Transcript Trip Notes

Corsica: The GR20
France
Summary
The GR20 is Europe's finest long distance mountain walk,
travelling from North to South across the rugged granite centre of
Corsica. Since its inception in the 1970s, it has attracted intrepid
mountain trekkers and hikers to the challenging 180km route.
However, completing it unsupported holds many challenges. The
days are long and access to food and water is limited. The small
official National Park‐run refuges are very basic, while offering
food and shelter, they are often over‐booked and very cramped.
Our version of the itinerary manages to remove some of the
hardship, while still completing much of the famous route. We use
better private gite accommodation, have our luggage transferred
for us on all but 1 night so we are only carrying what we need for
the day, and we manage 2 rest days, one on the route itself, and
one in the wonderful old capital of Corte. Our own 180km route
occasionally uses official variants of the GR20, meaning that over
85% follows the standard trail and includes all the highlights.
18
15 DAYS
15 DAYS
TWS
MIN AGE
FLIGHT INC.
LAND ONLY
TRIP CODE
At a glance
11 days point‐to‐point walking; 1 rest
day in Corte; 1 optional walk day
High level of fitness required
Altitude maximum 2400m (optional
ascent of 2706m), average 2000m
Group normally 6 to 16 plus 2 leaders.
Min age 18 yrs
10 nights in dormitories, 1 night in
tent, 3 nights hotels
All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12
dinners included
Highlights
Europe's most challenging long distance
trek
Cross the incredible island of Corsica
Luggage transportation throughout
Private trekkers' gites
Free day in Corte
France • Corsica: The GR20
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The main luggage is driven from base to base for us on most days,
so we only have to carry our gear for the day and perhaps a
packed lunch. However, on 2 occasions our accommodation is
inaccessible by road; therefore we will need to carry our sleeping
bag and overnight belongings for 4 days of the trek.
The paths are well marked with red and white painted signs on
rocks, trees and other convenient objects. However, our itinerary
deviates from the classic trail at times to take you to see more
fantastic scenery, as well as taking you to less crowded and more
comfortable gites for the night. Remember that the idea of the
GR20, more than following a set route, is to cross Corsica through
the mountains; a challenge that is rewarded by incredible views.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference:
http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Traini
ng_Guide.pdf
Grade: 6 (Challenging/ Tough)
The GR20 is a long and tough trek which requires a high level of
fitness, lots of mountain walking experience and sure‐footedness
for the rocky landscape and mountain ridges. You also need a
head for heights ‐ this trek is not suitable for vertigo sufferers.
You will need complete confidence in your physical ability to
attempt this trek as, if the weather turns during the walk, you
will have no other option but to increase your walking speed.
Experience of point‐to‐point treks of more than one week is
essential: one of the biggest difficulties of the trek is the fact
that you need to sustain 2 weeks of walking at a
challenging/tough grade. Some people find it hard to recuperate
from one day to the other, so it is important not to overestimate
your fitness and capabilities.
Although the GR20 is not technically challenging, it involves
plenty of steep ascents and descents, scrambling and the
occasional use of fixed chains and a ladder (via ferrata). The
descents can be an issue for those with knee problems. Each day
we can expect to walk for an average of 6 to 9 hours (not
including stops) with considerable daily ascents and descents that
can be rough underfoot (averaging +800m and ‐800m per day,
not including optional summit ascents/descents).
Our leaders will assess the group's fitness and ability over the first
couple of days and, as per our booking conditions, they may ask
people who are not fit enough for the trek to complete certain
sections by public transport or taxi (at your own cost). This is to
ensure the safety and enjoyment of every participant.
Please note that to ensure passenger safety, in the occasion of
adverse (wet/ windy) weather we will not be able to complete
some sections of the walk ‐ this is at your leader's discretion.
All ascents, descents and distances listed below have been
measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that
different GPS measuring devices can give differing results
dependent on the barometric pressures at the time.
Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to
help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will
encounter.
The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals
included.
Day 1 ‐ Calvi
Start in Calvi, where we have time to explore this beautiful town
independently.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 ‐ From Calenzana to Bonifatu
Transfer to Calenzana, south east of Calvi, a quiet little village
surrounded by the olive trees that are native to the area. This is
our start point for the walk up to Bonifatu. Our route takes in
several river crossings and offers some great views over the
characterful towns of Balagne. This offers an excellent warm up
for the GR20 and gives us our first glimpse of the Corsican coast.
