From Bavella to Vizzavona.
Day 1 (Sunday only) : Ajaccio to
Bavella
In the afternoon,
transfer by minibus or train to the Col de Bavella, passing through
the villages of the Alta Rocca. The journey takes approximately 2h30.
Time to settle into the gîte before the evening meal.
Day 2 : Walk in Bavella
Bavella to Paliri
The GR20 follows
the ancient transhumance trail that joins Conca and Bavella, slowly
winding down to the charming Paliri refuge. From the col de Finosa you
will have a superb viewpoint of the sea and the gulf of Porto to the
East. The return will lead you through the aiguilles de Bavella, a landscape
with a rare beauty. The entire walk takes place in the shade of Laricco
pine trees, a symbol of Corsica that you find in high-altitude forests.
Distance : 7km, duration : 5h00, elevation gains plus: +540m, elevation
gains minus : -540m. The Trou de la Bombe
A walk to the Trou
de la Bombe, a circular opening that pierces the Paliri crest of peaks.
A pleasant walk under Larriccio pine trees and superb views over the
gulf of Porto Vecchio.
Distance : 6km, duration : 3h00, elevation gains plus: +300m, elevation
gains minus : -300m.
Day 3 : Bavella to Asinau
This morning you
will walk along the GR20 alpine variant to pass through the very heart
of the Bavella massive. The rose granite needles tower above, you will
pass by different pinnacles, such as, the Acellu, Ariettu, Vacca and
the Pargulu. The trail is sometimes steep and in places assisted by
hand chains. The area of Bavella is reputed for rock climbing, it possesses
a rare beauty, a chaotic jumble of granite. You plunge into an unusual
mountain decor and it is surprising to glimpse views of the sea not
far away. The trail crosses over a ridge at 1662m before a descent that
leads down into Asinau valley and onto the bergeries of Asinau, our
day’s destination.
Distance : 6km, duration : 4h40, elevation gains plus: +764m, elevation
gains minus : -530m.
Day 4 : Asinau to Basetta
Today’s terrain
is steep and challenging. You take the trail that leads up to the dramatic
summit of Monte Alcudina (2134m). It is a rocky climb but once on the
summit the view is panoramic, you can see your route stretching out
ahead. On a clear day it is possible to see the island’s
outline in the sea, the east and the west coastline. The trail heads
down towards the plateau of Cuscionu situated at 1550m altitude where
you will discover a large plateau, an area of 50km sq, dotted with shepherds
cabins that were once the homes of many shepherds’ families in times
past. Towards the end of the day you leave the GR20 trail to
make your way to the edge of the plateau where you will find
your accommodation for the night.
Distance : 12km, duration : 5h30, elevation gains plus: +730m, elevation
gains minus : -930m.
Day 5 : Coscionu/Basetta to Cozzano
You leave the plateau
passing through a forest of dwarf oak trees that are hundreds of years
old. Sculpted by the time and weather to such a point to give a tortured
decor of knotted, gnarled, low spiral branches, the forest has a mystic
air. You arrive at the Col de l’Agnone from where the trail climbs upwards
to open onto a high ridge. The path stays up high on the ridge at around
2000m altitude, alternating from one side to the other, it is astounding
that there is a path at all that passes here. The views are superb constantly
changing from the east to the west as you seesaw back and forth on the
ridge. The refuge of Usciolu marks the end of the ridge walk. Maybe
time for a welcome break, a drink in the sun
on the terrace and chance to meet other walkers.
From here you start the long descent to Cozzano.
Distance : 12km, duration : 6h00, elevation gains plus: +530m,
elevation gains minus : -1060m.
Day 6 : Cozzano to the col de Verde
Today’s walk offers
some great views down across the flat eastern plains and sea lagoons.
You take the Mare mare Nord path to the Col
de Laparo from where the GR follows the ridge. You will pass the the
GR refuge of Prati (1820m), it is worth
stopping to enjoy the airy rooftop views of the island and enjoy the
lush, spongy fresh ground. It is sometimes possible to see the islands
of Elba and Monte Cristo. The descent winds rapidly down in and out
of the forest to your destination at the Col de Verde. (1289m)
Distance : 16km, duration : 7h30, elevation gains plus: +1230m, elevation
gains minus : -690m.
