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The GR20 Corsica: The High Level Route
This guidebook describes the classic GR20 trek, the north to south traverse of the rugged mountains of Corsica. Starting in Corscia's north-west, in picturesque Calenzana, the route winds south-east, through the heart of Corsica, finishing on the eastern side of the island, just north of Porto Vecchio in the township of Conca. Described in 16 stages with high level/low level alternatives for relevant stages, the route is roughly 200km in length and takes approximately two weeks to complete. The GR20 climbs high into the mountains. It is demanding trek and only suitable for experienced walkers.
Step-by-step descriptions of each stage are accompanied by 1:50,000 mapping, together with information on ascent/descent, terrain, and food, water and shelter en route. Also included is invaluable information such as path conditions, what to take, and getting to/from and around Corsica. This comprehensive guide also includes information on the history and geology of Corsica, together with notes on the local plants and wildlife.
An island of surreal beauty, Corsica showcases dramatic mountains, enchanting coastline and ethereal vistas. Bare rock and sheer cliff contrasts with black sand beaches, alpine pastures and pockets of forest. Mediterranean flair abounds, history lingers and culture is celebrated, making it the perfect destination for a trek bursting with adventure.
Step-by-step descriptions of each stage are accompanied by 1:50,000 mapping, together with information on ascent/descent, terrain, and food, water and shelter en route. Also included is invaluable information such as path conditions, what to take, and getting to/from and around Corsica. This comprehensive guide also includes information on the history and geology of Corsica, together with notes on the local plants and wildlife.
An island of surreal beauty, Corsica showcases dramatic mountains, enchanting coastline and ethereal vistas. Bare rock and sheer cliff contrasts with black sand beaches, alpine pastures and pockets of forest. Mediterranean flair abounds, history lingers and culture is celebrated, making it the perfect destination for a trek bursting with adventure.
- GenresNonfiction
429 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 3, 2018
Invaluable guide to the GR20.
The introductory sections of the book coaches everything that's needed to know beforehand, importantly emphasising that the route should not be taken for granted by the inexperienced. As long as the reader has prior hiking experience (preferably multi-day) and follows the advice given well (e.g. really keep your pack light) then they should be fine. Searching the internet for sample hiking packs will give that extra bit of knowledge on top of what is in the book.
The book generally follows daily segments that's nicely timed and good to follow. Included is a good guide to accommodation available (there is a french guidebook available that apparently has a lot more sleeping options). Doubling up on segments is possible however anyone not young and really fit will feel the pain at the end of the day (more so weather in the mountains mean a full day of hiking may not be possible). Interesting branches or day hikes off the main route are very well covered, but people seemed to fit in as much of the main route as possible in the time they had available.
Having been invaluable to preparing for the trip, the book becomes less useful when actually hiking. As the book admits the routes themselves are so well marked that referring to the book/map is not necessary. This means the route descriptions seem lost for purpose. They are long enough to make book too bulky for quick reference during the day, but not detailed that you would orientate without the markings. Highlights of the day are lost in long - really boring - descriptions of different tree lines. Really surprisingly, the toughest sections of segments are often omitted entirely or hardly mentioned. For example I was a bit lazy in my planning for one particular afternoon, just following the guide descriptions, and ended up stuck in a lightening storm on a ridge. I found out later it was probably where the original author died in a lightening storm! The book description for the ridge was 'entertaining'. British climbing euphemisms are all very well, but sometimes you want a guide!
There's an appendix at the back that gives timings between route stops. I found the timings accurate and great for planning a day.
The introductory sections of the book coaches everything that's needed to know beforehand, importantly emphasising that the route should not be taken for granted by the inexperienced. As long as the reader has prior hiking experience (preferably multi-day) and follows the advice given well (e.g. really keep your pack light) then they should be fine. Searching the internet for sample hiking packs will give that extra bit of knowledge on top of what is in the book.
The book generally follows daily segments that's nicely timed and good to follow. Included is a good guide to accommodation available (there is a french guidebook available that apparently has a lot more sleeping options). Doubling up on segments is possible however anyone not young and really fit will feel the pain at the end of the day (more so weather in the mountains mean a full day of hiking may not be possible). Interesting branches or day hikes off the main route are very well covered, but people seemed to fit in as much of the main route as possible in the time they had available.
