Corsica. A week or two along dramatic trails Airy cols, glacial lakes and shepherds cabins Grandiose Corsican Mountain scenery

Transcription

1 Corsica GR20-Independent A week or two along dramatic trails Airy cols, glacial lakes and shepherds cabins Grandiose Corsican Mountain scenery SELF-GUIDED Departures for a minimum of 2 persons travelling together Tour Grade C/D (8 day option) Tour Code TGRS 15 day option Grade D For dates and prices visit:

2 Introduction This is definitely the exclusive domain of the fit, experienced, confident and committed mountain trekker as you independently walk the revered northern section of the incredible GR20. Access to transferred main baggage is provided wherever possible to make this tough walk enjoyable to the max. Overnighting in a variety of camps, refuges, gites and shepherds cabins adds to the authenticity of this classic as it threads it s way over high ridges, down deep chasms and across bare granite slopes. Incredulous mountain scenery guaranteed. For the true lover of the high mountains this is a sensory overload. Competent map reading and compass skills are essential too. Endeavour is rewarded with outstanding views of Corsica. Descend and congratulate yourself on a job well done. One week southern section and two week full GR20 options also available. The Holiday Routine You ll be walking each day from each overnight accommodation to the next. Wherever possible your main baggage will be transferred by vehicle to your next overnight accommodation. Some overnight accommodations are inaccessible by vehicle and so on these days you will be required to carry your own extra overnight gear, including a sleeping and your main baggage will be awaiting your arrival at the next accessible accommodation. The inaccessible accommodations are noted in the detailed daily walk descriptions. Usually you ll take breakfast at your previous overnight halt, walk for 3-4hrs and then halt for picnic lunch (which you carry with you as provided by your previous overnight accommodation) at a suitable place and time determined by yourself, and then walk a further 3-4hrs to your next overnight halt, where you ll take dinner. As this walk departs on Sunday s only it is envisaged that other parties of intrepid trekkers from either Walks Worldwide or other agencies offering this trip may be undertaking the route at the same time and consequently any transfers within the programme are likely to be communal. It is not expected that you should walk as a group as such and can thus walk independently at a pace you are most comfortable with. However, sharing experiences and meeting others along the way at times can all add to the pleasure. Walking conditions Throughout you ll be following waymarked mountain trails. Conditions underfoot are to the greater extent very similar to the more adventurous mountain trails in the mountains of Snowdonia, the Lake District and especially the Scottish Highlands. Often rugged, the terrain demands experience, confidence and sure footedness. Considerable ascent and descent is a natural feature of trekking along the GR20. Some sections involve very steep ascent and descent, although these are rarely sustained whilst other sections will be relatively straightforward. The inexperienced often claim this is not a walk at times. Thus, the GR20 is only suitable for those with considerable mountain walking experience, as well as full confidence in their navigational abilities. Whilst the GR20 does not involve any technical climbing or additional technical climbing skills, there are challenging sections along the way. At times you will be walking along high ridges, up or down deep chasms, which may involve some easy scrambling as well as across bare granite slopes. There s also occasional use of fixed ladders and chains for protection. This is a walk very alpine in nature. Each day you will be walking between 5-9 hours at least. A full explanation of the trip grading can be found in our brochure or online at You should ensure you are comfortable walking at this level of grading and are physically prepared for the trip. A good level of fitness is essential and this trip is wholly unsuitable for anyone whom also does not possess good mountain walking experience and navigational competence. It is clearly not suitable for anyone without proper, challenging mountain walking experience. You are advised to contact us if you are uncertain as to your suitability. Walking times stated do not take into account stops en route are for indicative purposes only. The walking times stated are those of a Corsican GR20 guide. You may find your own walking times considerably longer. We have graded the 15 day version D (the same as our guided version) on account of the additional physical demands of the increased trip duration. Our toughest grade. Corsica-GR20-Independent 2