Accommodation: Gîte
Luggage: access to main luggage
Walking: approx 4h00
Altitude gain: +800m / Altitude Loss: ‐540 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3 ‐ Bonifatu to Haut Asco
After breakfast we leave Bonifatu and tackle one of the longest
sections of the GR20. River crossings are again a feature, before
we reach the famous Spasimata footbridge. The setting here is
quite dramatic, as the bridge is 30 metres
France • Corsica: The GR20
in length and suspended above a waterfall, offering a fantastic
photo opportunity. Using fixed cables we head over the
Spasimata slabs and arrive in the Muvrella (Mouflon) Valley,
where the passes provide some excellent viewpoints of a region
home to a large population of Mouflons which we may spot
during the week. Our destination is the foot of Monte Cinto, the
highest summit in Corsica, where we spend the night.
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Accommodation: Tent
Luggage: no access to main luggage
Walking: approx. 11h
Altitude gain: +1250m / Altitude loss: ‐1230m. (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: Gîte
Day 6 ‐ Vallone to Verghio
Luggage: access to main luggage
Walking: approx. 8h00
Altitude gain: +1300m / Altitude loss: ‐598m. (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Day 4 ‐ Lac d'Argentu and optional ascent of Monte Cinto
Today you can choose either to rest and relax, or to walk to Lac
d'Argentu (2400m), a beautiful glacial lake at the foot of the
north face of Monte Cinto with great views of the mountain
itself, and return to Haut Asco for the night.
After waking up to views of the surrounding mountains, the day
begins with a gentle walk through a forest of giant Laricio pines
before a long rocky climb up the Bocca di Fuciale. The climb is
soon rewarded as we head up and over the saddle towards the
Ciotulu I Mori Refuge, beneath the distinctive Paglia Orba peak.
From here there are great views down towards the Golo Valley.
At this point the path becomes much easier as we wind our way
down the valley, past the many rock pools on the Golo River,
which are perfect for a quick dip. The final stretch takes us back
through the woods and up to Castel di Verghio.
Accommodation: Gîte
Accommodation: Gîte
Luggage: access to main luggage
Luggage: access to main luggage
Walking: approx. 6h 15
Walking: approx 6h
Altitude gain: +971m / Altitude loss: ‐1017m (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Altitude gain: +980m Altitude loss: ‐980 (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Day 5 ‐ Haut Asco to the sheepfolds of Vallone
The new GR20 route, following the closure of the Cirque de la
Solitude in 2015, takes us just below Monte Cinto (about
45minutes below the summit) and onto the sheepfolds of
Vallone. The route involves a little bit of scrambling; it is not too
technical but it is a long day with considerable amount of
altitude gain and loss. Due to the length of the day, the actual
ascent to the summit of Monte Cinto (2706m) is only possible for
very strong groups if the weather conditions are good enough (the
decision to summit is left to the discretion of the leader).
Day 7 ‐ Verghio to the Sega refuge
Our route today is relatively long, but is a real treat. Leaving
Verghio the route gradually climbs out of the shadows of the lush
forest. The morning's effort is rewarded by the descent to one of
the best known lakes in Corsica, Lac de Nino, complete with its
little ponds (pozzines). The setting is superb, with views of the
mountains often complemented by the grazing horses, cows and
pigs that often visit the lake. The path continues to follow the
river and bathing pools, leading us to one of the most attractive
refuges on the island.
France • Corsica: The GR20
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Accommodation: Refuge
Luggage: access to main luggage
Luggage: no access to main luggage
Walking: approx. 5 hours
Walking: approx. 7h 20 hours
Altitude gain: +1155m / Altitude loss: ‐715m (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Altitude gain: +869m / Altitude loss: ‐1040m (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Day 8 ‐ Sega Refuge to Corte
After tearing ourselves away from the natural pools near the
refuge, we make our way down the Tavignano gorge, to Corte.
