Alternative routes
The GR20 variants
The "official" GR20 isn't always the only line: on several stages, waymarked variants run over a summit or along a ridge — higher, longer, more committing. Here are the recognised variants, their figures and their GPX tracks, plus the special case of the Cirque de la Solitude.
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Routes for seasoned walkers
More committing
Almost all the variants are graded "difficult": more elevation gain, high-mountain terrain, sometimes exposed. Best kept for fit, confident hikers.
Indicative figures
Distances, elevation gain and times are given for guidance only (cross-checked against the official stage sheets). Always check the weather and conditions before committing.
Numbering
The variants follow the official 16-stage numbering. The table at the bottom shows the official stage each variant relates to.
Special case
The Cirque de la Solitude — closed
This passage is no longer part of the GR20. Long the most legendary and the toughest section of the route (the Ascu Stagnu → Tighjettu stage, 6.4 km, +1,087 / −943 m), the Cirque de la Solitude was removed from the waymarking after the deadly rockfall of June 2015 (7 fatalities). The official route now bypasses it via the Pointe des Éboulis (2,607 m), the high point of the GR20.
The cirque itself is no longer crossed on the GR20: it can only be reached with a guide. No GPX track is offered here for that reason. The current variant remains high, rocky and exposed: see stage 4.
The open variants
5 alternative routes with a GPX track
Stage 9 · Petra Piana → L'Onda · 11.0 km · +710 / −960 m · 5h30–7h · Difficult
Ridge variant
Rather than dropping down into the valley floor, this alternative follows the ridge line between Petra Piana and L'Onda: unbroken panoramas over both flanks, on terrain that is more airy and longer than the standard route.
Good to know: More exposed to wind and storms — best avoided in bad weather or poor visibility.
Stage 10 · L'Onda → Vizzavona · 11.4 km · +1,074 / −1,430 m · 7h–9h · Difficult
Monte d'Oro variant
Instead of dropping straight down to Vizzavona, this variant climbs Monte d'Oro (2,389 m), one of Corsica's great summits. An alpine ascent followed by a long, steep descent — a committing day for a 360° view.
Good to know: Big descent at the end of the stage (−1,430 m): spare your knees and keep a margin on your timing.
Stage 12 · Capannelle → Prati · 20.9 km · +1,290 / −1,009 m · 7h–9h · Difficult
Monte Renoso variant
A variant over Monte Renoso (2,352 m), a major summit in the south of the range. A long stage of nearly 21 km with a high-altitude panorama on the menu, on high-mountain terrain.
Good to know: A long stage with a summit: set off early and carry enough water — resupply points are scarce.
Stage 14 · Usciolu → Asinau · 16.7 km · +945 / −1,004 m · 9h–11h · Difficult
Monte Incudine variant
The Incudine (2,134 m) is the last great summit of the GR20 before Bavella. This variant folds it into the Usciolu → Asinau stage: a long day on terrain that eases on the southern side but stays demanding.
Good to know: Reckon on a genuinely long day (9 to 11 hours): set your start time and accommodation accordingly.
Stage 15 · Asinau → Paliri · 11.5 km · +699 / −935 m · 7h–8h · Difficult
Col de Bavella variant
A route through the Col de Bavella and its red-granite needles, among the most spectacular landscapes in the south. An alternative to the more direct "alpine" line between Asinau and Paliri.
Good to know: A well-waymarked, well-travelled route: a fine finale before Conca, if you're still feeling fresh.
Key markers
Which official stage each variant matches
The official numbering splits the GR20 into 16 stages. Here is the stage each variant relates to:
| Variant | Section | Official stage |
|---|---|---|
| Cirque de la Solitude — closed | Ascu Stagnu → Tighjettu | Stage 4 |
| Ridge variant | Petra Piana → L'Onda | Stage 9 |
| Monte d'Oro | L'Onda → Vizzavona | Stage 10 |
| Monte Renoso | Capannelle → Prati | Stage 12 |
| Monte Incudine | Usciolu → Asinau | Stage 14 |
| Col de Bavella | Asinau → Paliri | Stage 15 |
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