Trekking In Corsica

A mountain range rising from the sea, Corsica holds the most arrestingly beautiful landscapes in the Mediterranean. From its cobalt blue gulfs and shell-sand beaches, hillsides of evergreen maquis give way to pristine oak, chestnut and pine forests, awesome gorges, alpine lakes and a spine of snow-streaked peaks and passes. Among the many trails that penetrate its remotest corners, the GR20, following the island's watershed, has won an international reputation. But you can also trek at lower altitudes, along ancient mule tracks between snug stone villages where the cuisine, pace of life and atmosphere has changed little in decades. Meticulously waymarked, Corsica's long-distance routes provide superlative trekking for all levels of fitness and proficiency. This guide includes: 67 detailed trekking maps; practical information, from planning your trip to minimizing your impact on the environment; accommodation and restaurant reviews; information on gateway towns and Corsican flora.

With spectacular mountain landscapes, beautiful rugged coast, forests, maquis and striking river gorges, Corsica is a walker's paradise. This guidebook details five of the islands's most popular shorter treks: the 2-day coastal Sentier du Douanier (Customs Officer's Path) around Cap Corse; two coast-to-coast routes through the central mountains, the 11-day Mare a Mare Nord and the 5-day Mare a Mare Sud; and two 'coast and mountains' routes, the 10-day Mare e Monti and the 5-day Mare e Monti Sud. (Corsica's famous 190km GR20 trail is described in a separate Cicerone guide.) The routes can be linked to create longer excursions and accommodation is provided by a mixture of walkers' hostels, B&Bs and hotels; camping is also an option. The guide presents each of the waymarked trails in daily stages averaging around 12-13km per day, with route description, mapping and notes on accommodation options. There is advice on how to get to Corsica, when to go and what to take, plus accommodation listings, useful contacts and a French/Corsican-English glossary. The guide also offers a wealth of information about the island's rich plant and wildlife. Considerably easier than the challenging GR20, these trails offer a more accessible option for trekkers wishing to experience the 'real' Corsica, away from the bustling coastal resorts. You'll find enchanting scenery - towering forests, gushing cascades, turquoise coves, aromatic maquis, rugged mountains and quiet villages nestling on hillsides of chestnut woods - not to mention a favourable climate and delicious local cuisine. Don't be surprised if you fall under the island's spell!

This guidebook describes the classic GR20 trek, a north-to-south traverse of the rugged mountains of Corsica, renowned as Europe's toughest GR long-distance route. Described in 16 stages, some with high and low-level alternatives, the route is roughly 190km in length and takes approximately two weeks to complete. The GR20 climbs high into the mountains. It is a demanding trek suitable only for experienced walkers, and there are several steep 'hands-on-rock' sections calling for a sure foot and a good head for heights. It is possible to stay under a roof every night but many trekkers opt to camp. Step-by-step descriptions of each stage are accompanied by 1:50,000 mapping, together with information on ascent/descent, terrain and the availability of food, water and accommodation/shelter. There is also invaluable practical information such as path conditions, what to take, and getting to/from and around Corsica. Overviews of the history and geology of the island and local plants and wildlife are offered to enhance the trekking experience. Finally, a separate map booklet, included with the guide, provides all the 1:25,000 IGN mapping needed to complete the GR20. Starting in Corsica's northwest, in picturesque Calinzana, the route winds southeast through the heart of the island, finishing on the eastern side, just north of Porto Vecchio in the township of Conca. It showcases Corsica's rich diversity of landscapes and ethereal beauty. Bare rock and sheer cliffs contrast with black sand beaches, alpine pastures, maquis and pockets of forest. There are also opportunities to detour from the route to visit traditional mountain towns and villages for a taste of Corsica's vibrant history and culture and to take in neighbouring summits, including the island's highest peak, Monte Cinto. For those up to the challenge of hiking part or all of the route, the GR20 promises adventure, memorable experiences and rich rewards.

70 walks on the 'Island of Beauty'. A walkers' paradise: dramatic coastlines and idyllic bays, crystal-clear streams and marvellous mountain lakes, fragrant macchia vegetation and superb pine forests, rocky peacks and impressive summits.