This stage offers more opportunities en route for bathing in the
crystal clear waters of the Tavignano river. We have dinner in a
traditional restaurant in Corte and spend the night in a hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Luggage: access to main luggage
Day 11 ‐ Capanelle to the Col de Verde
From Capanelle, we make our way to the picturesque sheepfolds
of Traghjete before trekking on towards the Plateau of
Ghialgone. We cross the footbridge of I Spiazzi (another bathing
point). Our final descent of the day lies under the shadow of the
rarest and most majestic Corsican fir trees, before reaching the
Col de Verde.
Those feeling adventurous may have the opportunity to climb
Monte Renoso, the highest point of southern Corsica at 2352m.
We pass Lac Bastani before reaching the summit where we are
rewarded with views back to Monte Cinto, Paglia Orba and Monte
Incudine.
Walking: approx. 4 hours
Accommodation: Gîte
Altitude gain: +720m / Altitude loss: ‐1400m (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Luggage: access to main luggage
Day 9 ‐ Free day in Corte
Walking: approx. 5 hours
A well‐earned day of rest marks the transition from the GR North
to the GR South. We have the chance to spend much of the day
soaking up the lively atmosphere of Corte, the ancient capital of
Corsica. Take your time to discover the citadel, perched high
upon a rocky crag, a defiant spectacle of Corsican patriotism.
Visit the Museu dia Corsica, which charts the fascinating and
turbulent history of the island, and spend time wandering around
the many shops, cafés and restaurants. Overnight in Corte.
Altitude gain: +600m / Altitude loss: ‐900m (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Accommodation: Hotel
Luggage: access to main luggage (Breakfast)
Day 12 ‐ Col de Verde to Cozzano
We start the day with a climb towards the refuge of Prati, which
is perfectly positioned for beautiful views across to the Renosu
massif. The view is at its best when we reach the crest. From
here the view stretches out across the Ligurian sea and the Italian
island of Elba (weather permitting). After easy scrambling
through a landscape of rocky slabs with some exposure for
approx. 2 hours, we make our descent through the forest before
reaching Cozzano, a village in the heart of Corsica.
Day 10 ‐ Vizzavona to Capanelle
Accommodation: Gîte
A private transfer will take us to Vizzavona where we begin the
trek with the Pass of Vizzavona and the stiff but steady climb to
Bocca Palmente, which offers splendid views along the eastern
plains and back to Monte D'Oro. Next, after passing the crest, we
catch a glimpse of Monte Renoso, tomorrow's objective, before
finally arriving at the sheepfolds of Capanelle.
Accommodation: Gîte
Luggage: access to main luggage
Walking: approx. 8 hours
Altitude gain: +750m / Altitude loss: ‐1300m (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
France • Corsica: The GR20
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Day 13 ‐ Cozzano to Bassetta
Altitude gain: +982m / Altitude loss: ‐1100m
Our morning is devoted to the climb towards Bocca De
Surraghedu. After 1000m on uneven terrain, we embark on the
Arete a Mondi, a beautiful rocky crest with fantastic views. After
easy scrambling with some exposure for approx. 2 hours we start
our descent through a forest of centennial trees. The path finally
descends and the vegetation becomes dense. After the crossing of
a stream, we arrive at the sheepfolds of Bassetta.
Walking (via the alpine variant): approx. 9 hours
Accommodation: Gîte
Luggage: access to main luggage
Altitude gain: +1470m / Altitude loss: ‐1570m (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Day 15
Transfer to Bastia airport, 10 km south of Bastia town, where the
trip ends. (Breakfast)
For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will
arrive in the UK the same day.
Walking: approx. 6h30
Altitude gain: +910m / Altitude loss: ‐505m
In case of bad weather we may take another path:
Walking: approx. 6 hours.
Altitude gain: + 680m Altitude loss: ‐80m (Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner)
Day 14 ‐ Bassetta to Bavella
This is the longest and hardest day of the trip, but the end of this
superb trek is in sight. Continuing on the GR20 from Bassetta, we
cross the Plateau Coscione where streams wind their way through
small valleys and climb steadily towards the col below Monte
Incudine. On a clear day we see Monte Cinto and Paglia Orba
behind us, and Sardinia in the distance in front. From here we
descend to Asinau to reach our final destination, Bavella and its
famous Aiguilles (French for needles), which dominate the
landscape of the Alta Rocca. There couldn't be a more fantastic
place to finish this memorable walk.
