Firstly, kudos to you both for completing the hike. I just finished the GR20 and proud to say in 12 days. Started May 22 and finished June 3. Your blog is the only day by day English blog I've found. So I want to help with some comments to whoever's finds these videos. I'm going to add some comments that will hopefully be useful. Best regards.
I've done the GR20 three times (or really 2.5 times). First in 2008, (when the Cirque de Solitude was still part of the itinerary), the northern half, going south bound with our children (12 & 11). Second in 2010, the southern half going northbound (children 14 & 13), but my son (14) and I continued to do the northern half as well in 5 days. Last time was in 2018 when my wife and I (now sans enfans) did the whole trek southbound. We always did it independently (carrying out own tents and food, buying occasional snacks at refugios, and meals at Vergio & Vizzavona). Biggest challenge is getting to the start/finish using public transport - it exists, but a lot of waiting is involved. It's really expensive if you use refugios etc, especially as a family. Noticed a big increase in popularity over those 10 years. Most people, to avoid the heat, start out early morning with headtorches etc - we always started very leisurely and this meant we had the trail to ourselves. This did mean the campsites were full by the time we got to them, but we became very adept at finding alternative places that were often far nicer. Last thing - late season, be very careful with water sources - we always carried a filter (and at a couple of camping places, water was not to be trusted). Absolutely love the GR20 - but always very hot (especially August). Incredibly rugged, a trail that is sometimes difficult to follow, very steep and always going up and down, but some magnificent ridges to follow. Robust footwear is important - I used lightweight footwear first time and ended up with rather tender soles by the end. There are a couple of alternative routes that are well worth doing (better than the main GR20). Have witnessed helicopter rescues every time - first time was a fatality from hypothermia (at night, it can be very cold, especially if mists come down, and despite being 35+ during the day) - the person got caught out overnight on a side trip up Monte Cinco.
Sorry for the slow reply Really interesting and some great information for others "first time was a fatality from hypothermia" - wow that is terrible It does seem very popular. Probabaly because it has the title of the hardest hike in Europe I would say it probably is the best hike we have been on. Although I enjoyed the TMB, but it was more of a traditional hike unlike the GR20 Have you been on any other European hikes that you would recommend ? Cheers Dave & Barbara 😆
Thank you for a brilliant overview and also for the day by day vlog! It's really helped us in planning our trip. We're looking at doing this next June. 👍
Boots. I did the hike in trail runners and regret it. They were bought just for this hike. Soles were so compressed by the end of 12 days walking on stones 80% of the time, that I felt every rock and every stone. So get mountain boots. For sure.
Hi Dan & Beck - This was the hardest thing we have ever done., but was amazing. If you get chance it is something you should really do. What are you guys doing next ? cheers Dave & Barbara
@@hikingwithdaveandbarbara8629it's definitely on our radar for next summer! We actually just arrived in Mexico, and have some hiking in Central and South America lined up over the next 6 months 😀
Hi Toffee674 - It might be on the actual blog hikingwithdaveandbarbara.com/corsica.html. It was probably 10k for myself with Barbara less. The weight could well of been higher though as as I carried several litres of water for the both of us. Sleeping bags added weight but no tents which helped. It was a hard hike though. Much harder that the TMB for example. Good luck if you decided to give it a go
I'm planning to do GR20 next year., I haven't done it yet, so I can't talk from my own experience. However, having seen several videos and listened to French GR20 guides, July and August are apparently NOT the busiest months. They are if you stay close to the coast but not if you go there for hiking. So it is, supposedly, the best period, although admittedly hot (but again that depends a lot on the weather - June 2019 and 2020 was exceptionally hot).
Hi Johan - We went late June 2019 as prior to that the route can be blocked by snow. However it was a hot summer and there was little snow when we went . Barbara wrote a great blog which is worth a read and covers how we booked etc and when and how etc etc. hikingwithdaveandbarbara.co.uk/corsica.html My biggest advice would be do it unguided but book all the refuges through Corsica Aventures - As this worked really well for us and did not work out much more expensive than tying to book all the accommodation yourself - good luck Dave & Barbara
@@hikingwithdaveandbarbara8629 , I intend(ed) to do all the booking arrangements myself, but if the difference is insignificant, I will probably outsource the whole thing. Thank you very much for your comprehensive reply ! I live in France since almost 30 years and I've literally been everywhere...except Corsica. The French call it the island of beauty - I guess there must be a reason 😉 Johan
Timescale. Do not forget about weather and travel days. There is absolutely NO WAY to do some of the days with rain or low visibility. You are really taking a risk with your life. You have to stay in the refuge on bad weather. Also leaving Conca and getting back to the airport or port took me 2 days.
