Home " Miscellaneous passes " Catalogue of cycleable mule passes in Corsica

Catalogue of cycleable mule passes in Corsica

This catalogue has been created for use by members of the Club des Cent Cols and contains only routes leading to mule and cycle passes (generally with a minimum of portage). A few road passes through which the routes pass are mentioned.

This is not a guide, but a catalogue offering a number of possibilities that you should study carefully before setting off.

The starting points for the passes are listed by department, by dial on the Michelin 319 Local map and by IGN TOP 25 map. The name of a village that can be used as a starting point is indicated as follows colour.

Legend: A/R = round trip, C = circuit, *** = recommended, great route

This document is far from complete. I'll be adding to it as I discover new things, and as you discover new things if you'd like to let me know.

Thank you in advance.
Bernard Giraudeau

1- HAUTE-CORSE

A) Cap Corse - 4347 OT (Cap Corse)

Marine de Meria - F2 - C - ***

From Topo N°5, the Club des Cent Cols mule-riding guide. Author: René Poty.

Follow the D35 from Marine de Méria for 9.5 km, then take the R1-2 track on the right towards the Notre-Dame-des-Grâces chapel and continue along the track to the Col de Sainte-Catherine (FR-2B-0508). Bocca di Lumaca (FR-2B-0471) is on the S1 to S4 path opposite and very close by. RETURN JOURNEY. Take the R1-2 track down to Bettolacce. Take the D53 and D80 over the Col de Saint-Nicolas (FR-2B-0303) and go as far as the Col de la Serra (FR-2B-0365). Retrace your steps and take the D253 over the Col de Cataro (FR-2B-0192). At Barcaggio, take the customs path S1 to S3 on the right. Go past the Agnello tower and continue along the ridge to reach the Col de la Jument (FR-2B-0160). Follow the customs path back to Macinaggio and Marine de Méria on the D80.
Beautiful seascapes, beautiful villages and a wild coastline.

Municipality of Barrettali - F2 - A/R or C - ***

Take the D33 up to the highest hamlet (Petricaggio). Just before the hamlet, turn right onto the R1 track which climbs up and passes under Bocca Pinzu a Vergine (FR-2B-0593). Take the R1 track on the left to reach the «Pinzu a Vergine» or «Pointe de la Vierge» rock face and the pass (sign). The track on the right climbs towards the Bergeries du Liou and an S2 path marked in orange leads to Bocca di a Serra (FR-2B-1007b). The track on the left opens onto an S3 path which climbs then descends to the «Torra di Senaca» or «Seneca Tower» and the D180. A S2 path leads down to Fenu, in the municipality of Luri, and the D180 takes you back to Barrettali via Bocca di Santa Lucia (FR-2B-0381).
Beautiful panoramic views on either side of the Cap Corse ridge and over part of the Tuscan archipelago to the east and the Italian coastline.

Municipality of Sisco - F2 - A/R - ***

Take the D32 to the San Martinu church, then continue along the D32 to the right. Turn left onto the R1 track that passes under the quarry and climbs to Bocca di San Giuvanni (FR-2B-0959a).

Municipality of’Olcani - F2 - A/R - ***

Take the D233 towards the highest hamlet and take the R1 track on the left which leads to Bocca di San Giuvanni (FR-2B-0959a).
Beautiful views over the Agriates Desert and the Balagne mountains to the south, and the Tuscan islands to the east. Monte Cristo is just opposite. It's the largest of the islands.

B) Nebbiu 4348 OT (Bastia)

Santo-Pietro-di-Tenda - E4 - A/R

From the bottom of the village, take the track between the road leading up to the top of the village and the D62. This R1 track runs alongside a number of houses before reaching Bocca a Canali (FR-2B-0415b).

Oletta - F4 - C

Bocca a u Tonu (FR-2B-0075b) and Bocca a Fratta (FR-2B-0088) have become mule-track passes on an R1 track. From Oletta, take the D82 towards Saint-Florent, then the second road on the left, which crosses over the small reservoir. At the crossroads, turn right. Bocca a u Tonu is on the left-hand bend and Bocca a Fratta is on the next right-hand bend after 500m. Continue along this track, which runs alongside the Aliso and returns to the D82 at Lumio (holiday village). Quiet roads through farmland. Lake.

Casatorra - F4 - A/R

From the N193, 10 km south of Bastia, go up to Biguglia by the D664. In the old village, take the road on the left towards the chapel and Bocca di Santa Lucia (FR-2B-0205). The road becomes a track just before the pass.
Don't miss: the old village, the Etang de Biguglia and the Marana lagoon from the pass.