3 nights in 2* hotel in twin or double room with en suite facilities.
10 nights in gîtes with dormitories (4 to 16 beds), hot showers
and toilets. 1 night at shepherd's huts in tents of 2 (simple toilet
and shower available).
The official GR20 huts are run by the National Park (PNRC). They
were built in the 70's and are small, cramped, often dirty and
usually overcrowded and overbooked. Sleeping accommodation is
usually in one dormitory on long communal bunks. Hot water is
limited and there are often outside toilets. We do not use these
on any of the nights. Instead our itinerary makes use of privately
owned Trekkers Gites on the route, or accessible with a
deviation.
Trekkers Gites offer dormitory accommodation in bunks beds,
usually sleeping 6 or 8 persons per room. We will be allocated
enough beds for each person in usually 2 or 3 rooms depending
on the group size. Normally this will mean mixed sex sharing, and
may sometimes mean that other guests not in our group will also
share the dormitory.
Accommodation: Gîte
Luggage: access to main luggage
Walking (via the GR20): approx. 9 hours
All Gites have hot showers, basins and sit‐down toilets, but these
may be basic and are usually shared by more than one dormitory
room. Charging points are available at all gites, but access to
these may well be limited and shared between many guests.
France • Corsica: The GR20
Each Gite provides an evening meal, breakfast and our packed
lunch. Meals are taken in a dining room and a bar serves wine
beer, teas, coffees and soft drinks.
Overall the Gite accommodation is basic, no‐frills trekkers
accommodation, but it remains superior to the official PNRC huts
and more practical than camping, which are the only other
options available on the route.
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Transport
Transfers from and to Bastia airport will be in a private vehicle
(for those on the group flight). On day 10, we take a private
transfer from Corte to Vizzavona.
Single Accommodation
Single rooms are not available.
Extra Accommodation
If you require any additional accommodation either before or
after the trip, we can book this for you (subject to availability).
Please notify us at the time of booking. Payment for this must be
made to us, or your agent, so that we can issue you with an
accommodation voucher. Please contact the Exodus office for up
to date prices.
Food
All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners are included. Lunches
and dinners on the first day and free day are not included to
allow you to sample local restaurants in Calvi and Corte.
The breakfasts provided by the trekkers gites are generally simple
‐ depending on the remoteness of the location ‐ but always
include: tea/coffee/hot chocolate, bread, butter and jam. Some
places may also include pastries, juice, fresh fruit or yoghurt.
Packed lunches are provided each morning by the trekkers gites.
Again, these are simple, but normally with enough quantity. The
standard menu is: bread, cheese and local salami, plus a pasta,
rice or couscous salad (see packing list below for picnic lunch
requirements).
Dinners normally include a hot simple three course meal. Soup
and bread or salad, a main course of meat with pasta, and a
desert.
Vegetarians, please be aware that it can be difficult (but not
impossible) to cater well for vegetarians on the GR20. Please
inform us upon booking your holiday, but also please let your
accommodation know of your requirements as soon as you arrive
after your walk, but don't have great expectations. You should be
able to get cheese sandwiches for lunch and often omelettes or
basic pasta dishes are available for the evening dinners. Please
bring a good supply of protein (nuts and seeds) if this concerns
you. No other dietary requirements can be catered for.
The weather during the summer months can be fantastic for the
GR20 with clear skies offering views across the mountains, out to
the crystal blue sea and sometimes with a view towards the
islands of Elba, Monte Cristo or even the coast of Italy. Although
freak weather in the mountains is always a possibility, so be
prepared for all kinds of weather at any time of year.
June and early July departures may have to cross snow patches,
and should have temperatures in the mid to high 20s.
Mid July to August will experience some especially high
temperatures at lower altitudes, and those who suffer from the
heat may prefer to avoid that time. However this is when rainfall
is at its lowest.
September departures will be cooler again, but with a higher
chance of rain or storms.
Corsica can also experience summer thunder and lightening
storms at short notice which we will always avoid for safety
reasons. Your guide will keep an eye on the weather and decide
on the best course of action each morning.
In the evenings and early mornings expect temperatures to be in
single figures, but rarely below freezing in the summer months.
