Best of Corsica`s GR20 - Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd

Best of Corsica’s GR20
Country France
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Max altitude 2706m
Price £895
Duration 8 Days
The most rugged & challenging parts of the GR20
Ascent of Monte Cinto, Corsica’s highest peak
Traverse the infamous “Cirque de Solitude”
(UIMLA) IML British leader
Corsica is renowned for its rugged terrain through which the famous GR20
weaves its way.
This week allows you to sample the most rugged and challenging parts of
the GR20.
Our journey winds us through some magnificent mountain terrain, over high
ridges, down deep chasms and bare granite slopes. There are continuous
steep ascents and descents, but there is always an opportunity to relax and
cool our feet in the welcoming river pools along the way.
We follow the trail to the most legendary section of the GR20, the Cirque de
la Solitude, a scramble that requires courage and determination.
There are ladders and chains that will help guide your way on the difficult
sections.
This is by no means easy, but the feeling of accomplishment will be
immeasurable. For our final day we offer you the chance to make an ascent
of Corsica’s highest mountain, Monte Cinto (2706m).
This is quite an arduous ascent which involves some scrambling. We are
then transported to Bastia for our final night in this delightful old seaside
port.
Along the way our accommodation including gîtes d’étapes, mountain
refuges, and camping. Although the accommodation is fairly basic, they are
all in fantastic locations and offer hearty evening meals.
Throughout this trek you will be amazed by the magnificent scenery that
has made this one of the Europe’s best mountain journeys.
Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd, 33 Fairfield Close, Staveley, Cumbria, LA8 9RA. info@expedadventure.com,
www.expedadventure.com, Registered company number - 8342816 © Copyright Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd 2014
Participation Statement
We recognise that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities
should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
Accuracy of Itinerary
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, it may be necessary to make some changes as a result of flight schedules, climatic
conditions, limitations of infrastructure or other operational factors.
The itinerary is brief, due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. As a consequence, the order or location of
overnight stops and the duration of the day may vary from those outlined. You should be aware that some events are beyond our control and we
would ask for your patience.
The itineray is a general guide to the trip and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be
visited or encountered
Groups and Guides
A fully qualified British (UIMLA) International Mountain Leader will be your guide.
He/she may be assisted by an experienced in country leader.
Our leader to group ratios on this trip never exceed 1:8
Previous Experience/Fitness
A reasonable degree of fitness is essential, most days involve around 4 - 7 hours walking plus plenty of rest stops. This is a tough trek
and should not be underestimated, experience of scrambling is preferable and there are some sections where a head for heights will
be required although the chains and ladders will assist progress.
If you are used to regular multi day hill-walking in the UK you will have the right level of fitness to fully enjoy your time on this trek.
Weather
The weather should be pleasant during the day with cooler mornings, evenings and nights. The higher you are the cooler it will be with
stronger winds. Weather in the Corsica’s mountains can be unpredictable and you should be prepared for this.
Spectacular thunderstorms are not uncommon in the afternoons.
What to Carry
This is a semi supported trek, therefore you will need to carry all your kit with you in your rucksack on five of the six walking days as
shown in the itinerary. A bag with your spare clothes and snack bars will be transported to the overnight stops at Castel di Vergio and
Haut-Asco where you can restock on snacks and pick up a change of clothes.
However, with careful packing and using modern lightweight clothing, your backpack should not weigh more than 10kg at the most.
Useful Tips
Just in case your main luggage goes missing en route, it is a good idea to wear your boots on the plane, most other things can be
replaced but comfortable, well worn-in boots cannot.
Whilst trekking pack important items in strong plastic bags to keep them safe and dry.
Equipment
A detailed equipment list is provided on booking but normal summer trekking equipment is all that is required.
Baggage
Normally airlines restrict baggage to 20kg, but you should be carrying far less. For your own comfort Travel light. On trek you will
need to carry all your personal equipment, and you main baggage will be transported to two of the overnight stops.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult your doctor for up-to-date medical
information well before departure.
All our (UIMLA) International Mountain Leaders hold first aid certificates and carry a fully equipped first aid kit for medical
emergencies.
We recommend that you carry a personal First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical
requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our
leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.
When selecting your trip please carefully read the information and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel.
Please refer to the trek rating for trip specific information. If you have any concerns, please contact us before booking.
Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable
opinion of your guide they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group.
Tap or stream water should never be drunk without first sterilizing with chlorine dioxide tablets or by boiling.
Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd, 33 Fairfield Close, Staveley, Cumbria, LA8 9RA. info@expedadventure.com,
www.expedadventure.com, Registered company number - 8342816 © Copyright Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd 2014
Insurance
Insurance which covers mountain rescue, evacuation and medical expenses is essential. We will require a copy of your insurance prior
to departure. Please also ensure your insurance covers you for walking above 2000m (some will exclude this option).
Altitude
This trip does not go above 3000m so altitude is unlikely to be a problem. If you are new to altitude you may have concerns about the
effects. Don’t worry because our itineraries allow sufficient time to acclimatise, and altitude rarely causes anyone any problems on this
trip. The best way to avoid such symptoms is to walk at a gentle steady pace and drink plenty of fluid.
Visa and Permits
Visas for entry into France are not required by nationals of the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most EU
countries. Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements.
Your Guide will organise any in country permits. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation.
Local Costs
Additional costs would include any snacks or drinks outside of mealtimes and personal spending. All accommodation and most meals
are included. Accommodation is on b+b basis in Vizzavona and in Bastia but there is plenty of choice for evening meals in these great
places.
