A Solo Challenge on Europe's Toughest Mountain Trail

A Solo Challenge on Europe's Toughest Mountain Trail

The last time GU athlete Lesley Turner Hall was in Corsica, it was summer 2007. That was when the seed was planted to hike the GR20. "I saw a big map on the wall and was told about this hike."

The GR20 Trail in Corsica is deemed the toughest & most difficult mountain trail in all of Europe. GU athlete Lesley Turner Hall is off to conquer it solo in just 15 days. 

The whole trail is about 180 km long with 12,000m of elevation gain, clearly waymarked throughout, the walk for most for most of the 10,000-20,000 hikers per year takes around 15 days. The trail is considered to be the most difficult of all the GR routes and consists of two parts: the northern part, between Calenzana and Vizzavona and the southern part, between Vizzavona and Conca.

Vizzavona is considered the middle as there is a train station, and therefore is an accessible point for walkers beginning or ending a walk consisting of half the route. From Vizzavona, the train can be taken to Bastia or Ajaccio as well as many smaller towns and villages such as Corte. The northern part is considered by some the more difficult part, because of the steep and rocky paths, though this could be an effect of many walkers beginning in the North and not being as fit for this section. The Southern part of the trail is often considered easier though the lower altitude may give rise to higher temperatures in summer and so provide more difficult walking conditions.

Along the trail there are mountain huts described as "refuges" or gîtes. The standard and price of accommodations and food varies from refuge to refuge. One can sleep in a tent near the refuge, but it is not permitted to pitch tents along the trail.

The GR 20 is an advanced trail. Other less difficult but beautiful trails on the island include the Mare e monti (from sea to mountain) and the Mare a mare (from sea to sea) trails.

The idea of GR 20 comes from a former general inspector for youth and sports, Marcel Schlück, and his friend Guy Degos, both hiking enthusiasts. In June 2016, François D'Haene set the fastest known time in 31 hours. 

Today Lesley sets off navigating lots of rock scrambling and boulders while carrying all her gear (tent, cooker & food) & at least 4L of water at the start of each day. 

Follows Lesley's adventure and the awesome scenery here https://www.facebook.com/lesleyturnerhall