Corsica’s GR20 named Europe’s toughest trek

The UK’s leading specialist walking holiday company – Yorkshire Dales based Walks Worldwide – claims that the GR20 in Corsica is probably the toughest trek that can be found close to home.

Comments Mike Wynne, Managing Director of Walks Worldwide: “The classic GR20 ridge walk in Corsica is, in my opinion, the most spectacular and challenging trek in Europe. It traverses the island diagonally following the high granite barrier of mountains that form the natural boundary across the country.

“The trail offers some fantastic scenery, along with an insight into the authentic and traditional working mountain community. You will meet the last of the shepherds that still follow the age-old transhumance lifestyle, where they pass the summer months with their flocks on the high fresh airy pastures and the winter months down by the coast.”

The accommodation for the trip is varied; a mix of camps, refuges, gîtes and shepherds' cabins, situated in places of exceptional beauty (and renowned for stunning views and fine local wines and cheeses).

The trail winds through some incredible mountain terrain remaining almost in entirety over 1000 metres; steep ascents over high ridges, deep descents into dramatic chasms, some 'via ferrata' across granite slopes with the option of scaling the occasional peak.

The trek culminates in some fabulously challenging ascents over high mountain passes with the possibility (weather depending) of summiting Paglia Orba (2525 metres). Saving the best till last, the famous Cirque de la Solitude is the most stimulating section of the trek leaving walkers who complete the trail with a remarkable sense of achievement.

The holiday ends at the small coastal town of Bastia (except for the September departure which ends in Calvi) with time to enjoy the street cafes, shops, restaurants and the comfort of a hotel bed – to sleep like a baby.

The15-day trips depart in June, July, August and September and costs from £1450 pp. This includes flights, all transportation, 14 nights’ accommodation, most meals, baggage transfers and guide.

Call 01524 242 000 (www.walksworldwide.com).

Ends 30 June 2009

For further press information contact Mick Thompson or Jane Parritt at Media Contacts PR on 01367 820 766 (mick@mediacontactspr.co.uk).