GR20 Sept- group size, experience + advice?

Hi there,
I didn't do it, (althought) I thought of last year. However, there is a good site with description (in french): http://www.gr20.free.fr/<BR>They said they did it in 18 days, check this out and see if you'll be able to shorten it to 15 :)

All best,
Radu

I did the GR20 in 2002 (started at the end of september). In moost huts you will probably be ok, but there are a few very small huts (about 12 persons, if I remember right). End september-october there were about 10-15 people on the trail each day.
15 days for the Gr20 itself is ok, but it is surely nice to stay a few days longer on Corse. For example: you can take a rest in the middle of the trek and visit Corte (by train from Vissavona) and at the end Bonifacio is also worth a visit.
Do not underestimate the trek; I am used to walk in the Alps, did two treks in Nepal but I still think that the GR20 is the heaviest trek I ever did. Also do not underestimate the wether: we were snowed in for a day in a hut at 1600m. On Corse, early oktober, I should not have believed it before, but it really happened to us.

I only hiked parts of the GR20 a couple of years ago, but here are my comments:
1. Some hikers do take their tents for added independence as huts are normally small and can be very crowded. Otherwise, you could always bring your sleeping bag and sleep "a la belle etoile", which should be quite doable in early Sept.
2. Unlike what happens in the Alps, most huts do not serve meals (or if they do it will be only very basic fare). Many people bring their own food and stove.
3. No climbing gear is necessary. Consider taking hiking poles, though.
4. As #2 said, even if you can do it in 15 days (at a fast pace) it would be much better to allow a few more days, just to enjoy more the sheer beauty of Corsican mountains.

my favourite GR!

yes, it certainly snows in sections of the GR20 in september - at least it did in 2000....
you could sleep in the open air either in tents or open, but that is illegal and also ill-advised because of the wild animals. it does also get quite cold up there at that time of year
you can do it in 15 days - but that would be really pushing it and not stopping to enjoy the beauty of the scenery, and also if one of you gets injured you may want to spend some time out
definitely take hiking poles - your knees will need it - but pack sleeping bag, stove, some food supplies (you can always detour for stock ups) and some signalling equipment in case of problems along with the usual other kit.

Thanks a bunch guys and girls. Thats really helpful. Have managed to track down friends of friends who have done it too so am busy picking their brains too...maybe that Cirque de la Solitude won't be quite so bad after all. Happy trekking folks.

15 days should be no problem - I did it in 12 days from the beginning to the end. Tents: depends on the weather - I would recommand a bivouac to carry along, just in case the huts are full. Good luck - you'll like it.
Gerhard