C) Agriates - Nord Balagne - 4249 OT (L'Île-Rousse)

Agriates Desert - D4 - One way - ***

From Bocca di Vezzu (FR-2B-0311) on the D81 between Saint-Florent and L'Île-Rousse, A R1 track dips right into the Agriates Desert, quickly crossing Bocca di Tedulacciu (FR-2B-0306) at the crossroads. Continue straight on through Bocca di Teghie (FR-2B-0313), then further on, after a descent and a climb to Bocca a Vitucola (FR-2B-0292). The track continues towards the Alga Putrica straw barns and Guignu beach, turning right. If you turn left and then right at the second crossroads of tracks, you will reach the Marina d'Alga along the seafront. Leave the seafront on a track at the end of the marina that runs along the bed of the stream and then veers off to the right to reach Collu di Puricciulu (FR-2B-0159). Continue along the track. After the Terricie sheepfolds, take the track on the right that leads straight on at the next crossroads to Bocca d'Affacadojo (FR-2B-0085). Retrace your steps as far as the crossroads at the Terricie sheepfolds and then take a track on the right that passes through Bocca di Mercuriu (FR-2B-0121) before descending to the Ostriconi valley and the D81 to Ogliastro.

This magnificent route takes you into the Agriates Desert and down to the seaside. It also allows you to visit a number of paillers (sheepfolds) and soak up the wild scenery. It takes you over 7 passes.

Ostriconi - D4 - C - ***

Based on a route from Topo N°5 - Guide cyclo-muletier du club des Cent Cols. Author: René Poty. From N1197/CV junction towards Novella, head towards Ponte Leccia and turn right onto the R1 track which leads to Collettola di Rezza (FR-2B-0075a), return to the road, pass Bocca d'Alzia (FR-2B-0099) and Bocca di Campi Tostari (FR-2B-0141). Take the D12 up to Novella. At the «col» just before Novella, take the R1 track on the right, then an S1-S2 path to Bocca a Fuatelle (FR-2B-0275). Return to the track and continue to the bottom of Novella. Follow the D12 up towards the station and then Bocca a Croce (FR-2B-0513a). Take the R1-2 track to Bocca di a Fuata Dura (FR-2B –0583) and then reaches Bocca di Pratalello (FR-2B-0571a). An S1 path starts to the left of the track between the walls and leads to Bocca di Croce di Rama (FR-2B-0536a) and Bocca di a Parata (FR-2B-0555) just after the monolith. Return to Bocca a Croce and take the R1-R2 track across the road to the San Colombano pass (FR-2B-0692). Continue on the T30 and turn right onto the R2 track before Toccone, which passes Bocca di e Vallechiese (FR-2B-0217). A semblance of an S1-S2 track leads left to Bocca di u Menzzu (FR-2B-0225a) nearby. Return to the track leading to the CV and the starting crossroads.
12 passes offering great views of the Ostriconi, the Tenda range and Monte Astu to the north.

Monticello - C4 - Return ticket

By amount of Regino near the Codole dam towards Monticello, cross a ridge and take the R1 track on the right to Bocca a Canale (FR-2B-0175a).

Ghjunsani - D4 - C - ***

From Belgodère, take the T301 (formerly the N197, a very quiet road with little traffic), head towards Ponte Leccia, pass through Bocca di Casella (FR-2B-0405) and possibly the San Colombano pass (FR-2B-0692). Turn onto the D963 towards Pioggiola, passing through Bocca di u Pruno (FR-2B-0734) and reach Bocca Capanna (FR-2B-0844). Return journey to Bocca di a Fuata (FR-2B-0731).
Return to the D963, cross Bocca a Croce (FR-2B-0928), cross Olmi-Cappella and climb to Bocca di a Bataglia (1101 FR-2B-1099) via the D63. An R1 track opens up on the left and leads to Bocca di Croce d'Olu (FR-2B-1097a) with a short S3 path. From Bocca di a Bataglia, take the R1 track on the right which passes through Bocca a a Lecca (FR-2B-1093) before descending to join the D963 near Bocca di u Prunu via an R1-2 track.
Crossing the little-known but authentic Ghjunsani. To the east, views of the great peaks (Monte Padro 2393 m) and the Popolasca needles, and to the west, the Balagne region and its villages perched on spurs.

D) Vallée du Golo and Nord Castagniccia 4349 OT (Vescovato)

Massif du Tenda - E4 - Return ticket

There are no fewer than four routes up to the Col de Bigorno (FR-2B-0885). Coming from the Golo valley, just after the last hairpin bend, a R1-2 track on the left leads to Bocca a Croce (FR-2B-0924) less than 1 km away. On the climb up the Col de Bigorno from Canavaggia, In the large hairpin bend above the village nestles Bocca di Foscatello (715 m), FR-2B-0700) just a few metres from the road via S4.

- Casinca - F5 - Return ticket

Between Silvareccio and Casabianca via the D237, the road approaches the ridge and an R1 track on the right leads in 4 short bends to the Col de Teghie (FR-2B-0788).
We're in the Casinca region with its many villages and hamlets, on a balcony facing the fabulous Castagniccia region with its vast chestnut groves.

Nord Cortenais - E5 - Return journey

Bocca Torre (FR-2B-0642) in the Pineto state-owned forest, is at the end of an R1 track starting on the climb to Aiti at the large hairpin bend in the D239. Turn right at the first bend in the track and reach the pass after the second bend.

E) Cortenais - Niolo (4251 OT Corte)

Piedigriggio - E5 - A/R

Take the road to the left of the church, then the R1 track to the right that leads to Bocca a Croce. FR-2B-0375).