15 days, normally depart London Sun, return Sun
Based on the sometimes basic breakfasts and lunches, and the
long days, we strongly recommend that travellers bring additional
snacks to keep up energy levels.
Itinerary Start
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day
1 of the itinerary.
France • Corsica: The GR20
Flights from London
We normally use the scheduled services of EasyJet (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we
recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent
to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at
a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two
weeks before departure.
Due to Easyjet's booking system, we can only purchase flights 6
months before the date of your departure. If you book your trip
before this date, a booking confirmation will be sent to you
advising that flights are subject to confirmation. We will then
secure the flights as soon as they become available. In the case
that flights are not available at the original budgeted cost once
they are released for sale, a flight supplement will be charged. If
the supplement exceeds 10% of the original holiday price, you
will be given the right to cancel.
Please note that many destinations now require Advanced
Passenger Information (API), such as your passport number, date
of birth and nationality, to be added to your booking before
departure.
Page 6
Those arriving from London on non‐group flights should read the
airport transfer section below for information on reaching the
start point. Please check with the Exodus office.
15 days, normally start Calvi Sun, end Bastia Airport Sun
Itinerary Start
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Calvi in the
morning of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the
start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent
approximately two weeks before departure.
Airport Transfers
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement
only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged
to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check
the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not
take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the
joining point at your own expense.
UK Regional Flights
The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we
are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please
visit www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures for a useful overview
of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert
advice.
If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow
a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international
check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow;
this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is
known to be subject to delays.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights.
Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on
any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it.
Due to scarcity of flights to Corsica from the UK and in order to
allow people flying from different UK's regional airports to join
the trip, our group transfer will leave Bastia airport at
approximately 11:30am. People arriving on the earlier of the
flights may have to wait at the airport (max. 2 hours) for the
later flights to arrive.
The cost of a taxi is likely to be about £300 should you decide to
make your way independently.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will
be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do
not receive these at least a week before departure, or require
them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
France • Corsica: The GR20
Page 7
Insurance ‐ are you adequately covered?
Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing
income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to
protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to
responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan
and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.
You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining
a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are
covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are
resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel
insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on
your trip.
Throughout this trek we stay in family‐run mountain refuges
helping to support the mountain community. While trekking our
leaders and support staff work hard to ensure our groups leave
minimal impact on the areas they walk, taking all litter and
recycling where possible.
Local Time
For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit:
230 Volts AC, standard European adapter required.
www.exodus.co.uk/responsible‐travel
Group, Staff and Support
GMT +1
Electricity
The group will generally be between 6 and 16 people. There will
be 2 leaders for groups of more than 8 people.
Passports and Visas
Most nationalities, including British, require a full passport that
must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your
responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to
obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the
regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below
is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities
should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies.
We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and
customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and
any subsequent effects.
Certain European nationalities may be able to travel within
Europe on their national identity card. Check carefully with the
relevant authorities if you intend to do this.
No visa required for British passport holders.
Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the
current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is
required.
Vaccinations and Health
The minimum age of clients on this trip is 18 years.
Currency Information
The national currency of France is the Euro (EUR), with an
exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 1.2 to
the UK£ and 0.9 to the US$.
Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.
ATM availability/Credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques
Bastia airport, Calvi and Corte will be the only places where you
can take out money. Make sure you have enough cash (in Euros)
on you for your trek.
Extra Expenses and Spending Money
You should allow about €10‐20 each for lunch in Calvi on arrival
and the free day in Corte. €25 should suffice for each dinner in
Calvi and Corte. In addition you will need about €10‐15 per day
for drinks and snacks, depending on what you buy.
Travel health can often be something people forget about before
going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long
way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.
Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group
sizes)
There are no specific health risks on this trip.
Museum in Corte ‐ approx. €7.50
The above information can change at short notice; as we are not
qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we
strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a
Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up‐to‐
date information.
Tipping (leader and local staff)
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus.
Most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides and in
appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in
no way compulsory and depends on the service received.
France • Corsica: The GR20
Page 8
Maps
Essential Equipment and Clothing
2 or 3 season walking boots ‐ high quality, well broken in, with
ankle support and non‐slip soles. Due to the higher temperatures,
some may prefer fabric to leather boots.
