You do not need any alpine experience to take on the GR20, but you do need to be ready. This is a physically and mentally demanding route. You will hike up to 10 hours a day over steep, rocky, and often exposed terrain. The trail is unforgiving in places, with significant elevation gain, rough surfaces, and minimal facilities. Strong fitness and a commitment to preparation are essential. If you’re ready for it, completing the GR20 is something that few forget. It’s a real accomplishment earned with every ascent, descent, and hard-earned view.

How fit do I need to be for Challenge 9?

This expedition requires a solid base of general fitness and a readiness to spend several hours outdoors each day. You don’t need to be a pro athlete but strong walking stamina is required. The fitness plan will assist you in your training.

CORSICA

CHALLENGE 4

WALK THE SPINE OF CORSICA

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CHALLENGE INFORMATION

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CHALLENGE HIGHLIGHTS

This 180-kilometre traverse follows the mountainous backbone of Corsica, a route famous for its knife-edge ridgelines, alpine lakes, and remote high passes. With over 11,000m of elevation gain, the GR20 is a relentless test of stamina and spirit. 

The journey begins in the island’s northern highlands, where you meet your guide at the first gîte to receive a brief on the route and prepare your equipment for the expedition. You will pack for the following two weeks so that you can step off on the challenge with confidence and the right mindset. The next day, you start with a baptism of fire, with 1,360m of elevation gain over the first 11km. This is the first sign that this is not just a guided stroll. 

Over the following two weeks, the route climbs and drops relentlessly, with a total elevation gain that surpasses the height of Everest. You will link high refuges with exposed paths, boulder fields, and steep ascents. From Monte Cito to the Forest of Vizzavona, every section of the route is a new story and asks something different of you. On the trail, nights are spent in mountain dormitories or tents.  

Across 13 demanding days, you will be boldly crossing one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance trails. An experience that will strip life back to the essentials and leave you with a lasting sense of achievement.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Airport transfer to Calenzana. 

Meet your guide in Calvi train station before a road move to the village of Calenzana, where you will settle into your first gîte and receive the expedition briefing before preparing your pack for the coming days 

Day 2 – Calenzana to Ortu di u Piobbu. 

11km. 6 hours.   Ascent +1,360m. Descent -50m. 

You start the GR20 uphill, making 1,360m in elevation before you reach your first refuge perched at the top of the Bonifatu cirque.  

Day 3 – Ortu di u Puiobbu to Carrozzu. 

7km. 7 hours.   Ascent +750m. Descent 950m. 

You start in the high mountains as you pass over ridges before you descend over scree to your next refuge, nestled in the heart of the forest. 

Day 4 – Carrozzu to Haut Asco. 

7km. 5.5 hours.   Ascent +800m. Descent -750m.  

Passing through the forest over streams before climbing towards Col de la Muvrella and its lake. Stunning views begin to emerge as you get above the treeline before a pleasant descent to the ski resort of Asco. 

Day 5 – Haut Asco to Tighjettu. 

10km. 8 hours.   Ascent +1,150. Descent -1,200m.  

This section passes over the highest part of the route, reaching an altitude of 2,604m on the island’s highest peak – le Cintu. A long descent takes you down into the valley for the next refuge. 

Day 6 – ighjettu to Col de Vergio.  

12km. 6.5 hours.  Ascent +680m. Descent -710m. 

A gentler start of paths offering shaded passage beneath the pine forest before a fairly steep climb up the ridges taking you to Col de Vergio.   

Day 7 – Col de Vergio to Camputile. 

15km. 6 hours.   Ascent +750m. Descent -570m.  

The start takes you through the Valdu Nielu forest beneath magnificent beech trees. The GR20 then gradually climbs up a pass, where at the top you see breathtaking views of the entire west coast. After crossing the plateau, you will reach the next refuge.   

Day 8 – Camputile to Onda.  

16km. 9.5 hours.   Ascent +1,130m. Descent -1,320m.  

A long high-altitude stage in the heart of the Rotondo massif. The GR20 crosses the highest passes on the route through high-altitude lakes before reaching your refuge.  

Day 9 – Onda to Vizzavona.  

10km. 6 hours.  Ascent +710m. Descent -1,220m.  

A gentle climb to start the day to the foothills of Monte d’Oro. The descent to Vizzavona follows the Agnone River where the stage ends in the cool Vizzavona forest. 

Day 10 – Vizzavona to Col de Verde.  

28km. 9.5 hours.  Ascent +1,210. Descent -850m. 

A long stage with no technical parts beyond the distance. 

Day 11 – Col de Verde to Usciolu.  

15km. 7.5 hours.  Ascent +1,250m. Descent -850m.  

The path climbs up to some amazing views overlooking the eastern plain and coastal lakes of Costa Verde. Through the granite landscape before reaching your refuge for the night.  

Day 12 – Usciolu to Croci.  

13km. 5 hours.  Ascent +600m. Descent -820m.  

The GR20 follows the ridge towards Bocca di l’Usciolu and then onwards through passages equipped with chains to make progress easier. The end of the stage is spent on quieter paths across the plateau.  

Day 13 – Croci to Bavella.  

15km. 8 hours.  Ascent +780m. Descent -1,100m.  

The penultimate stage crosses the last great peak in the island’s mountain range before descending through majestic granite towers called Aiguilles de Bavella.

Day 14 – Bavella to Conca.  

18km. 7.5 hours . Ascent +490m. Descent – 1,480m.  

A shady path towards the Cannone ravine before descending to Conca, where your bus will pick you up for Figari airport. 

WHATS INCLUDED IN THE TRIP

Whats Included?

Accommodation from 28th June to 12th July 2026
Group transfer from Calvi Airport to the Challenge start point
Group transfer from the Challenge finish to Figari Airport
An experienced Corsica-certified mountain leader
Food from arrival on night 1 through to lunch at the finish point of the Challenge, including train snacks.
Sleeping bag, hiking poles, and backpack.
Porterage for follow-on bags, which you can access on certain nights of the Challenge.

Whats Not Included?

Flights to Calvi Airport or from Figari Airport
Personal clothing and equipment
Personal Travel Insurance

FAQs

Full details in the information document.

Frequently asked questions we've received for this challenge from previous challengers.

If your question isn’t covered in our FAQs, we’re here to help — reach out below and we’ll get back to you soon.

ENQUIRE

Is this for me?
You do not need any alpine experience to take on the GR20, but you do need to be ready. 

This is a physically and mentally demanding route. You will hike up to 10 hours a day over steep, rocky, and often exposed terrain. The trail is unforgiving in places, with significant elevation gain, rough surfaces, and minimal facilities. Strong fitness and a commitment to preparation are essential.  

If you’re ready for it, completing the GR20 is something that few forget. It’s a real accomplishment earned with every ascent, descent, and hard-earned view.  
How fit do I need to be for Challenge 9?
This expedition requires a solid base of general fitness and a readiness to spend several hours outdoors each day. You don’t need to be a pro athlete but strong walking stamina is required.

The fitness plan will assist you in your training.

CHALLENGE 4

CHALLENGE METRICS

CHALLENGE METRICS

CHALLENGE METRICS

CHALLENGE HIGHLIGHTS

ITINERARY

WHATS INCLUDED IN THE TRIP

FAQs

Is this for me?

How fit do I need to be for Challenge 9?

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