Sovéria - E5 - C

On the T20-N193, from Corte towards Ponte Leccia, cross the junction with the road to Soveria (return route) but continue. Park on the main straight where the railway line makes a large U-shaped bend. There is a small road on the right opposite a house and a track opens up on the left. Follow this R1 track under the railway line to Bocca a Tribbio (FR-2B-0445b) and then a crossroads. Take the left-hand R1 track and then the right-hand track to reach Bocca di Fuatelle (FR-2B-0453) under the EDF power line. Retrace your steps to the previous crossroads and then take the track on the right towards Bocca di Fuatone (FR-2B-0589b). Return to the T20 ex-N193 via the left-hand road.

Monte Cecu - D6 - Return - ***

From Corte, Take the Castirla road. Climb up to Bocca d'Ominanda (FR-2B-0654a). Descend slightly to take the track on the left that passes Bocca Turligno (FR-2B-0699b) then Coletta a Sualello (FR-2B-0720b) and finally Bocca Petrera (FR-2B-0708) before reaching the Monte Cecu pylon (754 m).
Magnificent views of the Cortenais, the central depression of Corsica and the great peaks of the central range.

Les crêtes de Calacuccia - D6 - One way - ***

From the Calacuccia and take the uphill road opposite. This road becomes an R1 track after the reservoirs. Take the left-hand tracks at the crossroads to reach the ridge at Bocca a Croce (FR-2B-1602b). An S1 path leads off to the right to Bocca Cappizzolu (FR-2B-1602a). Return to the previous pass and continue along the R1 track until you reach the crossroads with the Mare a Mare path marked in orange. Follow the S2 path on the left to Bocca a l'Arinella (FR-2B-1592). Go back down to the crossroads and follow the track to the left. It passes Bocca Aleri (FR-2B-1575) near the reservoirs. Take the track on the right, which descends, twists twice and takes a right-hand bend. Coletta di Melo (FR-2B-1444) is 50 m off the path on the right. Retrace your steps to the crossroads near Bocca Aleri and turn right. Just before the Conia sheepfolds, a S2-3 path climbs up to Bocca di Conia (FR-2B-1669) at 150 m. After the sheepfolds, an R3 track heads towards Bocca a Canaghia (FR-2B-1815). Return to Calacuccia on the same track.
Magnificent route above the Niolo, a rich region with an ancient agro-pastoral tradition. Above the village, Monte Cinto, the roof of the island (2706m). Behind the ridge is the Tavignano valley.

F) Venachais- 4352 OT (Aleria-Ghisonaccia)

The Rospa-Sorba forest - D6 -A/R - ***

From Vezzani, Take the D343 towards Vivario. Go over the Erbajo pass (FR-2B-0904a) and take the next R1 track on the left. At the first crossroads, continue straight on to Foce d'Eria (FR-2B-1122) at the T junction. Continue straight ahead to reach the Col de Foce (FR-2B-1238) also located on a T-junction. Continue straight ahead. At the next T-junction, turn right to reach another small junction about 250 m further on, just below the Col de Rospa (FR-2B-1251). A path S1-2 leads directly to the left. Descend along the same track.
Large forest of laricio pines. Beautiful views of the Ghisoni forest basin to the south and Monte Renoso (2352 m).

G) Haut-Fiumorbo 4252 OT (Monte Renoso)

Le col de la Croix - D7 - C or return ticket

From Ghisoni, Take the D69 towards Vivario. After about 4 km, at junction 1112, you will come to the Scozzolatojo pass (FR-2B-1112). Take the track on the right which descends towards the ridge, the pylon and further on the Col de la Croix (FR-2B-0851). Retrace your steps to the Scozzolatojo pass. 4 km further up is the Col de Sorba (FR-2B-1311). You can also (??) reach Ghisoni by following the path from the Col de la Croix via a recently reopened cycle path (??).

H) Fiumorbo 4253 OT (Bavella)

Bocca di Cateri- E8 - Return - ***

Go to Solaro, Continue along the stadium until you reach the crossroads of tracks. Turn right onto the R1 track, which is actually the D845. Follow the old forest house. At the crossroads, turn left and then right at the next junction. At the end of the road, we are in Bocca di Cateri (FR-2B-0672), more precisely on the right and 30 m below.
An easy, pleasant route through the Tova forest.

Bocca di u Saltu - E8 - return or C - ***

The start is the same, but take the left-hand track at the crossroads. Go straight ahead on this R1 track, which naturally leads to Bocca di u Saltu (FR-2B-0871). Retracing your steps.

2- SOUTH CORSICA

A) Ajaccio (4153 OT)

B7-A/R or C-. Villanova

In the north, between Ajaccio and Bocca di Listinconu (FR-2A-0232b) by the D61, shortly after the Bocca di Pruno (FR-2A-0203), turn left onto the D261 towards Villanova. Go to the very end of the village and continue on the R1 track for 150 m, then straight ahead on the level S1 path to reach Bocca di Marcuggio (FR-2A-0194) about 1.5 km away. Follow the S2 path on the left to a sheepfold and slightly further down to a track that leads down to a place called «Pisinale» and from there to the D111B. Pisinale is privately owned. Continue along the S2 path opposite to reach Collu Longu (FR-2A-0121a), then continue downhill past houses before reaching the end of the D111B at Minaccia. Return to Ajaccio via the Route des Sanguinaires (D111) or the D11B.
Beautiful views of the Capo di Feno shoreline. Beaches at Minaccia and Routes des Sanguinaires.