3 Self-Guided Self-guided walking holidays are in essence independent holidays and adventurous by their nature. There will be occasions when you will need to use problem-solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. Route finding and losing your way, finding your way again and at times asking the locals along the way for advice/assistance is all part of the adventure. You should be confident in your navigational and map-reading skills and knowledge and experience of using a compass and or/gps (and taking one with you) is recommended. With the exception of route notes and maps (where applicable) prebooked accommodation, baggage transfers (where applicable) and overland transfers (where applicable) you will be entirely independent. You may also need to use various forms of public transport for getting around at times. You should choose your selfguided walking holiday carefully and within the comfort levels of your own mountain walking experience. It is important you read this trip dossier before booking your self-guided holiday. Contact us if you are unsure of your suitability for any particular self-guided walking holiday before booking as the ability to be both independent and adventurous is essential. Many of our self-guided holidays are not suitable for solo/single travellers. You should contact Walks Worldwide before booking if you are considering undertaking one of our selfguided holidays as a solo/single traveller in order that we may discuss the trip suitability and your relevant experience accordingly. All the self-guided holidays we offer are operated by a local operator for whom we are effectively acting as a booking agent. Please note it is usually not possible to send route notes and maps in advance as they are retained by the local operator within the particular destination country. You may request route notes and maps in advance of your self-guided holiday no later than six weeks prior to departure. Walks Worldwide cannot guarantee that such requests can be met as this will be entirely at the discretion of the particular local operator and any additional costs such as International postage must be paid for in advance. Route notes will naturally vary from country to country. and will have been translated into English by the local operator. Maps provided (where available/applicable) are usually not as detailed as Ordnance Survey maps in the United Kingdom, but will be the best available for that particular country. Your route notes will also explain the arrangements for baggage transfers etc along your route. On the majority of self-guided walking holidays you will often be following way-marked trails (either signed or with frequent symbols). In your final joining instructions we will send you contact details of the local agent (day time and emergency), as well as your first night's accommodation. You should always carry your mobile/cell phone with you at all times. In the unfortunate event of inclement weather we would advise you contact our local agent to check whether that days particular walk presents any increased difficulty before deciding whether to proceed. What you need to provide Your personal equipment as detailed in the clothing and equipment list later in this trip dossier. Itinerary IMPORTANT-Due to the specialist nature of our holidays, day to day itineraries should be taken as a guide only, and as statements of intent and not contractual obligations. We regularly update our trip dossiers to take into account changes to trekking routes, accommodation, local transport etc. Such changes are a factor of this type of holiday and when made are out of necessity. Other factors such as adverse weather, unforeseen circumstances and other matters entirely out of our control etc can also lead to enforced changes during the course of the holiday. It is not possible to guarantee that any of our holidays will operate exactly as per the anticipated itinerary. The most current trip dossier will be made available on our website. We will also send you the most up to date trip dossier with your Final Joining Instructions approx. 2 weeks before departure and you should carefully check this for any changes that may affect your plans. Before booking you should read our Types of Trip and Essential and Useful information sections on including our Important Warning. Corsica-GR20-Independent 3

4 THE NORTHERN SECTION Day Your 'at-a-glance' Itinerary Overnight Accn. Meal plan 1 Arrive Vizzavona Circular walk to Cascade ded Anglais option for early arrivals 10km, duration: 5h00, altitude gain: +570m, descent: -570m. Vizzavona Gite D 2 From Vizzavona to Petra Piana.Transfer to Canaglia 11km, duration: 5h30, altitude gain: +1200m, descent: 100m. Petra Piana Refuge 3 From Petra Piana to Camputile Camputile (Vaccaja) Camp 10km, duration: 6h00, altitude gain: +700m, descent: -1000m. 4 From Camputile Plateau to Castel di Vergiu 12km, duration: 5h00, altitude gain: +600m, descent: -800m. Castel di Vergiu Gite 5 Col de Vergio to Vallone Vallone Cabin / 11km, duration: 5h30, altitude gain: +650m, descent: -650m camp 6 From Vallone to Haut Asco Haut Asco Gite 7.5km, duration: 6h30, altitude gain: +800m, descent: m. 7 From Haut Asco to Bonifatu and vehicle transfer to Calvi, Calvi Hotel 9km, duration: 6h00, altitude gain: +600m, descent: -1400m. 8 Depart B B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner See end of this trip dossier for 15 day itinerary Poland-Tatras and the Polish Highlands Printed on 19/10/2010

