The Best Long Trek To Do In August - The GR20 Trek Circuit
You'll find the most important details you need to know about this trek here, ranging from average cost to the nearest airport, aswell as a brief description of what you should expect on this trek.
FYI - This is part of a series of blogs that describe and detail the best short and long treks around the world per month. The trek per month is not random, I chose the best treks with the best climate conditions per month. Type in Septemberin the search bar of my blog section and find out what the best treks to take are in September.
Name of the Trek: The GR20 Trek Circuit
Location: Corsica
Nearest Airport: Calvi airport
Average Trekking Duration: 15 days
Distance: 180km
Difficulty: Challenging
Highest Altitude: 2,600m
Best Month To Go: August
Average Temperature: 25 degrees centigrade on average usually dry. August can be very hot so if possible, aim to go at the end of August
Average Cost: Guided tour packages for a 7 to 10-day trek across GR20 will cost around USD $3,100 per head It will cost anything between a few hundred euros to a few thousand, depending on the number of days to the season.
GR20 or Grand Randonnee 20 is among the most famous and the top trekking routes in Europe. Corsica is an idyllic coastal city bustling with tourists for a significant part of the year. But, only those with an eye for treacherous outdoor activities will reckon GR20. This is one of the most dangerous and challenging treks in Europe.
The vivid differences in landscape and sights on both the North to the South and the South to North routes make it a stunning retreat. The unpredictable weather adds to the fun and the excitement quotient. However, confirm the local weather at the refuge tenements, so you do not trap in awful weather.
What To Expect?
The regular North to South route to GR20 Trail starts with the town of Calenzana. However, there is an alternative route of South to North too for those looking for some fun. It begins at Porto Vecchio or Conca from Bastia airport. You can expect to witness the imposing wall of granite mountains of Aiguilles de Bavella and even cross the majestic Monte Cinto, that is the highest mountain in all of Corsica as you trek. Since the routes are long and arduous, it will be better for trekkers to carry luggage under 10 kgs.
Accommodation is available at the communal shelters where there are refuge tents on rent. The choice of food is quite limited here, and whatever you get to eat is also going to be expensive. There is no hot water or electricity supply in many of these places along with the higher altitude. However, the refugee shelters are very limited in number, and so it is better to book for this accommodation in advance if you are going in the peak seasons of July and August.
The advantages specific to GR20 routes include the vista beyond, challenging turns, especially on Northern side areas of Vivvazona from Calenzana. Starting from here, you head off to the coast of Calvi and Conca while also checking the Conscione Plateau and enjoying the rapids of Le Golo Fleuve. The only cons include the erratic weather and the cost of bottled water and food as you ascent. The price range for food is anywhere between USD $10 for basic bread or sandwich and USD $30 for a wholesome diet. Likewise, you may opt to buy frozen or dried foods for snacking on the way.
While trekking, you should be very mindful about the steps you take and be alert throughout the trail. There are loose edges and rocks on the way, which might cause slip and fall.
In case you are an experienced trekker, make sure to share your itinerary or return plan with someone trustworthy at the refugee camp. The roads are bad, and it might be a great help for them to send for rescue operations should you face any mishap on the higher ranges. Alternatively, you can go for trekking arranged by tour operators too.