G8- *** C - Chiavari forest

On the south shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio, in the Chiavari forest, at « Port of Chiavari »Just after the right-angle bend in the D55, an R1 track starts. Do not follow this track all the way to the end, but take the second track on the right to reach the ruins of the Chiavari penitentiary on the D55, which can be reached after 4 km. Immediately to the left at 180°, another R1 track, shown on the map, leads to the ruins of the Laticapso penitentiary 6 km away. At the opposite corner of the building, the track on the right leads, then left, to the D55 2 km away, between the Cortonou (FR-2A-0523) on the right and Gradello (FR-2A-0529) to the left. The left-hand R1 track, immediately left at the next crossroads, leads down to Bocca di Pozzoli (195 m FR-2A-0185) 6 km away. At the pass, the track on the right joins the track leading to Sant'Amanza. The left-hand track descends to the electricity substation and the D55 shortly before the starting point on the left.
The R1 track on the right, at the crossroads just after Laticapso, instead of descending to Bocca di Pozzoli, dead-ends. A well-marked S3 path leads directly up to Bocca di Gradello.
Beautiful views over the Gulf of Ajaccio and the Sanguinaires islands. Eucalyptus forests and numerous remains of agricultural and other buildings.

G8- *** -C. Chiavari forest

From Bocca di Gradello, the Mare e Monti path heads left and south. This S2 path leads to Bocca di a Serra (FR-2A-0587a) 4km away. Follow the path that joins the road at the entrance to Coti-Chiavari. The pass is located on the ridge and offers magnificent views over part of the Gulf of Valinco and the Gulf of Ajaccio.

G8- *** - C Porticcio

Bocca d'Arghellaju (FR-2A-0554), at the junction of the D55 and D255, can also be reached from a track starting at Ruppione and heading straight for the former Sant'Amanza gullies, and by following a new track that leads to the pass. For the descent, you can choose between the roads and tracks described here.
Splendid views over the Gulf of Ajaccio. 9 km ascent.

G8 - RETURN TICKET. Chiavari forest

Bocca di Strettone (FR-2A-0365) can be reached from the first bend in the D55 road leading down from Coti-Chiavari to Verghia. Take path S1 on the left, marked with old orange signs. This descends to a track about 250 m further on. Turn right and find a path (S3 because of the vegetation) that goes off to the right at the concrete cistern. The pass is about 250 m further on.

B) Monte Renoso-Bastelica (4252 OT)

G7- C- Cuttoli-Cortichiato

Bocca di San Pietro (FR-2A-0555b) is a road pass on the north side. On the south-facing slope, an R1 track (the D29) turns left before the Vallicelli rest house and leads straight up to the pass. 6km. See next section.

View of the Prunelli valley to the east and the Gravona valley to the west.

G7- A/R or C *** Tolla

From Tolla, Just before the village on the way up, a road opens up to the left near the lake of the same name, then further on, an R1 track branches off to the left. Follow this for around 7 km until you reach a small reservoir. The R3 track on the left leads to Bocca di Duaju (FR-2A-1115) at around 500 m. Retrace your steps and continue along the track to the right. At the next crossroads, take the right-hand track that leads to a sheepfold and Bocca d'Antraca (FR-2A-1226) about 1 km away. Return to the main track and turn right. At the next crossroads (see yellow arrow indicating a spring), take the R2 track on the left which leads to Bocca di a Rinella (1353 m FR-2A-1365a) 1km away. Continue along the S1/S2 path, marked with cairns, which skirts Monte Niellu to the left and follows the ridge until it leaves to the right at the sheepfolds. After passing more sheepfolds, the path reaches Bocca di Catarelli (FR-2A-1068a). Continue down the right-hand side of the path until you reach a track. At the crossroads, the R1 track on the right leads to Cuttoli and the R2 track on the left leads to Bocca San Pietro (548 m FR-2A-0555b). The road on the left (D29), then the track which continues it returns to the D3 and allows you to return to Tolla via the Mercujo pass (FR-2A-0715b).
The route is around 30 km long, 18 km of which is off-road. Views over the upper Prunelli valley and the ridges surrounding the large town of Bastelica, then over the Gravona valley.

G7- C. Bastelica

The Ciano Pass (FR-2A-0993) is by road from Bastelica but by mule (R1) from the maison forestière de Zipitoli on the D27 between Cauro and Bastelica. The track on the right is just before the sign for the Genoese bridge. At the Bronco bridge, 6km away, turn left towards the Col de Ciano, 3km away. Turn right and head for the Val d'Ese resort, still 9 km away. Carry on for 1 to 2 km on this stretch. At Val d'Ese, rejoin the D27a at its terminus (altitude: approx. 1,500 m).
Beautiful laricio pine forest, refreshing Ese torrent in summer.