Walking socks
Good mountain daypack, large enough to carry overnight
belongings inc sleeping bag (ie 35+ litres)
Plastic bags to keep your kit dry
Soft holdall as main luggage which will be transferred. Please aim
to keep the weight around 15 kgs.
T‐shirt and shorts ‐ depending upon the likely weather/time of
year
Light trekking trousers
Layered clothing ‐ several light tops (for protection against cold,
wind or sun)
A warm sweater ‐ polar or fleece
A warm hat and gloves
Breathable waterproof jacket
Swimsuit and towel
Towel for showers
Light trainers, sandals or flip flops ‐ for river swimming, or for
wearing in the evening
Cotton sleep sheet
Warm (2 or 3 seasons) sleeping bag
Sun protection including sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
Water bottle ‐ at least one that holds min. 2 litres
Camera with batteries and film or memory cards (it will not
always be possible to charge batteries‐ spares are recommended)
Torch or headlight (with spare battery)
Small first aid kit
Toilet paper. Supplies in the gites are variable.
Toiletries,
For picnic lunches. A medium sized tupperware box (approx.
12cmx12cm). For the pasta salad pat of the picnic lunch,
labelled with your name and any special dietary requirements.
Plus a knife and fork, and a few large Ziploc bags.
Energy bars and snack supply, enough for a small snack each day.
Optional items
Earplugs can be useful for dormitory nights
Walking poles
Baggage and Baggage Allowance
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on
the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We
recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold
luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline's
website for the latest information prior to your departure.
Reading List
GR20: Corsica Cicerone Guide
The entire route falls on to 6 sheets in the IGN maps (1:25,000):
4149 OT Calvi 4250 OT Corte and Monte Cinto 4251 OT Monte
d'Oro and Monte Rotondo 4252 OT Monte Renoso 4253 OT
Petreto‐Bicchisano and Zicavo 4253 ET Aiguilles de Bavella and
Solenzara The popular Didier‐Richard series, at a scale of
1:50,000, covers the GR20 on two sheets: 20 Corse Nord and 23
Corse Sud.
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In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to
participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you
have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Exodus
office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different
capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone's ability to
safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people's
enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in
some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that
activity.
Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to
section 16 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our
leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we
will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered
alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided
for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional
costs incurred.
Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which
can be contacted on 0044 (0)1582 640 045.
Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to
read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or
at www.exodus.co.uk/about‐exodus/essential‐information?
France • Corsica: The GR20
Page 9
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and
details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you
approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not
receive these at least a week before departure, or require them
earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
1. Check availability
Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where
differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current
brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and
website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in
order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where
necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be
possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a
variety of reasons ‐ climatic, political, physical or other. In these
circumstances we will make the best possible alternative
arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and
airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder
than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we
endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily
fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of
date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of
our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice
Service advises British tourists on the potential dangers they
might experience when travelling overseas. We liaise closely with
them and adhere to their travel advice. For up‐to‐date advice on
all countries, please visit www.gov.uk/foreign‐travel‐advice.
Should there be any change to advice prior to or during travel,
we may have to cancel or curtail a tour at short notice, or re‐
route an itinerary part way through.
2. Secure your place
You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for
between three and seven days.
3. Complete your booking and payment
When you're ready to book, go to www.exodus.co.uk for online
booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking
form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all
major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book
with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour
operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number
2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association
(IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators
(FTO) and ABTA ‐ The Travel Association. This means you can
book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to
us for your trip are fully protected.
Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of
publication. The most up‐to‐date prices can be found on the
Exodus website.
© Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO
Why Exodus
‐There is no need to carry a heavy rucksack. We transport your
luggage so that you have access to your belongings on most days
of the trek leaving you free to travel light.
‐Unlike other companies we pre book all our accommodation
ensuring you have a bed for each night and avoid jostling for a
place in a mountain hut.
‐We avoid staying in the official GR20 refugees, notoriously dirty
and extremely overcrowded. We stay in privately‐owned gites
with smaller dormitories and hot showers.
‐We include a free day in the beautiful town of Corte and spend
three nights in a hotel with private facilities to give you enough
time to relax within this challenging itinerary.
‐We have 2 tour leaders on every departure to ensure safety.
Edition No. CD 1 2017