5 THE NORTHERN SECTION Day 1 Rendezvous at the Gite in Vizzavona (See Joining Arrangements and Transfers section later in this trip dossier) If you are arriving reasonably early, there s the option of taking the GR20 trail to the Cascade des Angalis (circa 5hrs walk) or enjoy an easy stroll in the woods. You have no main baggage access for the next two nights, so will need to pack overnight gear, trail snacks and sleeping bag in your rucksack. Your main baggage will be transferred to Castel di Vergiu tomorrow to await your arrival on day 4. Gite, Vizzavona Day 2 A short morning transfer will take you to the starting point, a small hamlet called Canaglia. The first part of the trail is easy, you follow a forest lane that will become a smaller path. you walk alongside a mountain torrent with sun baked smooth rocks and enticing rock pools. A little shepherd's cabin and grassy clearing make for a perfect rest stop. You continue on to the forest edge and emerge in a beautiful open valley. In total contrast to the first part of the walk. You continue up the valley enjoying the stunning views. The refuge stays hidden from view until the last minute. NO ACCESS TO MAIN BAGGAGE TONIGHT. Distance: 11km, duration: 5h30, altitude gain: +1200m, descent: -100m. Refuge, Petra Piana Day 3 From Petra Piana a short up hill section takes you to the high ridge above the refuge. The trail is rocky, almost lunar in ambiance. You pass a mountain col and continue on the high route. The views are spectacular, with Corte, the island s historic capital in the distance and a series of wonderful glacier lakes to discover. From above Capitello lake, you drop down hill to Manganu refuge and cross the plateau of Campotile to the overnight halt, the shepherd s cabin Vaccaja. NO ACCESS TO MAIN BAGGAGE TONIGHT. Distance: 10km, duration: 6h00, altitude gain: +700m, descent: 1000m. Shepherds Cabin/Camp, Camputile Day 4 The GR20 is well marked, leading gently uphill, a relaxing walk through beech woods, and across the green spongy turf at Lac de Nino. A morning stop to lounge on the banks of the lake where you can refill water bottles at the spring. At 1743m this glacier lake is in a lovely, sheltered bucolic spot, surrounded by a spongy peat, with runnels of water and wells, ideal grazing ground for ponies and other animals in the summer. The air is fresh, tinged with the scent of alder and the fragrance of the high mountains. From the lake a classic walk leads along a high ridge with magnificent views and the occasional blue glint of the beckoning sea. You drop down at the Col St Pierre, to join a flat horse-shoe shaped trail to Castel di Vergio, the island s small ski station. Distance:12km, duration: 5h00, altitude gain: +600m, descent: 800m. Gite, Castel de Vergui Day 5 There s no access to your main baggage tonight, so once again you need to pack accordingly. Your main baggage will be transferred to tomorrow s overnight halt at Haut Asco. Following the GR20 you walk to Radule, a huddle of stone cabins well camouflaged against the mountain rock. The GR20 trail follows the Golu torrent up the valley towards its source. Mid way up the valley, your route crosses the torrent, a good place to take a break on the smooth sun baked rocks, a paddle and a swim for the brave. The trail shortly leaves the floor of the valley and heads up to the ridge-line. From here there are clear views of the villages dotted on the west coast and the indented outline of the island in the sea. The refuge Ciuttolu di Mori (1990m), the highest refuge in Corscia, is situated between two daunting mountains the Tafanatu and Paglia Orba. You can enjoy a high, alpine environment; these massifs are home to the wild mountain mouflon. From the refuge you head for the Col de Foggiale. From the pass the GR20 plunges steeply down, a stunning descent through a chaos of harsh granite rock and giant, grand, old pine trees. Once down to an altitude of 1400m and near to the Viru torrent, the approach to Vallone cabin begins. NO ACCESS TO MAIN BAGGAGE TONIGHT. Distance: 11km, duration: 5h30, altitude gain: +650m, descent: 650m. Cabin/Camp, Vallone Day 6 From the cabin, you walk up, past the foothills of the Monte Cinto and past the park refuge, the climb is steep rocky and steady. After a couple of hours, you arrive at Bocca Minua (2218m) this is the entrance way to the daunting circle of solitude. This cirque is spectacular, the path literally plunges down to the depths of this wonderful chasm. There are Corsica-GR20-Independent Printed on 19/10/2010