Having been invaluable to preparing for the trip, the book becomes less useful when actually hiking. As the book admits the routes themselves are so well marked that referring to the book/map is not necessary. This means the route descriptions seem lost for purpose. They are long enough to make book too bulky for quick reference during the day, but not detailed that you would orientate without the markings. Highlights of the day are lost in long - really boring - descriptions of different tree lines. Really surprisingly, the toughest sections of segments are often omitted entirely or hardly mentioned. For example I was a bit lazy in my planning for one particular afternoon, just following the guide descriptions, and ended up stuck in a lightening storm on a ridge. I found out later it was probably where the original author died in a lightening storm! The book description for the ridge was 'entertaining'. British climbing euphemisms are all very well, but sometimes you want a guide!
There's an appendix at the back that gives timings between route stops. I found the timings accurate and great for planning a day.
October 2, 2018
Invaluable guide to the GR20.
The introductory sections of the book coaches everything that's needed to know beforehand, importantly emphasising that the route should not be taken for granted by the inexperienced. As long as the reader has prior hiking experience (preferably multi-day) and follows the advice given well (e.g. really keep your pack light) then they should be fine. Searching the internet for sample hiking packs will give that extra bit of knowledge on top of what is in the book.
The book generally follows daily segments that's nicely timed and good to follow. Included is a good guide to accommodation available (there is a french guidebook available that apparently has a lot more sleeping options). Doubling up on segments is possible however anyone not young and really fit will feel the pain at the end of the day (more so weather in the mountains mean a full day of hiking may not be possible). Interesting branches or day hikes off the main route are very well covered, but people seemed to fit in as much of the main route as possible in the time they had available.
Having been invaluable to preparing for the trip, the book becomes less useful when actually hiking. As the book admits the routes themselves are so well marked that referring to the book/map is not necessary. This means the route descriptions seem lost for purpose. They are long enough to make book too bulky for quick reference during the day, but not detailed that you would orientate without the markings. Highlights of the day are lost in long - really boring - descriptions of different tree lines. Really surprisingly, the toughest sections of segments are often omitted entirely or hardly mentioned. For example I was a bit lazy in my planning for one particular afternoon, just following the guide descriptions, and ended up stuck in a lightening storm on a ridge. I found out later it was probably where the original author died in a lightening storm! The book description for the ridge was 'entertaining'. British climbing euphemisms are all very well, but sometimes you want a guide!
There's an appendix at the back that gives timings between route stops. I found the timings accurate and really great for planning a day.
The introductory sections of the book coaches everything that's needed to know beforehand, importantly emphasising that the route should not be taken for granted by the inexperienced. As long as the reader has prior hiking experience (preferably multi-day) and follows the advice given well (e.g. really keep your pack light) then they should be fine. Searching the internet for sample hiking packs will give that extra bit of knowledge on top of what is in the book.
The book generally follows daily segments that's nicely timed and good to follow. Included is a good guide to accommodation available (there is a french guidebook available that apparently has a lot more sleeping options). Doubling up on segments is possible however anyone not young and really fit will feel the pain at the end of the day (more so weather in the mountains mean a full day of hiking may not be possible). Interesting branches or day hikes off the main route are very well covered, but people seemed to fit in as much of the main route as possible in the time they had available.
Having been invaluable to preparing for the trip, the book becomes less useful when actually hiking. As the book admits the routes themselves are so well marked that referring to the book/map is not necessary. This means the route descriptions seem lost for purpose. They are long enough to make book too bulky for quick reference during the day, but not detailed that you would orientate without the markings. Highlights of the day are lost in long - really boring - descriptions of different tree lines. Really surprisingly, the toughest sections of segments are often omitted entirely or hardly mentioned. For example I was a bit lazy in my planning for one particular afternoon, just following the guide descriptions, and ended up stuck in a lightening storm on a ridge. I found out later it was probably where the original author died in a lightening storm! The book description for the ridge was 'entertaining'. British climbing euphemisms are all very well, but sometimes you want a guide!
There's an appendix at the back that gives timings between route stops. I found the timings accurate and really great for planning a day.
July 23, 2017
Very helpful! Thanks
Everything one needs to do the GR 20 - detailed but readable. Thanks for putting it together.
Technical and well written
Everything one needs to do the GR 20 - detailed but readable. Thanks for putting it together.
Technical and well written
August 7, 2022
This is one of the better Cicerone Press guidebooks, with very helpful features like a practical English-French-Corsican phrasebook/ dictionary. Well done, Paddy.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews