Walking in the Giussani

Lying in the valley between Monte Grosso and Monte Padro, the Giussani is one of the wildest and most remote parts of Corsica. A real haven for haven for walkers one of the best ways to discover the island is on foot. We have put together a number of walks starting from Antonia's chambre d'hote in the lovely village of Olmi Cappella.

Walks from Antonia's chambre d'hote...

WALK 1 - Olmi Cappella to Mausoleo and back - about 2 hours

Points of interest: ancient paved footpath, Genoese bridge, views, 15th century church

Turn right and make your way down to the bottom of the village, continuing down a granite paved path. This is part of the ancient transhumance route which linked the northern coastline with the interior, and part of a network of roads built by the Genoese in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Continue down this path until you reach a well preserved Genoese bridge - cross this and turn right up towards the village of Mausoleo. From the centre of this village there is a path which will take you back to Olmi Cappella, part of which is a mule staircase - alternated steps wide enough for a pack animal which zig-zag up the hillside. Arrive back in Olmi Cappella near the church and wander down to Antonia's house.

WALK 2 - Olmi Cappella to the Tartagine river and back - about 4 hours.

Points of interest: ancient paved footpath, 2 Genoese bridges, river bathing.

Take the path down to the Genoese bridge, as in walk 1 above, cross and turn left continuing down the valley. After a while the path rises sharply, continue to the top of the hill (lovely views of the valley) then down to the Tartagine river. Here there is another very large Genoese bridge, reminding you that this was once a main north-south route. If you were to cross the bridge and turn left, the path would eventually take you up and over the Col de Laggerella and down into the Asco valley, which is the next valley going south from the Tartagine. You could then walk up the Asco valley and then climb Monte Cinto - Corsica's highest peak - but you wouldn't be home in time for tea!

What you will do instead is relax by the river, perhaps with a picnic, before retracing your steps and walking back to Olmi Cappella. An alternative, if you have the time, is to cross the Genoese bridge and turn right, walking up the Tartagine river until you reach the Maison Forestiere, car parks and the beginning of the road back to Olmi. You could then follow the road back to Mausoleo and take the footpath back to Olmi described in walk 1. This would probably take you about 6 to 7 hours round trip.

WALK 3 - Olmi Cappella to Vallica and back - about 5 hours

Points of interest: Water mill, Genoese bridge, river bathing

From Antonia's house turn right, and keep left walking up and away from the village. When you reach the main road, turn right and after about 100 metres you will see the path to Vallica marked. Follow this path to the village of Vallica, then take the path down to the Tartagine river. After walking along the river for a short while the path bears right and joints the Olmi-Tartagine path described in walk 2. Continue up the path until you reach the village, or return via Mausoleo if you have the time.

WALK 4 - Olmi Cappella to the Col de la Battaglia and back - about 4 hours

Points of interest: Two mountain passes, magnificent views across the Balagna to the sea, chestnut forests.

From Antonia's house turn left and go through the village and past the shop. A bit further on look out for a path up to the right which will take you up to the main road, When you reach the main road, cross over and take another path leading up to the hamlet of Altiani. You will eventually pass Casa Altiani with its swimming pool, then shortly after you come to a stone fountain and washhouse - turn left here and continue up the footpath until you reach a summit with a cross (lovely views of interior Corsica and across to Lama). Keep left here and follow the footpath - you will see traces of ancient settlements. Eventually you come to the Bocca a Leccia - a junction where you would turn right to walk on to the village of Belgodere. However, you turn left and follow this important path until you come to the Bocca di a Battaglia - Battle Pass.

Stop here at the Merendella restaurant and have a drink and perhaps some lunch! Admire the views with the help of the orientation table.

To return to Olmi, walk a few yards down from the restaurant and look carefully for a path heading left into the maquis. Take this path and follow it back across the hillside, through the woods, until you reach Olmi Cappella again.

If you would like to download or print a copy of these walks in a WORD format, simply click the Moors Head emblem on the left

Picnics...

If you happen to be staying with Antonia, for a little extra she will make you a copious picnic for your excursion, and as the former chef of the renowned restaurant 'La Tornadia' you can be sure it will be absolutely delicious!

Walking with Donkeys...

For those who want to try walking in the Giussani, but don't want the bother of carrying the picnic basket, camera, bottles of water, and other items essential for the enjoyment of a hike, why not hire a donkey to walk with you. See our WALKING WITH DONKEYS page for more details...