WALKING IN CORSICA

 

Hot work on the GR20

Last week we had a short 7 day jolliday on the Mediterranean island of Corsica. Like most folk this was our first holiday out of the UK for 3 years. I almost forgot what you do at an airport. With it being post brexit then maybe things had changed dramatically. But no fear, only difference is we now have a return to the old stamp in the passports. I knew there was something good about leaving the EU. 😉.

Colour in Ajaccio 

Cool beers at Ajaccio

With only a few days to get a taster of Corsica we ruled out the entire GR20 trek. This 2 week long trail has a reputation for the 'toughest' trek in Europe. We eased into our holiday down at Ajaccio's beach.

A Shag watching over the bay of Ajaccio 

Ajaccio is the 'capital' of the island. One morning was enough of the hustle and bustle for us. We set off into rural Corsica late afternoon, using the wonderful railway that runs to the northern part of the island. The railway journey crosses the main mountain chain in the centre of the island. 

A station along the way

The train whisks you up into the mountains. From sea level we alighted at the small hamlet of Vissavona, taking just one hour. A very different world here.

Vissavona station

Roughing it here for a couple of nights

Vissavona is the only real habitation with 'comfort' along the entire GR20 route. If you intend doing the whole trek then it's camping or refuges every night, except here. Vissavona also marks the halfway point if doing the whole trek. We roughed it in a charming wee hotel here.

These boots were here for two days. Given up?

On the trail

We decided on a day up to Monte d'Oro which is mountain summit reaching over 2,300m, a side trip off the main GR20 trail. The skies were blue, the sun was very hot even at 8am.

Mont O'ro

It was very hot work on the trail. I went through 4 litres of water. The trail passes beside lovely pools of water and small waterfalls. The lower reachesof the hill are covered in Beach and Maritime Pine trees amongst other fine woodland. 

Lovely walking

Perfect weather for these guys

No jacket required all week, day and night

We had a good 10 hour day up the hill. It was quite busy we thought. June is supposed to be one of the quieter months. Like most trekking routes in the world, the trails are becoming busier and evermore popular. I don't think I would like to walk it in July or August. Crowded and even hotter I would guess. It was around 30 C in Vissavona and not much cooler on the hill.

Mouse Ear

The following day we had another day of walking on a quiet trail. Same temperatures. Lots of wonderful butterflies. I was disappointed that there is very little wildlife in these hills.

Beautiful butterflies

We took the afternoon train from Vissavona and continued on our exploration to the north of Corsica. A beautiful 4 hour journey to the town of Calvi.

The train again, a great way to travel here

Calvi Harbour 

Calvi by night from the Citadel

Calvi is a lively town on the coast. If you want nightlife, it's here! The harbour front is lined with many restaurants and plenty of ice cream shops. There's a few million Euros worth of yachts and boats moored up here. We slumbed it for a day on a RIB to take us out along the coast. It was lovely and cool temperatures.

Impressive rocky cliffs at Scandola

King of his castle

Time for a swim

The impressive rocky cliffs at Scandola were a brilliant half day out. 

Corsica will need a return visit sometime. The GR20 looks a grand trek.

Rooftop patio

GR20, we'll be back