Solo walking?
I'm hoping to walk the GR 20 in mid-September, but would ideally plan to do it alone. I'm fit, and I've done a fair amount of long-distance trekking before, eg 3 weeks across the Namib desert last summer, but only in large groups or with organisations. This would be my first solo trek - are there any major problems inherent in travelling this route alone? If it's relevant, I'm female and in my twenties. Thanks!
Posted: Mon, Jul 27, 2009, 9:03
Hey, I know of a few people who've done this route alone, including women, and had no problems. I'm planning to start around mid sept, too (female, early 30's..). Having done a few solo treks before I decided not to take a tent etc- I just can't physically carry as much as a big tall bloke can, doing that much ascent and descent, and still enjoy it.... I don't anticipate any other problems, based on what people have told me about it, and it sounds like getting a bed in the huts should be pretty straight forward at that time of year...
Might see you on the trail!
Cheers.
Posted: Mon, Jul 27, 2009, 13:14
I did a few solo hikes in Corsica (and more in another mountains) without any problems, but I was aware of possible risk. High mountains, including the Corsican ones, are always dangerous. Weather can change very quickly any time, visibility can drop to almost zero. In addition, terrain is really difficult on the GR 20. You can sprain your ankle or even fall down to a place, where no one notice you for a long time.
That means you should always have someone who knows where you are and who will start looking for you if you disappear from your planned track. Don't rely just on a mobile phone -- signal is not available everywhere in the mountains.
Posted: Mon, Jul 27, 2009, 16:32
Yes- I should add to that- I ALWAYS take a map and compass, no matter how well the trail is said to be marked (and know how to use the compass!), in case I do accidentally wander off trail, or need to find my way to the nearest village/road off route....
I'd take some form of emergency shelter if you don't have a tent- ie I have a heavy duty plastic survival bag, which doubles up as a waterproof rucksack liner-
Most importantly, get chatting to other people at the huts/ bivvy sites. Going by the hut bookings, there will still be a few people on the route mid-end sept: I've found walkers will always look out for each other, especially on a route like this where you will probably be meeting some of the same people at the end of each stage, each day- if you've been chatting and told them where you plan to end up that day, there's a good chance some one will notice if you don't show up- and of course, you would do the same for them!
Cheers..
Posted: Sat, Aug 8, 2009, 11:19
Have you sorted your dates yet? I'm hoping to do the first week of the walk starting on Monday 31st August. Seems to be the last week with good bus train services. I done a fair bit of walking in mountains around the world but this is first major solo walk. But apprehensive. Rich Perhaps see you on the trail.
Posted: Thu, Aug 27, 2009, 12:34
Posted: Fri, Aug 28, 2009, 9:58
Moireach,
Do you have a daily plan for your trip? What stage do you think you'll double?
Do you plan to double a whole stage or sleep along the way between the refuges?
I am asking because I want to walk in 14 days and not sure what stage to double
We shall meet along the way as we start from the south on Sep-10.
Posted: Sun, Aug 30, 2009, 22:13
Hi,
I only have a vague plan, I was going to see how I felt after the first couple of days, then decide;
I definitely plan to do Petra Piana- Vizzavona in a day, skipping L'Onda, but of course I'm going north- south so this might not be such a good option for you.
I was looking at the 'Trailblazer' guide and this suggests that Haut Asco - Ciottulu di I Mori could be done in a day, and also Ciottulu - Manganu. The timings for these are less in the Trailblazer than in the Cicerone guide, so difficult to know which is the more accurate...
I'm definitely walking refuge - refuge though, as my 'survival' bivi sac wouldn't be much fun to sleep in except in an emergency... travelling very light (as I plan to) and starting early to make the most of the daylight, I don't think doubling stages should be a problem;
See you on the trail!
Posted: Tue, Sep 1, 2009, 5:00
Posted: Thu, Sep 10, 2009, 17:19
I am female and in my 50's and I did the GR 20 North to South in 11 days 23rd August to 3rd September on my own.
I carried a tent sleeping mat and sleeping bag. 3 emergency dehyd meals and 3 choc puddings. I used poles.
I also took 1000 euros so I wasn't short of cash to buy food .
I had a brilliant time but did think it was quite strenuous.
I wasn't worried by any of the vertiginous stuff but I did latch on to people on the trickier sections.
Its great walking on your own because you do exactly as you please. I didn't feel threatened at any time.
Posted: Tue, Sep 22, 2009, 16:17
Posted: Mon, Apr 5, 2010, 17:11
I am Canadian and I am solo hiking the GR20 this July - starting around July 7-10th. I am wondering about the supply options. I have no set schedule and my plan is to hike about 16 to 25km per day depending on the weather / terrain. I have the Cicerone guidebook but I am looking for some more hands-on information.
Here are a few of the questions I am trying to sort out.
Is alcohol (stove use) available by the ounce or cc in huts?
Is fuel canisters compatable with an MSR Pocket Rocket available?
Can I bring a fuel canister on the Ferry from France?
Do they sell things or equivalent to Lipton/Knorr Side Dishes, Oatmeal, Granola, Granola bars etc.?
Posted: Tue, Apr 6, 2010, 8:59
Alcohol is not available.
Pocket Rocket compatible canisters should/may be available in in Calvi or Calenzana but don't rely on it.
Yes - they do it on CAR ferries all the time. By the way you are still in France!
What is sold in the huts varies but you should find things to cook/snack.
Posted: Wed, May 12, 2010, 14:53
Posted: Mon, Jul 5, 2010, 20:08
Getting closer. I am planning on being at d'Ortu di u Piobbu on July 16th.
One more question....
Since I plan on sleeping in my tent most nights I was wondering what sleeping bag to take??
My options are a Montbell SS DownHugger #3 rated to 0 Degrees Celcius,
or a MEC Equatorial rated to plus 15 to plus 22 Celcius.
Posted: Wed, Jul 7, 2010, 8:46
Will be attempting G20 in august.
Intend to be walking solo. Never really done any long distance walking to speak of. Plenty of underprepared day treks. And a lot of running so i'm not too worried about the physical demands.
Just one question though...
I will be carrying my own tent. Is booking necessary? or is it not as there seem to be many conflicting opinions from various people. I will be starting on the 2nd or 3rd of august so by the sounds of it this will be the busiest time. Any advice?
Posted: Tue, Jul 20, 2010, 8:00
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Posted: Sat, Jul 25, 2009, 20:07