Day 7 : Col de Verde to Capanelle
The trail undulates
gently today and mainly contours through a forest of pine trees. These
majestic tall straight lariccio pines with a silvery smooth bark are
very much a symbol of the island. Today’s
walk is essentially traversing the flanks of the dominating mountain,
the Monte Renosu. A steeper section leads us to the small shepherds
hamlet of Traghjette. There is just one shepherd that lives here now
following the age-old lifestyle of the transhumance and producing his
cheese. A last short walk before you arrive at a ridge where you can
see your night stop and the cabins of Capanelle which is a low key ski
station in the winter.
Distance : 13km, duration : 5h00, elevation gains plus : +635m, elevation
gains minus : -335m.
Day 8 : From Capanelle to Vizzavona
This is the last
stage of the GR20 southern section, the walk makes for a leisurely day.
You leave Capanelle (1568m) taking a path that is more of less on the
level and along easy terrain. You pass through some idyllic spots, past
remote traditional stone cabins and a luxuriant vegetation. You continue
to Bocca Palmente 1640m, from where on a clear day the views are exceptional,
the looming massifs of the Monte d’Oro and the Rotondu tower above.
You drop down into a thick forest of pine and beech trees for a relaxing
descent, the trail loops back and forth lacing down to Vizzavona (920m)
the midway point of the GR20.
Distance : 15km, duration : 5h00, elevation gains plus : +220m, elevation
gains minus : -910m.
Return to Ajaccio
Return to Ajaccio,
or night at Vizzavona if you are continuing straight on with the northern
section. The return to Ajaccio is planned either by train or minibus
at our discretion. You should arrive at Ajaccio railway station around
18h00.This program is an example of the itinerary
we aim to adhere to. It is possible, if situations arise that are beyond
our control, for the itinerary to be modified.
If you stay on the island you will
need to book an extra night. Whern booking please let us know if you
want us to book that night and where?
Details
Level of difficulty
Certain parts of the trail
are on high ridges and rocky terrain. There are also days that are particularly
long. At Bavella there is a section that is equipped with a chain for
extra stability. It is essential to have mountain experience, know how
to situate yourself on the map at all times, have a good sense of mountain
weather and orientation.
Price includes : Full board
accommodation, local transfers, moving on of luggage, route notes for
the walks and maps.
Price does not include :
Entrance fees, additional transfers, drinks, additional activities,
holiday insurance and travel to Corsica.
Click
HERE for booking this trip
Carrying
We propose 2 versions for the GR20 South
self-guided
With backpack You carry your
gear for the week (not including food or a tent) Your pack should have
a capacity of about 50L.
With lightened backpack Your
main luggage is transported to the different night stops that are accessible
by car. At Asinau shepherd’s
cabin you do not have access to your main bags. This means you will
need to carry minimal overnight gear and your sleeping bag to and from
Asinau.
Accommodation
During this trip you will
be staying in a mix of different accommodations. We reserve small dormitories
in the gîtes and a place in a small shepherd’s
cabin at Asinau bergerie. You need a sleeping bag for all nights. The
gîtes have shared toilet and shower facilities. At Asinau shepherd’s
cabin the facilities are limited there is one shower, a nearby river
and no wc.
Meals
All meals are prepared
by your hosts along the way.
Breakfast: Continental style.
Evening Meal: A hearty 3
course affair, with a wholesome, local speciality served by our hosts.
Lunch: A pasta or rice salad
with bread, cheese, cured hams and fruit. You will need a tupperware
lunch box with a sealable lid 0.8L
Drinks and extra trail food:
Snack bars and dried fruit are not included.
Starting point/end
Starting place: Railway station SNCF of Ajaccio.
Departure at 06:30, 08:51; (Sun- and holidays 09:19); arrival at Vizzavona
after 65 minutes.
Starting point : 14h00
at Ajaccio ferry terminal. End : Around 18h00 at Ajaccio railway station.
Organisation
We propose a self guided,
independent formula. You choose your departure date and we will take
care of the rest between the initial rendez-vous time through to the
dispersion point. If you choose the version
‘with
lightened backpack’
we transport your main luggage between the different night stops that
are accessible by car. Your bed is reserved every night for you and
all your meals provided along the way. We give you a set of maps and
good walking notes. This is a way of enjoying complete flexibility,
you dictate the pace and rhythm of your holiday and there is no monster
backpack to carry.
