GR20 - Day 4 of 14 - "The toughest day on the toughest hike in Europe" - Asco to Vallone.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- The GR20 is Europe's toughest trek and day 4 is "The toughest day on the toughest hike in Europe".
Thursday 27th June Hotel Le Chalet Asco 1442m to Auberge U Vallone 1440m Stage 4 Toughest day on Europe's toughest hike.
The path now taken was originally the alternative variant of the GR20, but since a huge rock fall in June 2015 , which caused the deaths of 7 walkers, the Cirque de la Solitude is no longer the main route, and has been indefinitely closed. The GR20 walking trail was diverted, a whole new section was way marked and equipped. The walk is now longer, more physical and a lot higher than the original itinerary which means snow is present for longer, and the weather maybe worse. It is recommended not to tackle this stage in poor visibility or poor weather, and to start out early. Some local guides and many walkers would like to see the Cirque de la Solitude re-opened, though chains, and ladders would need to be rebooted, and slopes tested for further rock falls.
Read more at www.le-gr20.fr/...
We had ordered breakfast for 5.30 am, but we could see many walkers leaving at 5am, as the path was visible from our room. I think this was unfortunately the last sit-down breakfast of the our trip, as it is necessary to start walking as soon as it is light at 5am. Leaving at 6am, with a huge picnic for lunch prepared for us by the hotel, fortunately we now had more space to carry it. For the first time, jumper and raincoat were in the rucksack, instead of dangling from it. The walk starts with a nice gentle stroll through the pine forest. We were surrounded by high mountain peaks, all looking fantastic in the early morning sun.
However, the walk then takes on a different perspective - a steep climb over many slabs with the use of chains. I did feel myself actually enjoying the challenge of this-if only for a couple of hours!!! After about 3 hours from the hotel there is a water source 200m off to the left of the path. However today's ascent never seemed to end, taking us 5hrs 30 mins from leaving the Hotel to reach the Pointe Des Eboulis the highest point of the GR20 at 2607m, again tough terrain of scree and rock climbing. If feeling very energetic there is a path from here to the top of Corsica's highest mountain - Monte Cinto 2706m, this was definitely not for us, and we did not meet anyone doing it.
We ate our lunch here on top of the ridge, again with tremendous views. Leaving at 12pm, we followed the path around the col to Bocca Crucetta, taking an hour.
At this point Refuge de Tighjettu can be seen in the valley, we began descending the scree slope, thinking this stretch may not take that long. How mistaken were we!!! Due to the terrain, the walking times turn out to be similar for ascending and descending. We had a very tough afternoon negotiating our way down this slope, again with much clambering involved, and made worse by the heat. I was looking forward to buying cold drinks at Refuge de Tighjettu, however, when we got closer we realised that the refuge is actually slightly uphill, not on the path. My need for a cold drink was not that great. From there we followed the river down beneath some trees for a further hour to tonight's destination of Auberge U Vallone. Each day we always did seem to be the last to arrive, this time at 5.30pm. However, the numbers of walkers starting on day 1 seemed to have fallen away, with many bailing out, spending an extra night in Asco or connecting with the transport found in Asco to other parts of the island. So we were quite proud of ourselves to still be there at all.
I have never been happier to arrive in a tent!. Auberge U Vallone is a very small quiet site, most people staying in Refuge de Tighjettu, there is a river nearby where some walkers bathed- I was far too tired. There are 3 cold showers, 2 toilets, and 2 sinks and a mirror.
We were served a delicious dinner consisting of charcuterie with bread, meat pasta and fruit at 6.30pm by Marvin who could not have been friendlier. We ate with our English friends Andy and Marie and a German couple who were walking the GR20 for the third time, having completed one time in thick snow, without being able to see the marker signs. We thought they were quite insane. Make sure you sit outside at the back of the refuge with lovely views of pine trees and valley.
www.le-gr20.fr/...
Distance 9km
Total ascent 1250m
Total descent 1230m
Suggested walking time without breaks - 8hrs
Our actual walking time with breaks/eating - 11hrs 32 mins
My partner and I have had so much fun finding these videos. You both are fantastic. I'm off to go rockclimbing in France and then walk a SOBO GR20 on my way down to Sardinia, and these videos have made us laugh and smile so much. Cheers to the both of you! Keep hiking!
Thanks Ari - much appreciated - Have a great time on the GR20 - it's amazing, but take care on your own. Let us know how you get on - So pleased you like the videos - take care Dave & Barbara
Woah! See what you mean! That's not hiking - that's hardcore mountaineering!! Impressive. Well done you guys.
I did this on May 25 and there was a lot of snow. Made this the absolute hardest day. The climb to Bocca Crucetta is a 10m high vertical climb over a 1000m drop. Definitely more mountaineering then hiking.
90% of the day spent on rocks.
Thanks for sharing Roma'n hiking
Loving this series! 👍
Thanks Alasdair - If you fancy doing the GR20, you can find Barbara's full GR20 blog on our website www.hikingwithdaveandbarbara.co.uk/corsica.html. It is hard but amazing 😀
Hiking With Dave and Barbara Thanks Dave. I’ll check out the blog. Hoping to do it in 2021. 👍