Corsica

[icabody]

Does anyone have any recent experience walking in Corsica or the TMB as I'm at the planning stage of a trip for next June?
Maybe for a week in Corsica but not the GR20 as it sounds like hard work that neither of us enjoy particularly. The Mare e Monti
sounds like the best choice so far. Any advice or comments welcome thanks.

[Mark F]

No advice on Corsica but I do know your assessment is correct about the GR20. The TMB and other walks in the Alps (the Vanoise is excellent) in June needs to be considered on a year by year basis as many passes only become crossable in June as the snow melts if you are not fully prepared (ice axe and crampons). Exactly when any pass opens depends on the snow depth from the previous winter and weather in May/June. So later in June or into July is more reliable. I too am waiting for next years snow conditions to become apparent as I will be attempting to finish the HRP from Gavarnie to to Banyuls that I started in 2011. The mountain behind me in my avatar is part of Vignemale (3298m)

[icabody]

Thank you Mark. After more research the TMB and northern Alps in general sound very busy in July as does the Vanoise. The southern Alps I read are much less popular and there are some interesting guided walking itineraries worth imitating that take you from the mountains to the sea. Also, hopefully snow in June a bit further south will be less of an issue.

[Mark F]

For quieter sections of the Alps consider the Queyras area or the section of the GR52 from St Dalmas Valdeblore to Menton which makes a superb and far better finish to the GR5. If you camp the crowds won't really irk you as the French virtually all use the refuges and there are many superb camping options. Don't be put off by the "No Camping" messages - this means pitching a large tent and staying in one place for several days. Look for the term bivouac - pitch in the evening and pack up in the morning - allowed anywhere more than 1 hours walk from a road and that is a highly flexible distance.

[icabody]

Haha. I was just reading that in someone's blog about camping and bivouac-ing (though it did not explain the difference - thank you for that). And yes I had read the GR52 and the approach to Menton are special, as are the villages of Le Brigue, Sospel, Breil, etc. So now to look up Queyras...