From the 15th to the 24th of September 2023
All our groups will be accompained by our UIAGM / IFMGA certified mountain guide
With luggage transfer
The Grande Randonnée 20 is a demanding trekking that follows the mountainous relief from the north-west to the south-east of the island.
With an estimated length of 100km and an more than 6500m of elevation gain, the northern part of the trail, from Calenzana to Vizzavona, go through mountain passes, rock ridges, and astonishing panoramic viewpoints, in the most rugged and wild area of the island.
Private groups (min 6 people) can choose different dates, according to their needs.
Travel Program
Transfer to Corsica
Ferry from Genova or Livorno to Bastia or Calvi. Transfer to Calenzana, half board in hotel or gite d’etape.
Calenzana – Ortu du Piobbu
Departure from Calenzana, we hike up a steep path and, through Bocca u Saltu (1250m), reach Ortu du Piobbu Refuge (1570m)
Elevation gain 1300m, 6/6.30h
Your luggage doesn’t arrive at the refuge
Ortu du Piobbu – Carrozzu refuge
From the refuge we climb up, getting a ridge at 2000m, walk through Bocca d’Avertoli (1898m) and Bocca Carrozzu. A steep descent path surrounded by rock walls lead us to Carrozzu refuge (1270m), where we spend the night.
Elevation gain 600m/loss 900m, 6/6.30h
Your luggage doesn’t arrive at the refuge
Carrozzu refuge – Asco Stagnu
From the hut, after a short descend, we go across “passerella di Spasimata” and climb up to get Lac de la Muvrella. We continue to Bocca a i Stagni (2010m) and, through this pass, we descend on the other side and reach the ski resort of Asco Stagnu (1422m). Half board in gite d’etape.
Elevation gain 800m/loss 600m, 5/6h
Asco Stagnu – Mt. Cinto – Bergerie de Ballone
Probably the most technical and demanding stage of our trekking. From Asco Stagnu we climb up on this steep side of the mountains and get Ebulis pass (2600m), located between Mt. Cinto and Mt. Ebulis. From here, it is possible to climb the summit of Cinto (optional ascent, 30 min walking). Following a ridge we traverse above Lac du Cinto and hike up to Bocca Crucetta pass, where we begin the descent along Stagni valley until Bergeries de Ballone (1440m).
Elevation gain 1300m/loss 1280m, 7/8h
Bergerie de Ballone – Castel de Vergio
Going through the dense forest we climb up to Foggiale col and reach Ciottuli di i Mori refuge (2000m). From the refuge a long descent through Golo valley lead us to Castel de Vergio (1404m), where we spend the night.
Elevation gain 700m/loss 700m, 5/6h
Castel de Vergio – Manganu refuge
We hike up to Bocca San Pedru pass and, through Bocca a Reta pass (1883m), we continue to Nino lake, in the middle of green meadows, where cattle and horses use to graze. We go on passing by some “bergeries” finally getting Manganu refuge (1601m)
Elevation gain 600m/loss 400m, 4/5h
Your luggage doesn’t arrive at the refuge
Manganu refuge – Pietra Piana refuge
Departure from the hut, hike up to Brechè de Capitello (2225m) from where, with a long traverse on a ridge, we go through some passes and finally reach Pietra Piana refuge (1842m).
Elevation gain 800m/loss 600m, 5/6h
Your luggage doesn’t arrive at the refuge
Pietra Piana refuge - Vizzavona
We descend to Bocca Manganellu, following a ridge we continue to Punta di I Pinzi Corbini (2021m) and walk down toward Onda refuge (1400m). From here we climb Muratello ridge (2064m) and began a long descent to Vizzavona (920m). Half board in gite d’etape.
Elevation gain 800m/loss 1750m, 8/9h
Departure
Transfer to Bastia and ferry to Italy.
More details
Accommodation in refuges or gite d’etape are fairly spartan, which gives to this trekking a special charm. Our luggage transportation service allows trekkers to walk with light backpacks. When luggage transfers are simply not possible, your luggage is transferred directly to the stage after the next; in that case hikers have to carry his sleeping bag liner. Guides will carry the food.
The schedule may be subjected to change under unforeseen circumstances
Gallery
Difficulties
| E / Easy Hiking |
Skills required
| Good training |
Duration, Participants and Deadline
| Duration | Min | Max | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 days | 6 | 10 | 19/08/2023 |
Equipements
| Full equipment list will be provided with the information sheet |
Documents
|
Valid Identity card |
Vaccination
No vaccinations are required.
Prices
Rate details
WHAT’S INCLUDED: Support and assistance of a UIAGM certified Mountain Guide, logistic organization, support vehicle for luggage transportation (when luggage transfers are not possible, your luggage is transferred directly to the stage after the next), use of common materials, full board during the trekking (dinner on the first day, breakfast on the last, packed lunch during the hiking, accommodation in gite d’etape or refuges), in land transport (train or bus).
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: Round trip ticket to Corsica, lunches on the first and last day, personal equipment, drinks, other optional insurance, everything is not mentioned in “WHAT’S INCLUDED”.
NOTE: Everything that is not part of the professional service of Mountain Guide, is provided in collaboration with authorized Italian and foreign agencies