We had been talking about hiking the GR20 for a long time. There were plenty of options to consider: GR20 North or South? Should we go independently or with a group? What is the best season in Corsica? And what equipment is essential?
In the end, we chose to go with a group and settled on the last week of June: this reduced the risk of lingering snow patches and meant we could go before the intense heat. This year, the weather came through for us. You encounter a few more people at this time of year, but the numbers remained perfectly manageable.
Going early in the season also has its advantages: the mountain huts are still well maintained, and the staff are certainly more welcoming than at the end of the season, after so many hikers have passed through.
Of course, we read several accounts of how difficult the route is:
People told us: the GR20 is difficult, technical and exposed, with sections that involve mountaineering; you must have a head for heights, and the mountain huts are not always very welcoming, etc… Well, that wasn’t our experience. You should go: it is a magical route through strikingly rocky terrain and magnificent wild landscapes, with sea views from some of the passes and opportunities to swim in crystal-clear natural pools — that is Corsica, and it is unique!
You certainly need some hiking experience: these are not ordinary trails, you need to use your hands in places and watch out for falling rocks, but it is honestly within reach and well worth the effort.
The landscapes change from one day to the next, revealing fresh beauty every day. With early morning starts (sometimes at 5 or 5.30 am), you avoid the heat and enjoy beautiful light. There is plenty of rocky terrain, along with Corsican pine forests, lakes and streams throughout the route, offering refreshing swims in extraordinarily clear water.
A few words about the accommodation:
The food is good: we were able to try Corsican specialities, cheeses, cured meats, cannelloni with brocciu, canistrelli biscuits and a cold Pietra beer every evening.
The sleeping arrangements were much better than expected: apart from two nights in dormitories, we slept in two-person tents set up beside the mountain huts, which were much more comfortable. The only downside was that one member of the group had bedbugs visit their tent — not great! Don’t forget the bedbug repellents available at Decathlon or Au Vieux Campeur.
Here are the highlights of our week, illustrated with a few photos
Climbing back up after Lake Capitello
Sections equipped with chains
The footbridge at Spasimata
Lake Capitello
A stream in the upper Golo valley
The upper Golo valley
Few people mention the streams and natural pools where you can swim all along the route.
We were able to swim every day, sometimes several times in a day. What a pleasure to cool off in these crystal-clear waters. You come out feeling clean and refreshed!
The tents beside the mountain huts
Fancy taking on the GR20 yourself on a hut-to-hut hike?
Grand Angle offers plenty of ways to hike the GR20 to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer the northern or southern section, with or without luggage transfers, or even the entire legendary route, you are sure to find an option that suits you among our trips lasting 6 to 13 days