Hi Biofilmz Clearly the PCT or Appalachian Trail are very very hard due to the length as well as terrain and weather, so hard to compare. What I would say is the GR20 is difficult and we saw many people give up through injury or just could not hack the terrain or the amount of ascent / descent each day. Have you attemped either the PCT or Appalachian Train ? Cheers Dave & Barbara
I've done the GR20 three times, and the JMT section of the PCT. Different challenges really,. The GR20 is physicaly tougher in that it is up and down, and steep with it - but assuming you are carrying everything to be more or less independent of the refugios. The PCT is logistically challenging, and you have to carry everything, but the trail itself is like a paved highway compared to the GR20 - so just easier underfoot. And yes, the PCT is up and down the whole way as well, but nearly always a nice gradual gradient.
The cost. It's really not difficult to book the refuges. PNRC has a website to book most of the refuges all at once. It does not cover all the way to the south, as the park does not have any refuges past Petra Piana. But any guide book will give you the emails for refuges and bergeries. Yes you will have to bring money for half board. It does give you flexibility to not buy a bad meal and choose to make your own. So dont shy away from booking it yourself.
How hard. DO NOT take for granted the comments on how hard it is. You hear that there is scrambling and boulders and climbing, but ITS ALL scrambling, boulders and climbing. If you think there is a trail, forget it. I read that it's only 20% on trail and I'm telling you that is only in the south section. If you make it there. Even a marginal fear of heights, stay away. Ledge climbs over 1000m drops are on day 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10 and 11 (just going into Asinau).
Hi Rome'n Hiking - you have made some great points. Sorry for the delay in replying - we have been in the UK finishing off the Pennine way. A little different from the GR20 but still very enjoyable. Full respect for completing the whole thing in 12 days. We met plenty of hikers who gave up. What is your next hike ? Cheers Dave & Barbara
Yes we have - A piece of cake compared with the GR20, but still hard as there is a big ascent and descent most days. The views are stunning on the TMB - You should have great weather - let us know how you get on - we did it in 9 days - cheers Dave & Barbara Barbara's blog is on hikingwithdaveandbarbara.co.uk/tourdumontblanc.html
Great summary and thanks for taking the time to deliver such a structured overview - well done 👍
Thanks for the nice comments as its very much appreciated - Hope it was of some use - Cheers Dave & Barbara
Firstly, kudos to you both for completing the hike. I just finished the GR20 and proud to say in 12 days. Started May 22 and finished June 3.
Your blog is the only day by day English blog I've found. So I want to help with some comments to whoever's finds these videos. I'm going to add some comments that will hopefully be useful.
Best regards.
Thanks for sharing Roma'n hiking
I've done the GR20 three times (or really 2.5 times). First in 2008, (when the Cirque de Solitude was still part of the itinerary), the northern half, going south bound with our children (12 & 11). Second in 2010, the southern half going northbound (children 14 & 13), but my son (14) and I continued to do the northern half as well in 5 days. Last time was in 2018 when my wife and I (now sans enfans) did the whole trek southbound. We always did it independently (carrying out own tents and food, buying occasional snacks at refugios, and meals at Vergio & Vizzavona).
Biggest challenge is getting to the start/finish using public transport - it exists, but a lot of waiting is involved. It's really expensive if you use refugios etc, especially as a family. Noticed a big increase in popularity over those 10 years. Most people, to avoid the heat, start out early morning with headtorches etc - we always started very leisurely and this meant we had the trail to ourselves. This did mean the campsites were full by the time we got to them, but we became very adept at finding alternative places that were often far nicer. Last thing - late season, be very careful with water sources - we always carried a filter (and at a couple of camping places, water was not to be trusted).
Absolutely love the GR20 - but always very hot (especially August). Incredibly rugged, a trail that is sometimes difficult to follow, very steep and always going up and down, but some magnificent ridges to follow. Robust footwear is important - I used lightweight footwear first time and ended up with rather tender soles by the end. There are a couple of alternative routes that are well worth doing (better than the main GR20). Have witnessed helicopter rescues every time - first time was a fatality from hypothermia (at night, it can be very cold, especially if mists come down, and despite being 35+ during the day) - the person got caught out overnight on a side trip up Monte Cinco.
Sorry for the slow reply
Really interesting and some great information for others
"first time was a fatality from hypothermia" - wow that is terrible
It does seem very popular. Probabaly because it has the title of the hardest hike in Europe
I would say it probably is the best hike we have been on. Although I enjoyed the TMB, but it was more of a traditional hike unlike the GR20
Have you been on any other European hikes that you would recommend ?
Cheers Dave & Barbara 😆
Thank you for a brilliant overview and also for the day by day vlog! It's really helped us in planning our trip. We're looking at doing this next June. 👍
Good luck its a great walk Carl - let us know how you get on - Cheers Dave & Barbara
Boots. I did the hike in trail runners and regret it. They were bought just for this hike. Soles were so compressed by the end of 12 days walking on stones 80% of the time, that I felt every rock and every stone. So get mountain boots. For sure.
Thanks for sharing Roma'n hiking
We're really keen on doing this hike, thanks for the great info!