G7 - RETURN JOURNEY. Continuing north from the Ese station, Take the R1-R2 track as far as the old ski lift and then the S1 to S3 path up the stream to Foce d'Astra (FR-2A-1762). Refuge at the pass on the left.
Open grassland at altitude, herds and beautiful views on either side of the pass.
G7 - RETURN TICKET. On the way down from the Ese resort on the D27a, after about 1 km on the right, there are two or three sheepfolds accessible via an R1 track for a few metres, then a path on the left leading to the Col de l'Usciolo (FR-2A-1612) at 100 m.
G7 - RETURN JOURNEY. The Vignale track: on the T20 ex-N193, before Bocognano and before the Tavera road on the right. This track, which starts out as an R1, quickly becomes an R2 and then an R3. It starts at an altitude of 360 m and ends at Bocca Magina (FR-2A-1153) 12km away. Following the leftmost track, it passes Bocca di Pinu Bonu (FR-2A-0775a), leaves Bocca a e Sambucche (945m FR-2A-0937), 100 m to the left as you come under the ridge, reaches Bocca d'Aramina (FR-2A-0935) then Bocca Magina. Bocca a i Tanni (FR-2A-1174) can be found ahead by following a clearly visible path S3 or S4 at 500 m.
7G. RETURN JOURNEY. From Bocca di Tartavellu (FR-2A-0885), a road pass on the D4 between Vero and Cruzzini, an S3 path leads to Bocca di Tacchione (FR-2A-0971b) 2.2 km away, a small saddle-shaped clearing at the foot of Punta di Tacchione. 60% of portage on the outward journey, 40% on the return journey.

C) Vico-Cargèse region (Top 25 4151 OT)

6G . RETURN JOURNEY. At the exit of Cargèse, At the end of the road, head towards Pero beach, on the left of the road leading to Piana. Follow the road along the beach and then towards Bocca di a Torraccia (FR-2A-0101). Just after a right-angle bend to the right, a sign points the way to Bocca di Fornu (FR-2A-0102) to the left. Follow the R1 track that leads to the pass, then the track that descends the other side and turns right. The track gradually disappears, giving way to an S1 path that reaches the southern corner of Chiuni beach.
6G. *** C. Between Vico and the Sevi pass (FR-2A-1101) is the village of Renno. A track starts to the right of this road (D70) after the Saint-Roch straight and climbs up to Renno. Follow the green arrows on the trees. Rejoin the road to climb to the hamlet of Cerasa, the highest village, pass to the right of the chapel and turn right onto the track (R1). Follow the orange markings to the ridge and continue on the R1 track which leads uphill to Bocca di l'Erbaghiu (FR-2A-1061) 2.5 km from the village. Crossroads of three tracks. Go straight on for 50m and take the right-hand track, reaching Bocca di Forci (FR-2A-1170b) 2.5 km away. If you continue along the same track and turn left, you will reach the terminus where you can see the wreckage of a Mirage. The summit is a 10-minute walk away. Turning right, the track descends to reach its end. From here, Bocca di Varze (FR-2A-1234) is accessible via a non-cycling path that extends the track. Distance approx. 1 km. From Bocca di l'Erbaghiu, the track on the right joins the D156 at Letia and leads back to the D70.
7G. Return and C. Even further south between Cannelle and Sarrola, near Bocca di Sarzoggiu (FR-2A-0612), a track R1 (150 m), 1.5 km from the pass (green letterbox) towards Sarrola leads to Bocca di Pianu d'Arbori (FR-2A-0567) (2 DFCI tanks) but access is prohibited. This track continues to the left. Then turn left at the crossroads at the 1^re hairpin left and arrive on the ridge after the 4^e hairpin bend. The R2 trail continues northwards and ends at a small, unnamed pass. An S1 trail continues along the track, ending at Bocca di Bufonaggia (FR-2A-0750). Just before the pass, an S1 path turns right and descends through the woods towards the 3^e hairpin on the uphill runway.
7G. C. From Sarzoggio pass, A path that starts behind a barrier heads south along the ridge. This S3 path leads uphill to Bocca Cardiglione (FR-2A-0721b) at around 1.5 km. It continues along the ridge (S2) and reaches an unnamed pass (altitude approx. 790 m) 1.5 km further on. The path on the left (S?) leads back down to Valle di Mezzana. The path on the right (S?) continues along the ridge towards the San Bastiano pass on the D81 (FR-2A-0411). The middle one (S2) goes down to Bocca a Foce (FR-2A-0664) 2.5 km away. A path (S?) continues downhill towards Appietto. Retrace your steps for 500 m to reach a ruined sheepfold and continue downhill along path S2 towards Valle di Mezzana.

