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This famous route runs for much of the length of Corsica: The Scented Isle. You will be walking amidst rugged granite spires, weaving in and out on tracks amongst giant Lariccio pine trees with the omnipotent mountains floating between the sky and the sea. There is always the scent of oregano, juniper and pine resin in the air. The views lead the eye ever on to new perspectives of rock, forest, lake, river, sea and sky, on this island "Mountain in the Mediterranean". The GR20 is the most challenging footpath in the French Grand Randonnee series and known to be the hardest popular long distance footpath in Western Europe. It is a walk that reaches places that are normally the reserve of the rock climber. We follow the route as far as Bavaella, passing the highest mountains of Haute Corse, spiralling around the jumble of jagged peaks, through beautiful forests which continue to provide leafy window views across to giant granitic spires. In fact, you will experience a whole range of walking conditions from rock scrambling to walking around the grassy meadows of Lac de Nino. There are rocky screes up to the amazing Breche de Capitello and there are well-graded trails that would have originally been droving routes. Our tour commences at Calenzana, near Calvi, ends in the maquis around the village of Bavella and reaches its climax in the famous Cirque de Solitude - a head for heights is required. The beauty along the trail continues all the way, amongst the adamantine rock bathing pools and the shepherd huts of the high mountains, where you can try cheeses prepared fresh that day. In between our bivouac sites are the picturesque mountain refuges. A descent is made every two to three days into the valleys to recuperate in the little red-roofed villages that we pass through, these hotel stops allow us to carry less weight on this classic backpacking tour. This mountain journey is tailored for the more seasoned walker who enjoys sleeping out under the stars on occasion.
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