Hi Dan & Beck - This was the hardest thing we have ever done., but was amazing. If you get chance it is something you should really do. What are you guys doing next ? cheers Dave & Barbara
@@hikingwithdaveandbarbara8629it's definitely on our radar for next summer! We actually just arrived in Mexico, and have some hiking in Central and South America lined up over the next 6 months 😀
@@travelmademedoit - have a great time and we look forward to seeing where you end up. 😀
Nice vid ,so how much weight did you carry!?
Hi Toffee674 - It might be on the actual blog hikingwithdaveandbarbara.com/corsica.html. It was probably 10k for myself with Barbara less. The weight could well of been higher though as as I carried several litres of water for the both of us. Sleeping bags added weight but no tents which helped. It was a hard hike though. Much harder that the TMB for example. Good luck if you decided to give it a go
Thanks for the info
It's a tough hike John, but amazing at the same time - Hope the information helps in some way - cheers Dave & Barbara
I'm planning to do GR20 next year., I haven't done it yet, so I can't talk from my own experience. However, having seen several videos and listened to French GR20 guides, July and August are apparently NOT the busiest months. They are if you stay close to the coast but not if you go there for hiking. So it is, supposedly, the best period, although admittedly hot (but again that depends a lot on the weather - June 2019 and 2020 was exceptionally hot).
Hi Johan - We went late June 2019 as prior to that the route can be blocked by snow. However it was a hot summer and there was little snow when we went . Barbara wrote a great blog which is worth a read and covers how we booked etc and when and how etc etc.
hikingwithdaveandbarbara.co.uk/corsica.html
My biggest advice would be do it unguided but book all the refuges through Corsica Aventures - As this worked really well for us and did not work out much more expensive than tying to book all the accommodation yourself - good luck Dave & Barbara
@@hikingwithdaveandbarbara8629 ,
I intend(ed) to do all the booking arrangements myself, but if the difference is insignificant, I will probably outsource the whole thing. Thank you very much for your comprehensive reply ! I live in France since almost 30 years and I've literally been everywhere...except Corsica. The French call it the island of beauty - I guess there must be a reason 😉
Johan
Timescale. Do not forget about weather and travel days. There is absolutely NO WAY to do some of the days with rain or low visibility. You are really taking a risk with your life. You have to stay in the refuge on bad weather.
Also leaving Conca and getting back to the airport or port took me 2 days.
Thanks for sharing Roma'n hiking
would like to see you do the Pacific Crest or Appalachian trail for comparison.
Hi Biofilmz
Clearly the PCT or Appalachian Trail are very very hard due to the length as well as terrain and weather, so hard to compare. What I would say is the GR20 is difficult and we saw many people give up through injury or just could not hack the terrain or the amount of ascent / descent each day. Have you attemped either the PCT or Appalachian Train ?
Cheers Dave & Barbara
I've done the GR20 three times, and the JMT section of the PCT. Different challenges really,. The GR20 is physicaly tougher in that it is up and down, and steep with it - but assuming you are carrying everything to be more or less independent of the refugios. The PCT is logistically challenging, and you have to carry everything, but the trail itself is like a paved highway compared to the GR20 - so just easier underfoot. And yes, the PCT is up and down the whole way as well, but nearly always a nice gradual gradient.
The cost. It's really not difficult to book the refuges. PNRC has a website to book most of the refuges all at once. It does not cover all the way to the south, as the park does not have any refuges past Petra Piana. But any guide book will give you the emails for refuges and bergeries.
Yes you will have to bring money for half board. It does give you flexibility to not buy a bad meal and choose to make your own.
So dont shy away from booking it yourself.
Thanks for sharing Roma'n hiking
Refuges are terrible. If you can book private bergeries they are better. I recommend Bergerie Bassetta that made a great diner.
Thanks for sharing Roma'n hiking
How hard. DO NOT take for granted the comments on how hard it is. You hear that there is scrambling and boulders and climbing, but ITS ALL scrambling, boulders and climbing. If you think there is a trail, forget it.
I read that it's only 20% on trail and I'm telling you that is only in the south section. If you make it there.
Even a marginal fear of heights, stay away. Ledge climbs over 1000m drops are on day 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10 and 11 (just going into Asinau).
Hi Rome'n Hiking - you have made some great points. Sorry for the delay in replying - we have been in the UK finishing off the Pennine way. A little different from the GR20 but still very enjoyable. Full respect for completing the whole thing in 12 days. We met plenty of hikers who gave up. What is your next hike ? Cheers Dave & Barbara
@@hikingwithdaveandbarbara8629 I'm off to the Tour du Mont Blanc in 2 weeks. Have you done it?
Yes we have - A piece of cake compared with the GR20, but still hard as there is a big ascent and descent most days. The views are stunning on the TMB - You should have great weather - let us know how you get on - we did it in 9 days - cheers Dave & Barbara
Barbara's blog is on hikingwithdaveandbarbara.co.uk/tourdumontblanc.html