Trek the GR20 of Corsica

• Accommodation: 5 Classic nights (hotel), 9 Simple nights (5 camping, 4 dorm)
• 13 days trekking the GR20
• Group normally 4 to 12, plus International Mountain Leader

The trip includes all breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners. Typical meals are: Breakfast: A simple Continental spread of tea, coffee, milk, long-life bread, butter and jam Lunch: Picnics made of rice, pasta, lentils, couscous salad – please bring a Tupperware container Evening meals: Based on local specialties with a starter, soup or smoked meats, main course or pasta/rice with a sauce, cheese, a fruit or a sweet pudding If you have any food allergies, special requests or dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of booking. Food is limited for vegetarians, and special diets cannot be accommodated due to the remoteness of the trek. Water: You can drink from springs en route. Spring water is generally safe to drink on the GR20, but care should be taken in drought periods and you should never drink from rivers or streams. We advise you to take purification tablets in case of emergencies.

Corsica has a pleasant Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and moderate dry, clear winters. The climate in the mountains is alpine rather than Mediterranean. Corsica is known for its microclimates, each valley can be different, with the proximity of the mountains and the sea often generating some stormy, unpredictable weather.

Corsica also has one of the highest sunshine records in France, with around 7hr 30min a day throughout the year, making it the ideal destination for active outdoor adventures. It should be noted that mountains see significant snow in winter, generally lasting into May on the highest slopes.

Please note, mountains can always make their own weather and, as a result, we may occasionally be forced to amend sections of the itinerary. For this reason, you need everything from swimwear and sunscreen to a warm layer and good quality waterproofs.

This trip is graded Activity Level 7 (Tough). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Hikes: This is a mountainous area, so all trails have plenty of ascents and descents. We hike between five and 10 hours per day.

Maximum daily distance: 16mi (26km)

Maximum daily ascent: 4,921ft (1,500m)

Preparation: This is one of our toughest treks, a real challenge for experienced hikers, so those new to mountain hiking should opt for a different adventure. It is essential you prepare for it properly. We recommend at least three sessions a week of aerobic exercise and regular hill hiking. It is good to get in some hill hikes on rough, uneven terrain to build ankle strength. Train to hike downhill, getting used to knowing where to put your feet. Aim to progress your downhills at a reasonable pace, two walking poles will reduce the impact on your legs.

Terrain: The GR20 is well maintained and waymarked. Even so, paths are rocky and hiking boots with good ankle support and tread are essential. You need experience of scrambling as there are some chained sections to navigate. Also, due to exposed areas, this trip is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.

Accommodation: The sleeping arrangements are very basic on the GR20. Please see the Accommodation for more information.

Luggage: To help you on your journey, a vehicle transports your luggage, so you have access to it every night in the south, and every two to three nights in the north. This means you do not have access to your main luggage on nights 7, 8, 10, 12 and 13. On these days, you must carry your sleeping bag and personal belongings in a backpack, so you have access to your essentials in the refuges, which are not accessible by road.