6 chains in some places that will help you on the difficult bits. Once in the base of the cirque the trail pulls up and out abruptly the other side to the exit pass. Once out of the cirque and back in the sun, the trail goes down hill all the way to the old ski station called Haute Asco. Distance: 7.5km, duration: 6h30, altitude gain: +800m, descent: 1000m. Gite, Haute Asco Day 7 From AscuStagnu a superb ascent takes you to Bocca Di Stagnu (2010m) at the foot of the Muvrella (2150m). From Muvrella lake the view over Calvi bay is incredible. After Carozza refuge, you continue the descent to Bonifatu. Transfer by vehicle to Calvi. Distance: 9km, duration: 6h00, altitude gain: +600m, descent: 1400m. Hotel, Calvi Day 8 Depart Calvi (see Joining Arrangements and Transfers section later in this trip dossier) Joining Arrangements and Transfers Northern Section Arrival You should join this trip on day 1 of the trip itinerary. The joining point for this trip is the Gite in Vizzavona. You should make your own way to the joining point as arrival transfers are not provided. It is anticipated that most clients will take advantage of the Easyjet flights from Gatwick and Manchester Airports to Bastia Airport. From Bastia you can reach Vizzavona by either train or bus. Please see: Corsica-Train and Bus schedules For further information on reaching Vizzavona from Bastia Departure No departure transfer is provided. There is regular bus service from Calvi to Bastia. Journey time approx 2hrs 30mins. Please see: Corsica-Train and Bus schedules Corsica-GR20-Independent 6

7 THE SOUTHERN SECTION Day Your 'at-a-glance' Itinerary Overnight Accn. Meal plan 1 Arrive Ajaccio and rendezvous at the ferry terminal Bavella Refuge D transfer from Ajaccio ferry terminal to Bavella. 2 From Bavella to Asinau 6km, duration: 5h00, altitude gain: +750m, descent: -550m. 3 From Asinau to Basetta 12km, duration: 6h00, altitude gain: +750m, descent: -1000m. Asinau Basetta Refuge Shepherds cabin 4 From Basetta to Usciolu 7km, duration: 4h30, altitude gain: +600m, descent: -200m. 5 From Usciolu to Col de Verde 12km, duration: 6h30, altitude gain: +700m, descent: -1150m 6 From Col de Verde to Capanelle 13km, duration: 6h30, altitude gain: +650m, descent: -300m. 7 From Capanelle to Vizzavona 15km, duration: 6h00, altitude gain: +250m, descent: -900m. Usciolu Refuge Col de Verde Gite Capanelle Cabins Vizzavona Gite 8 Depart B B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner See end of this trip dossier for 15 day itinerary Corsica-GR20-Independent 7

8 THE SOUTHERN SECTION Day 1 Rendezvous at the ferry terminal in Ajaccio no later than 1400hrs. (See Joining Arrangements and Transfers section later in this trip dossier). A shared transfer takes you to Bavella. Refuge, Bavella Day 2 Your main baggage will be transferred to Basetta today, where you will be reunited with it when you arrive there tomorrow. So, you need to pack your overnight gear, trail snacks and sleeping bag to carry with you. From the high mountain pass, the Col de Bavella you take the trail that is called the Alpine variant. It leads steeply up hill before passing at the base of several granite pinnacles, such as the Acellu, the Ariettu, or the Vacca. It really is a superb ridge walk. The trail is rough under foot and equipped over a few metres with a chain that helps stability across the granite rocks. you plunge down into the valley before following an easy trail through the woods. After an easy river crossing you pull up hill for a last half an hour up to Asinau refuge. NO ACCESS TO MAIN BAGGAGE TONIGHT. Distance: 6km, duration: 5h00, altitude gain: +750m, descent: 550m Refuge, Asinau Day 3 From the refuge you head up to the magnificent summit of Monte Alcudina at 2134m. There are fantastic views and on a clear day you can pick out your route and see where you are heading. You can enjoy a good ridge walk, before heading down through a wood to a swing bridge. Once across the bridge you are on the famous Cuscioune plateau. This is the largest plateau on the island and spreads some 50 square kilometres. This large space is a mix of forests and open spongy green land full of runnels of water, a great grazing land in the summer months. Your night stop is a shepherds cabin situated on the edge of the plateau. Distance: 12km, duration: 6h00, altitude gain: +750m, descent: 1000m. Shepherds cabin/camp, Basetta Day 4 Your main baggage will be transferred to Col de Verde, so once again for tonight you ll need to carry overnight gear and your sleeping bag. Today you pick up the trail on the plateau and cross the wide open green pasture with its streams and little water holes. You make your way up hill through an age old forest of dwarf oak trees up to the Col de l Agnone. From here you start possibly one of the best ridge walks anywhere in Europe. It is very exposed, the trail is ambitious and it s hard to imagine that there is a way through. The granite has been wonderfully sculpted by the elements and the décor is awesome. The trail topples back and forth off the ridge, to one side then the other. Usciolu refuge occupies a sheltered position a little lower down, it is a hive of mountain activity. NO ACCESS TO MAIN BAGGAGE TONIGHT. Distance: 7km, duration: 4h30, altitude gain: +600m, descent: 200m. Refuge, Usciolu Day 5 This walk has some really special scenery with great views. From the refuge you continue along the ridge that separates the valley of Taravo and the Fiumorbu. The trail plunges down towards the Col de Laparo. You will pass the GR refuge, 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: 12km, duration: 6h30, altitude gain: +700m, descent:1150m. Gite, Col de Verde Day 6 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 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, altitude gain: +650m, descent: 350m. Cabin, Capanelle Corsica-GR20-Independent 8

