GR20 Northern Half (from South to North)

This long mountain crossing links Manganu to the dramatic cirque located beneath the peaks of Paglia Orba (2,525 metres) and Capu Tafunatu (2,335 metres). Gentle slopes, vast plateaus and river valleys alternate with steeper ascents, ensuring a constant variety of terrain. Highlights include the wetlands around the Lac de Nino lake and the sculpted pools of the upper Golo River. The day concludes at a spectacularly located refuge on a rocky outcrop above the valley.

From here, the path gradually climbs across open ground to reach Bocca a Reta (1,883 m), passing through Pianu di Campotile, which is filled with old bergeries, bathing and resting areas, and the broad hollow of Lac de Nino, where horses and cows graze amongst peat bogs and clear streams. A descending traverse then leads across pozzines and into a scattered forest. Eventually, the path joins a clearer trail that drops through pine trees via the Saint-Pierre Pass (1,450 m) towards the road at Castelo di Vergio.

After this, the route passes through a wooded area before ascending the valley on a rocky path alongside the Golu River, passing waterfalls and polished rock pools. Look up from time to time to catch a glimpse of the blue sea on the horizon!Higher up the valley narrows and the climb steepens on zigzags over boulders and short rocky steps, with ever wider views back towards the central spine of Corsica.

The final section traverses a stony slope to reach Refuge de Ciottulu di i Mori, perched high above the river with cliffs and ridges all around. Here you find a simple dining room, water and dormitories, plus unforgettable sunset views over the surrounding peaks.

This shorter stage descends from the high perch of the previous refuge towards the wild valley below Paglia Orba (2,525 m) and Capu Tafunatu (2,335 m). The route begins with superb balcony views of cliffs and ridges, then drops into a narrow river valley where clear pools among smooth granite slabs invite a pause. A final ascent leads into a quiet side basin where the next refuge stands surrounded by steep granite walls.

From the refuge the path heads down towards the Foggiale Pass (1,962 m), which boasts one of the most iconic panoramas of the GR20. Then, a steep, zigzagging descent takes you to the Golo Valley, crossing stony slopes with constant views of the Paglia Orba massif. As you descend, the terrain becomes softer and the trail follows the riverbed. Here you'll cross rapids along smooth rock slabs, distant waterfalls and natural swimming spots set among pines and boulders. In warm weather, you may be tempted to pause and dip your feet in the clear water.

The route then continues through sparse woodland and grassy areas, passing small meadows where horses and cows can often graze. Along the way, you will also come across the Bergerie de Ballone, a convenient shepherd's hut. The route then turns into a tributary valley where you will encounter a steeper, rockier path for the final short climb alongside a stream. The refuge suddenly appears on a grassy terrace backed by cliffs and scattered pines. Once you arrive, you can enjoy the sound of the water below and the views of the steep surrounding valley walls as the evening light fades.

From the rocky bowl surrounding Tighjettu, you go straight into a long climb towards the skyline beneath Monte Cinto (2,706 m). Here you'll cross slabs and broken ridges while enjoying views of the Corsican interior. After reaching the Pointe des Éboulis (2,607 m), the highest col on the entire GR20 route, the landscape changes as you descend steeply on scree past secluded alpine lakes towards the wooded basin of Haut Asco.

From the refuge, the path follows the Crucetta stream, climbing steadily via granite steps and short scrambling sections towards Monte Cinto. To one side, views open up to Capu Rossu (2,498 m) and Capu Larghia (2,475 m), while the wild Crucetta valley lies below. Further up, the trail turns towards Bocca Crucetta (2,452 m), a lofty viewpoint overlooking the dark cirque of Lac du Cinto, a ridge near Capu Falu (2,540 m). You will then continue over unstable scree to Pointe des Éboulis, where you can enjoy sea views.