D) Porto region (TOP 25 4150 OT)

6G. RETURN. From Marignana, Between Porto and Evisa, as you enter the village from Porto, follow the road up towards the sports ground, followed by an R1 track that leads directly to Bocca a u Mammucciu (FR-2A-0824b). 2 km.
Between 5 and 6G, no number. *** RETURN JOURNEY. The 4 passes of the Indinosa forest. Between Evisa and the Vergio pass (FR-2A-1477) on the D84, shortly after the holiday village of Aitone, an R1 track opens up on the left, followed by an R2 track, very steep and cemented in places, which leads to Bocca a u Saltu (FR-2A-1391) 3.5 km away. The R2 track descends and then climbs R3 towards the Cuccavera pass (FR-2A-1475) by turning right after the bridge on a sharp bend. 4 km and a beautiful view from the pass of the Lonca forest populated by mouflons. At the bridge, the track on the right, R2, leads to Bocca di Felce (FR-2A-1357), the trail ends 2 km further on. On the return journey, before the Bocca a u Saltu hairpin bends, an R2 track on the right leads to Culletta di Spurtellu (FR-2A-1205c), which you pass 2 km before the end of the track. Approximately 20 km there and back. Magnificent mountain scenery.
Between 5 and 6 G, no number. RETURN JOURNEY. Coming from Porto, before the bridge and the road to Serriera, a track R1-R2 leads up to Bocca a u Verghiolu (FR-2A-0915b) 9 km away. Magnificent views of the surrounding forest and high peaks. The trail continues through the Lonca forest.

E) Sagone region (TOP 25 4251 OT)

8G. Return or C ?? From Sagone, go to Vico then right at Guagno. Go through the village and continue along the road. Just before the end of the road (the town's rubbish dump, a disgrace!), turn right onto the R1 track (concrete reservoir) which climbs up and joins the Mare a Mare Nord path at an altitude of 1,080m. This path leads to Bocca Miscigiella (FR-2A-1195a).

F) South-east Ajaccio region (TOP 25 4253 OT)

8G. RETURN FLIGHT. Shortly after Cauro On the N196, at a sharp right-hand bend, a R1 track opens up. At the junction, after 100 m, turn right for 250 m. A S2-3 path leads 200 m to Bocca di Spolverossa (FR-2A-0538b).
8G. RETURN JOURNEY. From the Luminataja pass (FR-2A-0642), between Porticcio and Santa Maria-Sicché On the D55, an R1-2 track opens up to the east and leads to the Bouche de Tavera (FR-2A-0653a) and Bocca di Legasu (FR-2A-0661) 2 km away.
8G. RETURN JOURNEY. On the way up to Bocca d'Aja di Bastiano on the D55, take the first track on the right towards the barrier, R1-2, which is steep and leads to Bocca di Travu (FR-2A-0832) 1.5 km away.
8G. C or A/R. On the D757 between Porto Pollo and Petreto-Bicchisano, we find the place called Calzola Bridge. About 2 km towards Petreto, a track opens up on the left, leading straight on to Bocca di a Sorba (FR-2A-0175). You can continue up towards Guargualé and return via Pila Canale. Then head towards Porto Pollo and take a road to the left below the village of Pila Canale that leads to the hamlet of Arella. A track follows the road back to the same point as the original track.
Better. ***. C. From the village of Cognocoli, take the D402, R1 at 80% and join Stiliccione on the D757 at 16 km. Follow the D757 for 8 km and turn left onto the R1 track that passes Bocca di a Sorba (see above). From Guargualé, return to Cognocoli by road.
8G. RETURN TICKET. On leaving Frasseto, on the D83 between Santa Maria-Sicché and Zicavo, there is an R1 track leading to the Col d'Arusula (FR-2A-1206) 8 km away. A path (S2 to S3) leads to the Zipitoli tracks (see Col de Ciano - B). From the Col d'Arusula, on the right of the enclosure, a S2 path leads down to Bocca di Lera (1045 m FR-2A-1035) 3.5 km away. Another path leads back down to the starting track at Frasseto. The same path joins a track that leads down to Zevaco.
8G. C. From Frasseto, the road (D83) climbs to Bocca di Granaccia (FR-2A-0865). From the pass, a road leads to the pylon at 911 m. From the small summit to the right of the pylon (929 m and geodesic point), the ridge to the north descends off-trail to the Bouche de Granacce (FR-2A-0884b). A path (S?) on the left leads down to Frasseto.
9G.*** A/R or C. From Serra di Scopamene, Between Aullène and Zicavo, take the road to the north near the gendarmerie which leads to the campsite, then the R1 track which passes Bocca di Paradisu (EN-2 A -0969b) and Bocca d'Arja Petrosa (FR-2A-1014), There are low walls. To return, retrace your steps, or take the orange-marked path, S1-S2 (50% portage, 50% cycle path) which joins Arja la Foce (FR-2A-1040). Follow the orange marks that cross the first track before rejoining the good track from the outward journey. 7 km in all. Alternatively, at Bocca d'Arja Petrosa, continue along the track opposite and turn right at the crossroads towards Lavu Donacu. Rejoin the footpath to cross the river and climb up to reach the Coscione road (see the Coscione plateau below).
7G. RETURN. From Tasso, In the Zicavo region, an R1 track near the bridge leads to Bocca di Marcuccio (FR-2A-1085) 5km away. Shortly before, turn right at the crossroads.
8G. ***. C. From Olivese, Between Zicaco and Petreto, the D26 is now a mule track. Take the road that leads to the church and continue along the R1 track until you reach the D69. The Col de la Vaccia (FR-2A-1193b) is 1.5 km on the right. Return via Zicavo (don't forget Bocca di Catarellu (FR-2A-0884a), road in a hollow before the pylon, on the left 7 km from the pass and 2 km after the road to the San Petru chapel or the Coscione plateau) then via Bains-de-Guitera, (Bocca d'Arja Alta (FR-2A-0468), road is 500 m away on the D83), go through Bocca d'Isoli (FR-2A-0437), road on the D757 returning to Olivese.
9G. ***. A/R or C. Le Coscione plateau. A magnificent route. At Quenza, between Aullène and Zicavo, take the road leading to the Coscione plateau. The road becomes an R1 track shortly before Bocca di Chiesola (FR-2A-1422) and reaches Bocca di e Croce (FR-2A-1523) after the cross-country skiing centre. An R1 then R2 track crosses the plateau straight on and arrives at a track visible on the map in the large hairpin bend which leads to the right to the ruins of an observatory on the Punta di Tozzarella at 1748 m. On the left, the track, which is steep and stony for 500 m (R2) then R1, passes Cavallara, Matalza, the Bassetta stopover gîtes, and the D69. 29 km of road to return to Quenza via the Col de la Vaccia (FR-2A-1193b).