9 Day 7 This is the last stage of the GR20 southern section. The walk makes for a leisurely day. You leave Capanelle (1 568m) 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 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 : 6h00, altitude gain : +250m, descent:900m Gite, Vizzavona Day 8 Depart Vizzavona (see Joining Arrangements and Transfers section later in this trip dossier). Joining Arrangements and Transfers Southern Section Arrival You should join this trip on day 1 of the trip itinerary. The joining point for this trip is the Ferry terminal in Ajaccio for the onward (shared) transfer to Bavella. You should make your own way to this joining point and ensure you arrive at no later than 1400hrs for the onward transfer to Bavella. It is anticipated that most clients will fly to Ajaccio and take a taxi from the airport to the ferry terminal. Departure No departure transfer is provided. There is bus service and train service from Vizzavona to Ajaccio or Bastia. Please see: Corsica-Train and Bus schedules For further information on reaching Ajaccio from Vizzavona. Corsica-GR20-Independent 9

10 Practical Information Land Only The Land Only price does not include International flights. Making your own International travel arrangements online is certainly the easiest and most cost effective way to join this trip. You will need to book flights that enable you to arrive at the stated joining point on day on Day 1 of the trip itinerary. (See individual Joining and Arrangements and Transfers section for Northern or Southern Section as applicable) Return flights should be booked to depart no sooner than Day 8 (day 15 if undertaking the full 15 day GR20) of the trip itinerary. You should ensure you book your departure flight to allow sufficient time to travel to your departure airport in time for check-in. If you are undertaking the Southern Section you may wish to consider booking flights to arrive in Ajaccio and depart Bastia. If you are undertaking the 15 day version it may be best to book flights to arrive and depart Bastia. Note- there is also an International Airport at Calvi usually served by charter flights. However, you may also wish to search for flights that depart Calvi if undertaking the Northern Section. Easyjet operate direct flights from the UK to both Bastia and Ajaccio. See: for prices and schedules Useful online search engines for International air travel from the UK to Corsica are: - searches scheduled airlines - provides useful information on low cost airlines flights. IMPORTANT- MAKE SURE YOUR CHOSEN HOLIDAY IS GUARANTEED TO RUN BEFORE YOU PURCHASE AIR TICKETS AND MAKING ANY OTHER TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS. Please contact the Walks Worldwide office to check the status of your chosen holiday BEFORE purchasing your International Air ticket. You should not book your International flight tickets or other travel arrangements until your chosen holiday is guaranteed to run. If you are purchasing your own air ticket, you should be aware that most of the cheaper airline tickets available for sale on the Internet or from low cost carriers are non-refundable in the case of cancellation. For this reason we strongly advise you check the rules of the ticket when you make a flight booking, and check the limitations of any cancellation insurance policy you have. We cannot be held liable, for losses incurred relating to any flight bookings or subsequent travel arrangements you have made yourself. Baggage Please make sure that your baggage is clearly marked with your name, inside as well as outside, in case the labels get detached. As your main baggage will be transported by vehicle a normal suitcase or holdall style kitbag can be used for your main baggage. Please restrict your main baggage to one piece per person. Passports and Visas British passport holders (and other EU passport holders) do not require a visa to visit Corsica. Please ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity). Accommodation Accommodation on the GR20 is in a mix of National Park Refuges, Private Gites and Shepherd s cabins. Sleeping arrangements throughout are dormitory style only- no private or single accommodation is available. Throughout the trip the accommodation is very basic. Showers and flushing toilets are not available at all overnight halts and washing facilities may be particularly rudimentary. Due to the high-volume of walkers on the GR20, at some overnight halts you may be requested to sleep in a tent (instead of the refuge/gite/cabin etc) due to overspill. You may be expected to erect your tent on occasion. Please do not undertake either section of the GR20 if you are not prepared for this, or are expecting a standard of accommodation beyond basic. Food All meals included in the Land Only trip price are indicated in the individual Northern and Southern Section outline itineraries. Breakfasts will be taken at your overnight halt and usually consists of a hot drink, bread and jam. Dinners are more substantial, usually 3 courses with soup/cold meats as a starter, a carbohydraterich main course and cheese/fruit for dessert. Corsica-GR20-Independent 10