The transfer from the last hotel in Bastia to the airport is not included.
Currency
The currency in France is the Euro. You should take some Euros cash with you. ATMs and change bureaux are available in airports and
in main towns. There are no change facilities along the GR20.
Catering Arrangements
Breakfasts and evening meals are served in the accommodations. These usually include local specialities and consist of a starter,
ample main course, cheese or dessert. Lunches are usually a pre-cooked pasta/rice/lentil salad, with extra bread, cheese, meat and
fruit. Due to the remote location and basic accommodation vegetarians will find their options very limited. It is unlikely that other
special dietary requirements can be met.
Accommodation
Along the way our accommodation including gîtes d’étapes, mountain refuges, camping and locally owned hotels. Although the
accommodation is fairly basic, they are all in fantastic locations and offer hearty evening meals.
Males and females are likely to be sharing dormitories, facilities and tents.
Flights and Joining Arrangements
Flights are NOT included as part of this holiday. Easyjet currently flies from Gatwick and Manchester to Bastia, and from Gatwick to
Ajaccio from where the trek start can also be easily accessed using local transport. Sometimes very cheap deals can be found and
booking early is recommended.
Return flights can be booked for anytime on Day 8, or later if you wish to extend your stay in Corsica
The rendezvous for this trip is the accommodation in Vizzavona in the evening of Day 1.
Please ensure you don’t purchase your flights until we have guaranteed your trip is running.
Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd, 33 Fairfield Close, Staveley, Cumbria, LA8 9RA. info@expedadventure.com,
www.expedadventure.com, Registered company number - 8342816 © Copyright Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd 2014
Best of Corsica’s GR20 Itinerary
Day 1 Fly to Bastia and take the train to Vizzavona. You can settle into your accommodation and enjoy a stroll in the woods, or relax
at the nearby rock pools at the Cascade des Anglais.
Day 2 The start of the trail is easy, we follow a forest lane that soon becomes a smaller path which takes us near to the hamlet of
Canaglia. We continue alongside a mountain river before reaching a little shepherds cabin and grassy clearing that make for a perfect
rest stop. We continue up the valley on to the edge of the forest and emerge in a beautiful open valley. In total contrast to the first
part of the walk, we continue up the valley enjoying the stunning views. The refuge of Petra Piana stays hidden from view until the last
minute. Night camping. (6 to 7 hours walking).
Day 3 From Petra Piana a short uphill section takes us to the high ridge above the refuge. The trail is rocky, almost lunar in ambiance.
The views are spectacular, with Corte, the island’s historic capital in the distance and a series of wonderful glacier lakes to discover.
We drop downhill to Manganu refuge situated on the edge of the plateau of Campotile. The shepherd’s cabin Vaccaja, is 20 mins
further on across the plateau. Night camping. (6 to 7 hours walking).
Day 4 Today our path leads us gently uphill, a relaxing walk through beech woods, and across the green spongy turf at Lac de Nino,
surrounded by a spongy peat, with runnels of water and wells, ideal grazing ground for ponies and other animals in the summer. The
air is fresh, tinged with the scent of alder and the fragrance of the high mountains. From the lake we follow a high ridge with
magnificent views and the occasional blue glint of the beckoning sea. We drop down at the Col St Pierre, to join the trail to our Gite
for the night at Castel di Vergio, the island’s small ski station. Access to luggage tonight. (4 to 5 hours walking).
Day 5 The GR20 trail follows the up the Golo Valley. Mid way up the valley, our route crosses the Golo river, a good place to take a
break on the smooth sun-baked rocks, a paddle and a swim for the brave. The trail shortly leaves the floor of the valley and heads up
to the ridge line. From here there are spectacular views of the West coast. We soon reach the refuge Ciuttolu di Mori (1990m), the
highest refuge in Corsica, situated between two daunting mountains, the Tafanatu and Paglia Orba. From the refuge we head for the
Col de Foggiale and plunge steeply down, a stunning descent through a chaos of harsh granite rock and giant, grand, old pine trees.
Once down to an altitude of 1400m we approach to Vallone cabin. Night camping. (6 to 7 hours walking).
Day 6 Today we discover the infamous Cirque de la Solitude. We walk up hill for a couple of hours and arrive at Bocca Minua (2218m)
this is the entrance way to the daunting Cirque. This cirque is spectacular; the path literally plunges down to the depths of this
wonderful chasm. There are chains in some places that will help you on the difficult bits. Once in the base of the cirque the trail pulls
up and out abruptly the other side to the exit pass. Once out of the cirque and back in the sun we head downhill all the way to our Gite
at the old ski station of Haut-Asco. Access to luggage tonight. (4 to 5 hours walking).
Day 7 For our final day in the mountains we offer you the chance to make an ascent of Corsica’s highest mountain,
Monte Cinto (2706m). This is quite an arduous ascent which involves some scrambling, steep scree and exposed sections. We make an
early start from Haut Asco, initially passing through the pines but soon emerging onto the steeper open ground that leads up to ridge.
The route ahead may look impossible, but the exciting route does finally take us to the summit. We return the same way to Haut Asco
and meet with our transport to Bastia for a final night in this delightful old seaside port. (7 to 8 hours walking).
Day 8 Take a taxi or bus to the airport to catch your flight home.
If you would like to join us on this adventure please visit
www.expedadventure.com
Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd, 33 Fairfield Close, Staveley, Cumbria, LA8 9RA. info@expedadventure.com,
www.expedadventure.com, Registered company number - 8342816 © Copyright Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd 2014