G) Propriano region (TOP 25 4154 OT)

9G. C. *** . From the D157 between Propriano and Porto Pollo, About 2 km after leaving the N196, the first road on the right is the D157A, which you take. Follow this steep tarmac road, always heading uphill. About 1.5 km uphill, in a right-hand bend, just before a crossroads, a track and then a path leads to Bocca di a Falcunaja (FR-2A-0188). Distance approx. 1.5 km. Retrace your steps. At the next crossroads, turn left. Shortly before Bocca di a Coppia (370m FR-2A-0333b) at 4.5 km, the road briefly becomes a track (R1), descends, passes sheepfolds, then climbs again to another unnamed pass at 375 m, also near sheepfolds. The road becomes an R1 track again and reaches Sollacaro after about 6 km. You can continue to climb to the right along the D302 towards the Col de Celaccia (FR-2A-0583) and head back down the N196. Or turn left onto the D57 towards Filitosa (a major prehistoric site in Corsica). Approximately 4 km from the D302/D57 junction, shortly after the San Cosimo chapel, take the first track on the left which passes immediately through Bocca Cicala (FR-2A-0196). Follow this R1 track which joins the Taravo valley just above the D57/D157 junction. 10 km from Sollacaro.
Most of these places offer magnificent views over the Gulf of Valinco and the Taravo valley.

H) Propriano, Sartène and Alta Rocca region (Top 25 4254 OT)