With stunning coastlines and impressive craggy mountains, Corsica is an island with diverse landscapes for day walkers of all abilities to enjoy. Across 25 day walks, this guidebook explores sandy beaches, forested river valleys, and waterfalls, as well as high mountain passes to lookouts and glacial lakes. This guidebook is a brilliant introduction to walking on Corsica, and offers plenty of information on food, plant life, and history. Bases include coastal towns of Bastia, Bonifacio, Porto Vecchio, and Ajaccio, as well as mountain villages of Corte, Evisa and Zonza. Each walk features detailed mapping alongside comprehensive route description. All the walks are graded for difficulty and range from easy-going low-level walks on good tracks or paths, to challenging and exposed high-level routes for experienced walkers. The guidebook also includes lots of practical information including a list of useful contacts, accommodation listing, and a glossary of French/Corsican terms. Whether you choose a coastal stroll to enjoy wildflowers and a swim in the Mediterranean Sea, or a mountain walk with dizzying views across craggy peaks, this guidebook offers something for walkers of all abilities looking to discover the many delights of Corsica.

This walking and trekking guidebook offers a total of 49 of the best day walks and 10 multi-stage treks set right across the magnificent country of Iceland. With three national parks including the mighty Vatnajökull, it is a country of incredible beauty, and its capital, Reykjavík, is an established and easy-to-get-to destination. Including popular, such as the classic Laugavegur Trail from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, as well as lesser-known trails, the guide is split into 12 sections that cover all the best walking and trekking to be had in and around Iceland's amazing and awe-inspiring volcanic, glacial landscapes. The routes range in difficulty from easy walks to challenging treks and give readers all the information they need to experience this wonderfully unique destination on foot. Venturing inland to the remote interior and captivating ice caps, and across glaciers, past lakes and around coastlines and geothermal areas, Paddy Dillon's guide to this 'Land of Ice and Fire' encourages visitors to explore all that Iceland has to offer, and will inspire lovers of the great outdoors to return time and time again. The guide gives lots of tips for travellers on a budget as well as details on public transport and accommodation.

An essential guidebook for walking the GR5, one of the world's most spectacular long-distance trails. The GR5 makes its way through the Alps from the shores of Lac Léman at Geneva to the Mediterranean at Nice. A route of 674km (420 miles), it can be trekked in a month, or split over a series of summer trips. The GR5 is well within the reach of fit and moderately experienced walkers and backpackers. There is good signposting and waymarking, and accommodation, food and drink are all available at regular intervals. The paths and tracks are generally well graded, while steep climbs are tackled on zigzag paths, so the overall gradient is not so severe. Every summer, thousands of walkers embark on this trek. This guidebook also describes some scenic variant routes, including the stunning GR55 through the Vanoise National Park and the delightful GR52 that crosses the Mercantour National Park. Full descriptions and maps are provided for these alternatives. The book includes daily stages, timings, ascents and descents, full-colour mapping and gradient profiles, alongside information about facilities and services along the route. The result is an ideal companion to planning and completing your trek. Two further Cicerone guidebooks cover the remaining sections of the GR5; 'The GR5 Trail - Vosges and Jura', and 'The GR5 Trail - Benelux and Lorraine' which together cover the route from Lac Léman to the Hoek Van Holland.

This guidebook to the Greek island of Corfu describes a selection of 22 superb day walks throughout the island, along with the 150km Corfu Trail. The day walks range from 3.5 to 18km in length, and begin from a number of popular holiday destinations across the island, including Corfu Town (home of the Durrell family), Kalami, Paleokastritsa, Agios Georgios north and south, Liapades and Benitses. The 10-stage Corfu Trail starts near Kavos at the island's southernmost tip and ends at Agios Spiridonas, its northerly promontory. The Corfu Trail is suitable for both novice and experienced walkers, and can be walked year round, however accommodation is easier to find between May to October. The wide range of day walks provides a taste of the many different landscapes of the island from coastal paths and beaches to olive groves and wooded hills. Alongside detailed route descriptions and clear maps, the guidebook has notes on Corfu's plants and wildlife, food and drink, and useful advice on travel to and around the island. It includes suggestions for where to stay, as well as a glossary of useful expressions. Corfu is the greenest of the Greek islands and one of the most accessible; the walks described avoid the crowded resorts and allow you to experience the laidback atmosphere and varied natural landscapes of this beautiful island.