GR 20

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Map of Corsica showing the route of the GR 20

The GR 20 (or fra li monte) is a GR footpath that crosses the Mediterranean island of Corsica from north to south, described by the prolific outdoor writer Paddy Dillon as "one of the top trails in the world".^[1] This is a real mountain hike, and although no climbing is required it does often necessitate a fair amount of scrambling, especially in the northern half. However, as on any mountain trail, there is real danger in case of bad weather. Being at high altitudes some snow can come late and early in the year and fog can bring a bitter chill and make it difficult to find one's way. Some, with some sense of hyperbole, will even qualify this path as one of the hardest in Europe. The trail has few escape routes as there are few paths or roads crossing or leading away from the trail and should therefore not be attempted lightly. However the experienced hiker will be rewarded with some outstanding vistas.

The railway station in Vizzavona.

A hiking boot, found just before the last refuge before arriving at Conca - the southern end of the trail.

The whole trail is about 180km long, clearly labelled throughout, and can be walked in 15 days. Experienced hikers can do it in fewer days. The trail consists of two parts: the northern part and the southern part. The northern part starts in Calenzana and stops in Vizzavona. There you can take the train to Bastia or Ajaccio. The northern part is the most difficult part, because of the steep and rocky paths. The southern part of the trail goes from Vizzavona to Conca and is generally easier.

Along the trail there are mountain huts or "refuges" which offer basic food and even more basic accommodation. One can sleep in tent nearby the refuge, but it is not permitted to raise tents along the trail on other places.

GR20 is an advanced trail. Of the less difficult but beautiful trails on the island two Mare e monti (from sea to mountain) and three Mare a mare (from sea to sea) trails are the best known.

[edit] Route

Northern part: Calenzana - Ortu di Piobbu or Bonifatu (alternative route) - Carozzu - Asco Stagnu - Tighjettu - Ciottulu di I Mori (or Castel de Vergio) - Manganu - Petra Piana - L'Onda - Vizzavona