11 Lunches are pasta/rice/lentil salad with bread, cheese, meat and fruit. You need to bring along a small Tupperware type box to carry your lunch in, which will be provided by your overnight accommodation. It s a good idea to bring along your favourite trail snacks e.g. high energy bars etc. Due to the remote location and basic accommodation vegetarians will find their options very limited. It is unlikely that other special dietary requirements can be met and special dietary requests cannot be made in advance. Climate It is of course impossible to predict the precise weather conditions you will encounter during the course of your holiday. However, we do schedule our holidays to coincide with what should be the most suitable weather periods for walking. Dependent upon when you travel daytime temperatures may be between 15ºC- 25ºC+. Mountains are notorious for creating their own, localised weather conditions, so you should always be prepared for inclement weather conditions. For climate statistics visit Roughly speaking temperatures decrease by approx. 1ºC for every 200 metre increase in altitude. Altitude The altitudes on this trip are relatively moderate and you should not anticipate any problems. Vaccinations and medical precautions We always recommend visiting your doctor and dentist for a check up before travelling. Your doctor will also have access to the most up to date information on vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you are about to visit. In general, no vaccinations are necessary for Corsica. A useful travel health online resource is Please make sure that you obtain form EHIC either online or from your local post office you will need to produce this if you have to see a doctor. Currency. The Corsican currency is the Euro ( ). Please refer to for up to date rates. You are advised to bring your spending money in cash with you, as you will have no opportunity to exchange money whilst on trek. Alternatively you should exchange all your travel money upon arrival at Bastia or Ajaccio Airport as applicable, or obtain your Euro s upon arrival from an ATM at either Airport. Finding an ATM whilst on trek is improbable. Language In Corsica the language is French. You may also hear traditional Corsican being spoken in some villages. Many people in Corsica speak no English, and this can also be the case at overnight accommodations too. It s a good idea to bring along a French phrasebook and any attempt you make to speak the local language will be greatly appreciated and is all part of the experience. Tipping It is customary to leave a small tip at your discretion for services. Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking any of our holidays that you have comprehensive travel insurance. It is your to responsibility to ensure you are covered for medical and personal accident risks for the part of the world you intend to travel and the activities involved. This cover should include repatriation costs, air ambulance and helicopter rescue. It is also advisable to take out cancellation insurance as all deposits paid are non-refundable. You may arrange either single-trip or annual multi-trip travel insurance through Walks Worldwide. Please call us on or us- sales@walksworldwide.com for a quotation. First Aid You should always carry your own small, personal first aid kit. This should consist of the following: A general anti-biotic, throat lozenges, painkillers, plasters (band-aids), blister treatment, insect repellent (DEET), rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, diarrhoea treatment (e.g. Imodium). Corsica-GR20-Independent 11

12 Inclusions Meals as shown in the trip itinerary All accommodation Route notes and maps Land transfers indicated in the itinerary Main baggage transfers as indicated in the itinerary Not Included Drinks Airport transfers to/from the specified joining points Souvenirs and personal items Insurance Meals not indicated in the trip itinerary International Flights Entry fees where applicable Corsica-GR20-Independent 12

