Corsican Haute Route

Corsica's classic coast to coast adventure trek - Bavella to Calenzana the complete GR20 - Ascent of Paglia Orba - Vehicle support

A classic walking holiday along the complete GR20 Haute Route in Corsica. The GR20 Haute Route in Corsica, is classed as one of the finest mountain walking routes in the whole of Europe. Rising abruptly from the Mediterranean, with granite peaks soaring to over 2500 metres / 8200 feet, Corsica is known as 'the Scented Isle'. Famous for its dramatic coastline and pretty, perched mountain villages, the rugged island of Corsica reveals its most spectacular scenery only to those who are prepared to explore it on foot. Starting out by trekking in the south-east amongst the towering pinnacles of Bavella, the trail takes us through the heart of Corsica to the colourful resort of Calvi on the north-west coast. The route covers a total of 180 kilometres/ 110 miles of mountainous terrain; forested slopes, high pasture, airy ridges and walking in alpine valleys. A short, optional detour takes us to the high point of the trip, trekking to the summit of the stunning viewpoint peak, Paglia Orba (2525m/8284ft). Our amended and improved Corsica itinerary now includes the 3 final stages of the GR20, unquestionably one of the great walking adventure holidays in Europe.

Trip Guide:
The GR20 is a route for walkers who are in good shape - it is a tough, rugged mountain itinerary. Though well-established and well-marked, the paths are often very rocky with numerous steep uphill sections and descents that are rough under foot. The average distance covered each day is between 10 and 15 kilometres (equating with 6 to 8 hours of walking, not including stops). Because this route cannot be fully vehicle-supported, group members will carry their sleeping bags and essential overnight items on most of the walking days.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1. Morning rendezvous at Calvi Airport. KE Group package services begin with a group transfer by minibus across the island and southwards to the Col de Bavella, where we overnight in a gite.

Day 2. We take the 'alpine variant' of this stage of the GR20, which passes through the very heart of the massif of Bavella to the Asinau Valley. Overnight at the Bergerie d'Asinau.

Day 3. Monte Alcudina (7001ft), the rocky high point of southern Corsica, is on our route today, before we descend to the high grazing Plateau de Cuscionu and the refuge at Bassetta.

Day 4. We traverse the plateau through ancient forest to a ridge with stunning views across the whole of the southern GR, we overnight at the Usciolu Refuge.

Day 5. We continue along the ridge to the Col de Laparo. More high level walking takes us on to the Refuge de Prati, with its WW2 memorial, beyond which we descend to the Col de Verde (4229ft). Gite.

Day 6. Traversing the flanks of Monte Renosu (7733ft) we pass the small ski station of Capanelle and on via the Boca Palmente (5381ft) to descend through the forest to Vizzavona (3018ft). Gite.

Day 7. A big climb following the Agnone Valley, to cross the flanks of Monte D'Oro near Punta Muratello at 6890 feet. We descend a ridge to our overnight stop at the beautiful Refuge de l'Onda (4695ft).

Day 8.Taking the GR20 variant we follow a high ridge to the Petra Piana Refuge (6037ft). From here we cross the Col de la Haute Route (6955ft) and then descend via the Lacs Du Renosu to Grotelle (4495ft). Camp.

Day 9. Skirting Lac de Mello, we follow the GR20 across the rocky breche of Capitellu (7300ft) and then descend to reach the shepherds' cabins at Vaccaja (5318ft). Camp.

Day 10. An easy trail passes Lac de Nino followed by ridge and forest walking to Castel di Vergio, another small 'ski station'. From here, we hike upwards to the Ciottulu di Mori Refuge below the distinctive Paglia Orba (6529ft).

Day 11. Detouring from the GR20, we make an early morning ascent of Paglia Orba (8284ft) for fine views across the island, then descend to the cabin of Vallone. Camp.

Day 12. An exciting mountain day, as we traverse the 'Cirque de Solitude' to the Col du Perdu and make the long descent to Haut Asco (4665ft), where we stay in a hotel.

Day 13. We climb to cross the rugged Col a Muvrella (6560ft) and descend on granite slabs to the Refuge de Carrozu. More rugged alpine terrain in the afternoon, en route to the Refuge Ortu di u Piobbu.

Day 14. A long descent with stunning coastal views, takes us to Calenzana (837ft). From here we make the short transfer to Calvi and our hotel.

Day 15. KE Group package service end after breakfast

Other Details

Accommodation Details

11 nights hotels, gites and refuges, 3 nights camping