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Walking in Corsica

Wherever you are in Corsica there is a footpath which will take to you the mountains, to a river, to the sea, to a village. Most paths have existed for many centuries - it was how people got around, went to market or moved their sheep from the summer pastures down to the lowlands for the winter - the old transhumance routes.

In recent years much work has been done to renovate and mark many of these paths, so that wherever you are staying there will be several pleasant walks to enjoy. However for more serious walkers or for longer expeditions, there are now several well known trails which will take you through some of Corsica's most spectacular scenery.

The best known is, of course, the GR20 - probably the most famous of the French Grands Randonnees - which is 220 km long and takes you across the Parc Regional from Calenzana in the north-west to Conca in the south-east. Following the peaks which divide the island and form the watershed, this path often rises to over 2000 metres, making it only accessible from late spring to autumn, and suitable only for experienced mountain hikers. There are several 'refuges' en route for overnighting, and several points of access (for example Col de Vergio, Vizzavona) for those preferring to do part of the walk. An average time to do this complete walk is two weeks.

Then there is a series of five footpaths linking the mountains and the sea. They are:

Mare e Monti Nord
Running from Cargese on the west coast to Calenzana in the north west, this walk can be done in 10 stages of 4 to 7 hours and affords panaromic views of the mountains and the sea. 'Gites d'etape' are available in villages en route for overnighting.

Mare e Monti Sud
From Porticcio, which is on the southern side of the Gulf of Ajaccio, to propriano in the south west, this walk can be done in 5 stages of 4 to 6 hours, and again overnight accommodation is available on the way.

Mare a Mare Nord
This path runs from Pianello in the north east to Cargese on the west cost via Corte, the mediaeval capital in the centre of Corsica, and can be done in 10 stages of 4 to 6 hours - accessible from mid May to October.

Mare a Mare Centre
From Porticcio on the west coast to Ghisonaccia on the east coast - seven sstages of 4 to 6 hours.

Mare a Mare Sud
From Porto-Vecchio in the south east to Propriano in the south west - a walk of six stages of 4 to 5 hours each which can be done throughout the year.

There are also many country walks in all parts of the island taking up to 6 hours, most of which are marked in orange by the Parc Regional de Corse. Brochures are available from tourist offices in each region.

Finally a couple of favourite walks in the Balagna...

The Sentier Ile Rousse - Corte can be done in seven stages, and takes you through the beautiful Giunssani region via Monticello, Speloncato, Olmi Cappella and other lovely villages. And the Desert des Agriates coastal walk, taking you through the national park of Ostriconi - from Ostriconi Plage to St. Florent. This area - a wild area of rocks, maquis and sandy beaches - is difficult of access by vehicle as there are no roads - only rough tracks. The walk takes you along the coastal boundary of the desert, and can be done in 3 stages with accommodation en route.

Information on all the above walks can be obtained from tourist offices throughout Corsica.

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