• Carrozzu-Haut Ascu
• July 2023

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We happily left this camp.

Straight away we were scrambling over rocks making our way to a swing bridge called Spasimata catwalk. 

It felt like something out of Indiana Jones and would not disappoint thrill seekers. 

This is a great spot for a swim, but there was no time for that unfortunately.  Once across, we headed up a river all the way to a small lake, called Muvrella. 

A further steep narrow corridor took us up to Bocca Di Stagnu pass.  Once again this goes on for hours.  Once you think your at the top there’s another ascent and a couple more, just to make sure your at your total limit.

Once the pass is crossed, we were then onto the usual very steep scree and rock descent.  Something to always look forward to and ever so gentle on the knees!  

We can see our accommodation for the night and its miles away.  We desend for hours and it seems like our accommodation is not getting any closer.  Each day plays with your mind and body.

Just like on stage 1 and 2 we had swallowed a few meters of positive and negative elevations! 

What would the GR20 be without these climbs and descents that put you to the test but which also gives you unforgettable perspectives?  This had been another tough long day in the mountains.

Once we finally reach the Haut Asco ski resort where the eponymous refuge is located its a relief.  Here we have a bed for the night (aswell as a shower).  Other than this accommodation that’s all there is around us…ow and a road.  Later on in the evening we find out that Stage 1 and Stage 2 of our route has been closed due to wild fires.  We sit and wait to see if our next stage is open as we are on the border.

Haut Asco is situated at the very end of the valley road, it is an isolated spot surrounded by the highest soaring  peaks. It’s a ski station, with an impressive history of alpinisme.  For those that are finding the GR20 is not for them today is the escape route as a road leads up here.  If you don’t get off the trail here, you either walk back the way you’ve just came, walk forward for days to find a road or find yourself a helicopter. Once your on the next few stages there is no escaping for a few days.

Tonight we feast on Corsican soup, bread, chicken burgers, ham burgers and wine! 

Hope you enjoyed the video above ☝.  I have now managed to properly upload stage 1 and Stage 2 videos to previous posts. 😀