The descent begins steeply, winding down gullies and ledges to Lac d'Argento. Later, the path eases off, zigzagging down to Lac de Capitellu. Here, you will cross a wooden bridge over the Tighiettu stream, which leads to the Asco Valley floor, where water runs over pale slabs and small cascades. The final section passes through an open pine forest and ski pistes before reaching the hut.

Starting from the Asco ski station, this route may seem short, but it is intense. You climb out of the pine forest and into a rocky, high valley beneath Muvrella Peak (2,148 m). Soon, you will find a secluded mountain lake before crossing a broad pass. From here, the route descends for a long time, following slabs and ledges alongside a clear stream until you reach the Spassimata stream. The Refuge de Carozzu is tucked away among the pines on a balcony above the valley.

From the hut, follow the stony path and soon leave the trees behind to enter a challenging area of rough granite towards the Bocca di Stagnu pass (2,010 m), which overlooks the Asco Valley. The trail takes you via stepped boulders and, at times, easy slabs towards the Muvrella Pass (1,990 m), which is located beneath the Muvrella Peak. The path then leads you to the secluded Lac de la Muvrella, nestled in a cirque below the summit.

Further from the lake, the route descends to a windy saddle where you catch your first glimpse of the Lamitu Valley and the deep valleys to the north.The descent continues with a traverse of polished slabs, protected by chains, which lead into Spasimata. Here, you will hop over pools, follow ledges above the river and cross the famous swing footbridge, which is located just above a small waterfall. The perfect spot for a photo!

Beyond the bridge, the path winds through pine trees and boulders, with the sound of water never far away. A final section through the forest leads to the Carozzu clearing, where the terraces of the refuge overlook the cliffs and the winding valley below.

Leaving the pine-covered area around the refuge, the route heads straight towards higher ground. A steady climb will take you to a rocky balcony above the valley, where you can enjoy early views of the distant ridges and, on clear days, the sea. At Bocca Avartoli, the landscape opens up to reveal a wild mix of bare summits, deep gullies and slabs of grey granite. Beyond the main crest, the terrain gradually becomes softer as you descend and the path angles towards the next hut.

From there, you follow a stony path alongside a mountain stream, weaving between pines and boulders. The trail then steepens, forming tight zigzags as it quickly ascends rough granite steps to Bocca di L'Innominata (1,865 m). Later, you will reach Bocca Avartoli (1,898 m), where there are multiple climbing passages until the Col d'Avartoli pass (1,898 m). From there, you traverse towards Bocca Piccaia (1,920 m), enjoying a grandstand view of the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse. Springs and old stone ruins provide an opportunity to pause before the route descends for a long time, with the horizon widening towards the western coast.

The descent alternates between rocky ledges and softer forest paths, with short scrambly sections where it is useful to use your hands. As you descend, the pines and maquis return. A final undulating traverse across a grassy shoulder will lead you straight to the refuge, nestled among twisted pines. Time for a well-deserved rest!

This stage takes you from the high granite perches down into the warm foothills of the Balagne region. Gradually, forested ridges and rocky outcrops give way to maquis and ancient terraces, and the Mediterranean comes into view on the horizon. As the day progresses, the views widen to encompass Monte Grosso and the gulf near Calvi, before the path finally descends into the tiled roofs and bell towers of Calenzana.

From the refuge, the trail crosses challenging, pine-dotted rocky slopes before beginning a long descent along a stony crest. Passing the passes of Bocca à U Bassiguellu (1,486 m) and Bocca à U Saltu (1,220 m), it continues along balconies and gullies, offering expansive vistas of deep valleys and the distant coastline. Further down, the path winds through shrubs, old stone walls and abandoned fields. It crosses small streams and passes wayside crosses as the landscape becomes more cultivated and gentle.

As you approach the valley floor, the route joins wider tracks and enters the outskirts of Calenzana. Narrow lanes lead past chapels and shaded squares to the village centre, where you will find fountains and cafés under plane trees. Here, you can put down your backpack and celebrate with a drink on a terrace overlooking the Balagne hills.