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    Solo Hiking The GR20 | Europe’s Toughest Trail | The Hard Road Will Take You Home



    Solo Hiking The GR20 | Europe’s Toughest Trail | The Hard Road Will Take You Home

    The Hard Road Will Take You Home.

    The GR20 in Corsica is legendary—Europe’s toughest long-distance hiking trail, stretching 180km across rugged mountain terrain, testing endurance, resilience, and willpower. This film captures my solo journey through steep ascents, extreme weather, and deep self-discovery. Hiking alone, I faced exhaustion, isolation, and unpredictable conditions, yet found moments of peace, breathtaking landscapes, and an unexpected sense of community along the way.

    This is more than just a hike—it’s a story of pushing limits, overcoming challenges, and reconnecting with self. Through stunning nature cinematography, I bring you the raw beauty and unforgiving reality of the GR20, sharing insights on solo travel, adventure, wellbeing, and personal growth. Whether you dream of hiking this trail yourself, seek inspiration for your own adventures, or simply love the outdoors, this film offers a powerful journey of transformation and endurance.

    This video has it all. Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more hiking films, travel tips, and nature photography inspiration!

    00:00 – Intro
    02:06 – Travel Day
    03:06 – Day One
    23:37 – Day Two
    41:55 – Day Three
    57:54 – Day Four
    1:16:05 – Day Five
    1:20:00 – Day Six
    1:28:58 – Day Seven
    1:37:02 – Day Eight
    1:37:51 – Day Nine
    1:47:12 – Day Ten
    1:57:57 – Day Eleven
    2:09:03 – Day Twelve
    2:21:05 – Day Thirteen

    The video was filmed in paid partnership with Hiiker App, Cicerone Press, and Zoleo. Please know that I use this kit on every trip, regardless of the partnship for this hike, as they make up a vital part of my trail systems. I trust the products and speak freely about my experiences.

    ~ CICERONE Guidebooks: https://www.cicerone.co.uk
    Get 10% off with code Abbie10

    ~ 50% off Hiiker App (mapping software) Subscription using this link: https://hiiker.app/abbie

    Top Tips for king the GR20: https://youtu.be/HYY_y3v2_wg

    – Follow me on Instagram: @abbiebarneswild

    – Want to support me making new films? Join me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/spendmoretimeinthewild

    – Join one of my in-person events across the UK: https://www.spendmoretimeinthewild.co.uk/wildwalks

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    Stay WILD!

    43 Comments

    1. @AbbieBarnesWILD on

      Here at WILD we are all about supporting each other to dream big and embrace the ups and downs of life, just as we do on the trail. What is something you want to action to live more in alignment with who you are inside? 🏕💪🧡

    2. @mickbyrne3216 on

      A wonderful video. Amazing scenery. A great guide to how to manage the ups and downs of trail walking. Sound and wise decision to turn around. That is the strength of your character. Well done.

    7. @lorijefferson1833 on

      👋👍🤗❤️ Thank you for taking us along on another one of your walks. There we're a lot of great views and we got to see some of the things that could go wrong while hiking. Really sorry you got sick. I'm just really happy you chose to stop and take some time to give your body rest before moving on. Awesome video!

    8. @fog360 on

      Tough hike that looked , well done for self rescue when you fell ill on the trail, good call that was , great video as always.

    11. @morgs4mountains on

      I'm really grateful to you for making this film. You have showcased the GR20 so well and filmed its beauty so wonderfully. You have also highlighted to me as to why I will in all probability never ever do the trail. So busy and with such crowded refuges. I know that this will appeal to some, but I am grateful to you as if I'd turned up to do the trail if have been disappointed with the lack of solitude.

      Never nice being ill on trail. You managed the situation well.

      Great video.

    13. @erwinveenhoven on

      Some things can't be forced just subjected to an honest attempt 🙂 If everything goes to plan it's a beautiful walk. If you do your best while challenged it's a lesson and a some time in the future a great memory. And I love how you are comfortable sharing when not all's well!

