KRISTIN’S TOP TIPS FOR THE GR20

BEAT THE HEAT

It gets incredibly hot during the afternoon, and there are few shady spots en route since most of the trail is above the treeline. Start walking before 7am or be late to the party. You also don’t want to miss those spectacular sunrises!

MODERATE YOUR MILEAGE

It can be tempting to ‘double’ two stages in one day. But be careful of ambitious mileage, as the heat and tough terrain make for very slow going. On day two, I hiked six kilometres and was dead beat.

GO LIGHT

Unless you are on a tight budget, renting tents at the refuges is a good option (they also come with sleeping pads). Squeezing through tiny cracks and climbing down vertical crags with a big backpack is not fun.