Corsica GR20 South

Arrive in Vizzavona. In the heart of the GR20 and surrounded by beech and Laricio pine forest, this hamlet is a haven for hikers. Dinner and overnight at the gîte or refuge, according to availability at the time of booking.

A long first day beginning at the Pass of Vizzavona and climbing to Bocca Palmente. In the heart of the forest of Vizzavona, you will cross several watercourses to reach Bocca Palmente where the views over the lakes of Diana and Urbino are fantastic. Next, after passing the crest, you will encounter several sheepfolds and the hut of Alzeta before finally arriving at the sheepfolds of Capanelle where you will spend the night in a gîte. Distance: 14km/8.69mi, + 1155m/3789ft, - 715m/2346ft

From Capanelle, you will make your way to the sheepfolds of Traghjete before reaching the Plateau of Gialgone. You will cross the footbridge of I Spiazzi under which you can have a swim. You will then descend, shaded by the majestic Corsican pine trees, before arriving at the Pass of Verde (Col de Verde). Distance: 14km/8.69mi, + 600m/1969ft, - 900m/2953ft

You will begin today's walk with an ascent to the Bocca del Orro and towards the refuge of Prati, which is perfectly positioned for beautiful views across to the massif of Renosu. The view is at its best when you reach the crest, towards the Taravo and the Tyrrhenian Sea on the eastern slope and, weather permitting, as far as the island of Elba. Next, you will descend through the forest of St Antoine towards the village of Cozzano, in the heart of Corsica. Distance: 14km/8.69mi, + 750m/2475ft, - 1300m/4290ft

Get an early start today as you climb towards Bocca Di l’Usciolu. After almost 1000m uphill you will reach the highest point of the walk then enter into a forest where the alder trees are more than 100 years old. The path finally descends and the vegetation becomes denser. After crossing a stream, you will arrive at the plateau of Cuscione and the sheep pastures of Basseta where you overnight in a shepherd's hut. Distance: 16km/9.94mi, + 1300m/4265ft - 650m/2132ft. In the case of bad weather there is an alternative route which also takes about 6 hours, with ascent of 887m/2910ft and descent of 483m/1585ft.

This is the longest and hardest day, but the end of this superb trek is in sight. After a passage in the forest, you will cross a footbridge to continue through former sheepfolds towards Monte Incudine (2000m). From here you will descend to Asinau to reach your final destination, Bavella and its famous “Aiguilles” (or “needles”), which dominate the landscape of the Alta Rocca. There couldn’t be a more fantastic place to finish today's memorable walk. You can alternatively follow the softer classical way through forests, dense shrubs and springs. The plateau of the Cuscione offers a gentler terrain with its grazing lands and pozzines (a type of peat bogs). Distance: 15km/9.32mi Via the high route: + 1300m/4265ft, - 1400m/4593ft Alternative route: + 982m/3221ft, - 1100m/3609ft

The start of the day is along an easy path in the forest in the southern massif of Bavella to the refuge of Paliri. You will then attack the descent, accompanied by the scented essence of the maquis. The end of this great adventure is approaching ... On arrival in Conca, you can pose proudly next to the sign marking the end of the GR20! Distance: 16km/9.94mi, +450m/1476ft, -1400m/4593ft

Trip finishes after breakfast. From Conca, you can easily take a shuttle to Porto Vecchio, then a bus to Bastia or Ajaccio.