    15. @velasquezslogbooks on

      I experienced and completed the trail in 2022 and I lived the august 18th storm. So I recognised some event of your journey. It's hard, very hard… it's gr 20, but it's beautiful at the same time

    20. @kM-xp3ik on

      Honestly Abbie, from someone who has watched all your videos it’s so wholesome to see how much you have progressed in every aspect of your filming, documenting, personal growth, and journey’s. Well done on this one it looked extremely difficult and you done so well. I just want to add that when you decided to back track because of how poorly you felt and seeing how disappointed you felt at feeling you had let your watchers down really showed how passionate you are. You said something like you wanted to show us how the trail is. But you definitely did in a different way. You showed us the reality of knowing when to stop, the potential of getting very sick ( unfortunately) and you showed it in its rawest form. So in fact you didn’t let any of us down and you did not let yourself down either and you continued to show us exactly what it’s like on trail. Really Abbie I appreciate you. Thank you for this film 😊

    22. @Drdee1 on

      "The Hard Road will take you home" – there's the next tshirt right there. Lovely video Abbie. Sometimes a hike is more than just a physical journey

    30. @hannamcgivern4709 on

      Wow, what a journey to follow along with, I didn't want it to end. I might just re-watch the entire thing again. I didn't want to leave the mountains. Thank you for making such an incredible film and getting us all out in the wild. Congratulations for finishing the GR 20!!!!

    32. @WeRemainFaceless on

      Christ, I did Lords rake yesterday up Sca fell and thought that was bad enough, but my god this just looks like a death sentence… those views though, like a whole different planet 🤯🥰

    33. @wendyk6969 on

      Wow, really loved this film. It was really professionally done, you can see you really care about your productions. Just the right balance between being a practical guide to the GR20 and providing inspiration for others to go off and find their own adventures. ❤

    34. @paulphibben7737 on

      Hi Abbie, loved watching your GR20 video.
      I did it in 2010 and it brought it all back just how brutal it can be with temps hitting 40C and unending ascent/descents.
      Good shout doing the Cirque de Solitude, many turned back at that point, even with security chains!
      The biggest difference I noticed was how busy it was for you on trail and at the refuges, but a plus is the pre – standing tents to hire. We too were hit by the mother of all storms in June, at Col de Verde that lasted 2 days and sent us home. I returned in September to Vizzavona and completed it solo and like yourself enjoyed the pool on the final day, but had it to myself….heaven!!😁
      So, well done, it can't have been easy filming it, especially with gastroenteritis. But you managed to capture the spirit of it, whilst conveying to your audience THIS IS NOT A TRAIL TO UNDERESTIMATE!!
      Well done, keep up the great work!!! 👍☀️

    36. @natalie2430 on

      Your words touched me deeply at the end of the video and I even cried. I love watching your videos. The longer video is the better.
      I've been watching you for a long time now and you're my inspiration in many ways. Thank you for everything you are doing ❤

    38. @Paddlingboy on

      I had only just learned of the GR20 and your film was my introduction to it. I have done some fun scrambles in my time but, whoa! As scrambles sometimes are indeed metaphor for life's trials that trail and your honesty in your approach to hiking it and the struggles to film yourself doing it made for and event rather than a video for me. Thanks for this. One other thing, good on ya!

    39. @helenwallis5914 on

      So amazing Abbie. I don’t think even mountain goats would walk the trail.
      Congratulations, great film 👏🏻👏🏻
      So sorry you got so ill. I’m in awe of you

    41. @nikkigoldsmith3909 on

      You done brilliant. You should be very proud of yourself. Strength comes from within, and it's that that allows you to be the person you are. Never forget that. Amazing achievements, and not just the trail. ❤❤

    42. @haart89 on

      I love your videos Abbie I've only done 2 long hikes the GGW then the WHW at 67, I'm not a seasoned walker but I wanted an adventure, but on the WHW I had a mini breakdown I had lost my brother a few months before and the hike seemed to bring all my emotions out I totally get you and admire you thank you for all the brilliant videos you post …✋️

    43. @mar192012 on

      At some point you will return and show us that stretch you missed, no biggie. Love your films, Abbie, you are so lovely and knowledgeable and inspiring!

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