In trainining for the GR20 in Corsica

I have been in training for a hike along the GR20.  Less than a week now before I will be boarding a train with photographer husband Ian on route to Corsica to walk part of this long distance trail running along the mountain chain at the island’s heart. It is said to be one of the most beautiful mountain trails in Europe and also one of the most arduous.  We’re expecting it to be hard work – rough underfoot over rock and stone, lots of up and down, potentially very hot – so not to be undertaken lightly without suitable preparation.

Reasons for walking the GR20

As usual when a trip or adventure is rapidly approaching I’m experiencing that mixture of excitement and slight nervousness coupled with the odd moment of wondering why I signed up.

 Well certainly one reason was for the landscape – Corsica’s scenery at all levels from coast to mountain has long beckoned. I’m told approaching the island by ferry you can smell the  marquis. Our way takes in mountain ridges, high pasture, lakes and streams, forests of pine and ancient alder

 The challenge of getting of getting fit enough to hopefully appreciate rather than endure the trek was another motivation.  It’s good too to shake things up a bit in life  - we’ll be exchanging the sea and coastal environments we’re familiar with as sailors for mountains and the comfortable,  thick mattresses with many thread count cotton sheets I rather favour these days for micro air mat and sleeping bag.

 For us this is also an opportunity to walk in good company with Ian’s sister Anne and brother-in-law Terry.  They are experienced mountain people (winter and summer), currently as I write, walking the northern section of the GR20.  We are joining them in Vizzavona for the southern part of the route to Conca and are looking forward to the shared endeavour, company and a well earned rest at the end.

 So far ….

Being out and about walking in Dorset these last few months as we prepared for this trip has been a joy.  We are lucky to live in a beautiful part of the world but it’s easy to find excuses not to get out there, too much work to do, the garden needs attention …. not so this year.  Mainly our walks have been along Dorset’s remarkable Jurassic coast (particularly the steeper bits). We’ve seen the sea pinks bud, come into full flower and fade, stood at dusk in a natural amphitheatre overlooking the sea surrounded by the sound of bleating lambs and their mother’s anxious replies, remembered what a fascinating place the much quarried Isle of Portland is … as I said it’s been a joy.

 The planning has been rewarding too, not only the travel arrangements (train from London to Marseille, overnight ferry to Ajaccio and then scenic train route to Vizzavona) but also working out what kit to take along the GR20 and crucially how to keep the weight down as we’ll be carrying it all the way.  Right now I can tell you the weight of a surprising number of things! Ian has been trying out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ70  which will be coming with us a versatile lightweight travel  camera (250g plus spare battery 20g) . Keep a look out and we’ll post pics as and when we can along the way.

And now I think  it’s  time for another walk.

Diane

Route Info

Currently a section of the route in the north between the refugues of Tighjettu and Ascu-Stagnu is closed following a tragic accident on June 10th.  Shuttles are in place around this part – for the latest information see http://www.parc-corse.org/