accommodation that is reachable by the road. Walks
Worldwide or our local agent are not responsible for
changes in the weather and you will have to pay for the
taxi directly. Please note that taxis in the mountains will
be expensive.
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Date of issue: 16 March 2016
CORSICA
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GR20 North
Baggage
Maps
Please make sure that your baggage is clearly marked
with your name, inside as well as outside, in case the
labels get detached. As your main baggage will be
transported by vehicle a normal suitcase (one piece max
per person, weighing no more than 15 kilos can be used
for your main baggage.
We recommend Stanfords at 12-14 Long Acre, London
WC2E 9LP (Tel: 0207 836 1321) www.stanfords.co.uk.
Vaccinations & health
We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist
for a check up before travelling. Your doctor will also
have access to the most up to date information on
vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you
are about to visit. A useful travel health online resource
is fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk No vaccinations are necessary
and health problems in Corsica are quite rare. A useful
travel
health
online
resource
is
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Please make sure that you obtain form EHIC either
online www.dh.gov.uk or from your local post office
– you will need to produce this if you have to see a
doctor.
First Aid
You should always carry your own small, personal first
aid kit. This should consist of the following: A general
anti-biotic, throat lozenges, painkillers, plasters (bandaids), blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET),
rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea treatment
(e.g. Imodium).
Security
Whilst the vast majority of travellers never experience
anything untoward it is worth taking precautions
particularly in urban areas. You should take sensible
precautions in crowded areas such as street markets
and airports, where pick-pocketing is common, and keep
clear of any street disturbances. Don’t wear jewellery, or
leave your bags unattended, keep large amounts of
money, cameras and mobile phones out of sight when
walking in town centres, and avoid walking in city centres
after dark. Keep copies of important documents,
including passports, in a separate place to the
documents themselves, together with details of credit
cards. Leave copies at home with a friend too. Safeguard
valuables, important documents and cash and deposit
them in hotel safes, where practicable.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking any of our holidays that you
have comprehensive travel insurance. It is your to
responsibility to ensure you are covered for medical and
personal accident risks for the part of the world you
intend to travel and the activities involved. This cover
should include repatriation costs, air ambulance and
helicopter rescue. It is also advisable to take out
cancellation insurance as all deposits paid are nonrefundable.
You may arrange either single-trip or annual multi-trip
travel insurance through Walks Worldwide. Please call
us on 01962 737 565 for a quotation.
Passports & Visas
British passport holders (and other EU passport holders)
do not require a visa for entry into France. Ensure your
passport has at least 6 months validity upon your return.
You can obtain the latest visa information, as well as
book your visa either by contacting your reservation
consultant, or by following the link below to our
designated visa service:
http://www.walksworldwide.com/information/visa.html
Budgeting for your trip
Please refer to the detailed itinerary for information on
what is included in this trip. You will need to budget for
meals and drinks not included in the holiday, any optional
sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature
such as laundry.
Clothing & Equipment
Please check our website for the most up to date
information regarding packing for your trip. The
information we provide is our suggested guide to help
you with your packing based upon our many years of
travelling. Using your own judgment for packing is of
course important, especially with regard to casual
clothing etc but please do not hesitate to contact us if you
have any questions about packing for your trip.
Currency
The currency in Corsica is the Euro. Please refer to
www.xe.com for up to date rates.
ATM machines are common in larger urban areas.
Language
French, Corsican (strong similarities to Italian).
Not everyone in Corsica speaks English. Take a French
(not Corsican) phrase/translation book with you.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory but should be used as a way
of showing your appreciation for services given.
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01962 737 565
Date of issue: 16 March 2016