13 GR20 15 day option We envisage that most clients wishing to undertake the combination of the Northern and Southern sections of the GR20 will prefer to book our Guided GR20 version. However, here is the outline itinerary for the self-guided version. A detailed itinerary will not be made available-see Northern and Southern sections for most details of each day. Day Your 'at-a-glance' Itinerary Overnight Accn. Meal plan 1 Rendezvous at Ajaccio Ferry Terminal. 1400hrs transfer to Bavella Refuge D Bavella. 2 From Bavella to Asinau 6km, duration: 5h00, altitude gain: +750m, descent: -550m. Asinau Refuge 3 From Asinau to Basetta 12km, duration: 6h00, altitude gain: +750m, descent: -1000m. 4 From Basetta to Usciolu 7km, duration: 4h30, altitude gain: +600m, descent: -200m. 5 From Usciolu to Col de Verde 12km, duration: 6h30, altitude gain: +700m, descent: -1150m 6 From Col de Verde to Capanelle 13km, duration: 6h30, altitude gain: +650m, descent: -300m. 7 From Capanelle to Vizzavona 15km, duration: 6h00, altitude gain: +250m, descent: -900m. 8 From Vizzanova to l'onda 8km, duration: 6h00, altitude gain: +1200m, descent: -800m. 9 From l'onda to Petra Piana. Start with a short transfer to Canaglia 7km, duration: 5h00, altitude gain: +900m, descent: -400m. 10 From Petra Piana to Camputile 10km, duration: 6h00, altitude gain: +700m, descent: -1000m. 11 From Camputile Plateau to Castel di Vergiu 12km, duration: 5h00, altitude gain: +600m, descent: -800m. 12 Col de Vergio to Vallone 11km, duration: 5h30, altitude gain: +650m, descent: -650m 13 From Vallone to Haut Asco 7.5km, duration: 6h30, altitude gain: +800m, descent: -1000m. 14 From Haut Asco to Bonifatu and vehicle transfer to Calvi, 9km, duration: 6h00, altitude gain: +600m, descent: -1400m. Basetta Usciolu Shepherds cabin Refuge Col de Verde Gite Capanelle Cabins Vizzavona Gite l'onda Refuge Petra Piana Camputile (Vaccaja) Refuge Camp Castel di Vergiu Gite Vallone Cabin / camp Haut Asco Gite Calvi Hotel 15 Depart B Corsica-GR20-Independent 13

14 Clothing and Equipment Lists At least one set of casual / non-walking clothes will be useful for wearing in hotels on this holiday. Whilst walking you must not worry about how you look: comfort and protection against bad weather are of prime importance. Because mountain weather is so very variable, we recommend a number of thin layers rather than a few thick ones. The following list is our suggested guide to help you with your packing based upon our many years of travelling/walking. Using your own judgment for packing is of course important, especially with regard to casual clothing etc but please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about packing for your holiday, or are uncertain as to the suitability of your clothing and equipment. CLOTHING Walking boots and spare laces Trainers / approach shoes / sandals Socks 3+ pairs Underwear T-shirts 3 Long walking trousers 2 Short trousers 1 Light fleece 1 or 2 Thick fleece Waterproof jacket with hood Waterproof trousers Sun hat Woolly / fleecy hat Gloves Swimwear EQUIPMENT Daypack/rucksack (size approx. 50 litre+ capacity, capable of carrying minimal overnight gear and sleeping bag when required) 2 Large water bottles (1 litre each) Sleeping Bag (3 seasons) Small Tupperware approx 0.6l capacity(or similar) picnic box (to carry lunch in) Towel quick drying pack towel is recommended Torch (and spare bulb and batteries) Camera & accessories Binoculars (optional) A variety of dry bag/plastic bags (kitbags are not waterproof) Sunglasses Trekking poles (highly recommended) Reading material (optional) Washing/Shaving kit Insect Repellent Small personal First Aid kit (see section above) Anti-Bacterial Handwash Water purifying tablets Sun Cream & lip salve Blister plasters i.e. Compeed Tickets/E tickets Passport Money Corsica-GR20-Independent 14

15 The following items should also considered as being useful on a walking holiday Penknife/small scissors (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Moisturising cream Baby wipes Snacks/Energy bars Safety pins (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Padlock for your kitbag Small sewing/repair kit (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Small mirror Nail clippers (DO NOT PACK IN HAND LUGGAGE) Spare glasses/contact lenses Earplugs (against snorers) Cold water Travel Wash (preferably biodegradable) Travel adaptor Corsica-GR20-Independent 15