GR20: Corsica CICERONE

GR20: Corsica

The High Level Route by Paddy Dillon

Guidebook to walking Corsica's GR20, known as the toughest GR route in Europe. It makes a complete traverse through the high mountains, sometimes with hands-on scrambling. Covering 190km, the GR20 can be completed by fit walkers in about two weeks. The guide includes high- and low-level alternatives, plus extra mountain climbs.

The GR20, on the mountainous Mediterranean island of Corsica, is reputated to be the toughest waymarked trail in Europe. This ambitious route for fit and agile walker covers 190km as it makes a complete traverse through the island's high mountains. It can be completed in about two weeks, and calls for backpacking the whole way, sometimes with hands-on scrambling along the way. Facilities are limited to a dozen mountain refuges and a mere handful of hotels or gîtes. Booking is pretty much essential to stay in the huts, but it is not strictly necessary to book to camp.

The ‘classic’ route is described in the guide, along with high and low-level alternatives, plus extra mountain climbs.

This guide explains exactly what is involved in following the GR20, including what walkers need to carry. In the past, many have carried too much, or carried the wrong things, or simply had no idea how difficult the route is in places, but this guide reveals everything you need to know. Detailed route descriptions and stunning photographs leave walkers in no doubt as to what is required of them to walk this exceptionally beautiful, dramatic and rugged route.