15 days, Guided Groups, Fixed Departures

• Europe's classic ridge walk
• Supported - no heavy pack to carry
• Grade D - a challenging trip

The GR20 traverses the island diagonally following the high granite barrier of mountains that form the natural boundary across Corsica. The trail offers some fantastic scenery, along with an insight into the authentic and traditional working mountain community. You will meet the last of the shepherds that still follow the age-old transhumance lifestyle, where they pass the summer months with their flocks on the high fresh airy pastures and the winter months down by the coast. You stay in a variety of accommodation, a mix of camps, refuges, gites, or shepherds' cabins, situated in places of exceptional beauty (and renowned for stunning views and fine local wines and cheese). On many days you walk carrying only a small daypack, although on others you will need to carry overnight personal effects as well. The trail winds through some incredible mountain terrain remaining almost in entirety over 1000 metres. Steep ascents over high ridges, deep descents into dramatic chasms, some 'via ferrata' across granite slopes with the option of scaling the occasional peak. This walk is reputed as the best and most challenging in Europe, but an incomparable experience for those who love the outdoors.

After arriving in Calvi, transfer south to Bavella before starting your walk. Easing you in 'gently', the first six days of the southern section are more undulating than the north but no less challenging. The trail takes you through alpine terrain onto high mountain plateaux where prickly maquis rises out of rocky combs and the high ridges give you spectacular views of the sea and the coastlines of the island. The route weaves in and out of oak and pine forests up onto the ridges, past shepherd huts and you will have time to savour the true magnificence of the Corsican rock needless, fine red towers and pinnacles. The next few days of this trek take you over slabs, boulders, granite stairways, scrambling ridges, sparkling rock pools and refreshing waterfalls; superb days of true mountain walking where the ambience is high and alpine. The area is home to the wild mountain moufflon that you may occasionally observe. In the evenings you will enjoy the welcome of the refuges, the company of the shepherds at their cabins or delightful wild camping spots - all with breathtaking views.

The trek culminates in some fabulously challenging ascents over high mountain passes with the possibility (weather depending) of summiting Paglia Orba (2525 metres). Saving the best till last, the famous Cirque de la Solitude is certainly the most stimulating section of the trek. The geology, the closeness of the rocks and the often billowing mist make this a dramatic and impressive section in Corsica's grand granite barrier. The cirque is the final challenge of your GR20 walk and marks the end of your achievement. At the end of the trek you return to the small coastal town of Calvi where you can enjoy the street cafes, the shops, restaurants and the comfort of a hotel bed!