9G. RETURN. From Casalabriva In the direction of Petreto, 500 m from the centre, a track opens up on the right leading to Foce di Santi (FR-2A-0713) 1.5 km away.
9G. C *** The Baracci Valley. From D257/D557 crossroads, take the D557 up to the Col de Saint-Eustache (FR-2A-0995). 8 km of quiet road and 5 km of R1 track. To the right of the Col de Saint-Eustache, 2 km away, the Col de la Tana (FR-2A-0975b). Descend along the same track and at the crossroads, turn left towards the Col de Siu (FR-2A-0731b). 3.5 km downhill, turn left for 100 m to reach Foce di Verju (FR-2A-0703). At Fozzano, a R1 track leads to a chapel on the right and takes you straight back to the starting point.
9G.A/R or C??. At the end of the D65 coming from Sartène, Take the right-hand R1 track up to the fountain. Take the R1 track on the right up to the fountain and the subsequent track up the left bank of the stream. Keeping to the left, you will come to Bocca di Prunettu (FR-2A-0572). Retrace your steps or continue down the track between Foce and Bilzese.
10G. A/R or C ***. The Ortolo valley. Departure from Ortolo bridge between Sartène and Roccapina. Preferably take the R1 track, which starts on the left bank of the river and joins the D50 a little further up. Find the tarmac again at the bridge near Mola 8 km further on. Do not cross the Ortolo, but take the R1 track on the right, which joins the village of Vignalella 8 km further on. Turn left, cross the Ortolo and turn right onto a short stretch of tarmac followed by an R1 track that leads to the village of Radicci 8 km away, making a total of 24 km. This is a beautiful, wide, wild valley with views of the Cagna mountains to the east. From Radicci, the Bacinu pass (FR-2A-0809a) is 2 km down the road on the right. You can reach Bocca d'Ava (FR-2A-0731a) by taking the first track (R1) on the left towards Orone, for 1 km. The pass is 10 m on the right. You can continue along the following route to Burrivoli via a track on the right (approximately 11 km from the pass) on the descent from the Col de Bacinu towards Sotta.
10G. C; ***. Leaving from one of the villages near the D859 between Figari and Sotta, Head towards Burrivoli, then continue on towards Vacca. Go over the Colombanu pass (FR-2A-0367), take the road to Vacca and follow the R1 track. At the crossroads, the right-hand track leads to the Naseo sheepfolds (8 km, alt. 894 m). From the sheepfolds, the path on the right (S1?) leads to Bocca di Tonnari (FR-2A-0825e) 1.5 km away. Retrace your steps and take the left-hand track at the crossroads to Bocca di a Crusciatoggia (FR-2A-0357), then on to Piscia and the road back to Bocca d'Arjola (FR-2A-0359) before descending to Tarrabucceta. A very nice walk. The Naseo sheepfolds are a beautiful site.
10G. RETURN TICKET. Bocca di a Pila. Visit Ortolo bridge, south of Sartène on the N196 towards Bonifacio, turn right off the N196 onto an R1 track that runs alongside the vines (not the one that leads to the houses) and reach Bocca di a Pila (FR-2A-0130). 2.5 km.
10G. RETURN TICKET. Bocca di Piavone. South of Sartène, Take the Giuncheto road, D165, go through the village, turning left before the church, go around the cemetery to the right and continue along the R1 track that follows to reach Bocca di Piavone (FR-2A-0506b). 4 km from the main road. Beautiful views of the Sartenais to the west and south and the Cagna mountain to the east.
10G. RETURN FLIGHT. South of Sartène, Just before Roccapina and its Rocher du Lion, take the road to Serraggia, go straight through the village and take the track (R1) on the right alongside the telephone poles. At the last bend on the right, a path marked in fluorescent green (signposted Gianuccio) leads off to the left to Bocca d'Acqua Veschi (FR-2A-0379) about 300 m away. S1-S2 path. The trail continues for 1 km and reaches the transmission towers.
Magnificent views over southern Corsica and northern Sardinia (in certain weather conditions). Of particular note to the north-east is Uomo di Cagna and its summit rock.
10G. RETURN FLIGHT. Between Sartène and Mola via the D50, the first R1 track after Bocca di Suara leads to Foce l'Agru (565 m FR-2A-0550) 3 km, then straight on for 1 km to Foce di Croce (FR-2A-0594).
10G. RETURN JOURNEY. From the N196, shortly after Roccapina, the D50 climbs to Giannuccio via Bocca di Croce d'Arbitru (FR-2A-0467). Go through the village following the signs for «Uomo di Cagna». At the top of the village, in a bend to the right of the road, take the cement road opposite and then the track. Follow this R1 track, R2 at times, as it climbs, taking neither right nor left at the top to reach Bocca di Pigna (FR-2A-0558), 2 km of track and 9.5 km of road. The view from the pass is disappointing, but you need to walk 200m to the left to overlook the Ortolo valley.

I) Porto-Vecchio region (TOP 25 4254 ET)

9G. A/R or C. *** From Carbini, Between Lévie and Figari on the D59, take the road up to Carbini Supranu and the track on the right (Mare a mare Sud - hiking trail) and reach a crossroads. Turn right to reach Bocca di Barocaggio (FR-2A-0969a). Retrace your steps or continue until you reach the D368. Turn left, passing through Bocca d'Illarata (FR-2A-0991) and join Bocca di Pelza (FR-2A-0874). Take the left-hand track down to Carabona and the road to Lévie and Carbini. 7 km of track to Bocca di Barocaggio.
9D. C. À Sainte-Lucie de Porto-Vecchio Take the Taglia Rossu road (D168a) then the R1 track that runs alongside the Cavu river. Cross the Cavu and follow the track up and take the first track on the right. Go past the reservoir and turn left to reach Bocca di Sadica (FR-2A-0524).
9D.A/R.*** The sheepfolds of Luviu and Bocca d'Illarata. À Sainte-Lucie de Porto-Vecchio, Take the road towards Taglia Rossu and go through the village. After the cemetery, take the first track on the left. This is the steepest and rockiest (R1 to R2). Or continue along the R1 track that runs alongside the river and turn left for a track that is longer but more rolling than the first. For the first track, turn left 3 times as far as the reservoir and then right and left to reach the Luviu sheepfolds (a little paradise!). For the second track, turn right, then straight ahead and left as far as the reservoir. Retrace your steps to find the track leading up to Bocca d'Illarata (FR-2A-0991).
9D. C or A/R ***. From Muratellu, Take the road towards Palavesa. Reach the small bridge at the junction of four roads and turn left towards Pascialella. At the cistern, turn left, go through the few houses in Pascialella and continue along the track that leads to the D59 under the Col de Bacinu (FR-2A-0809a). Return by the same route. Or come down from the col on the D59. And take the first R1 track after the tunnel to reach Burrivoli (see circuit above: Col de Colombanu).

J) Le Grand Sud Bonifacien (TOP 25 4255 OT)

11G. C ***. Bocca di a Testa (FR-2A-0068) is certainly a road pass. But if you choose to go around La Testa on an R1 track that runs along a beautiful coastline that is home to a few secret beaches, you can say with a little intellectual shorthand that Bocca di a Testa is a mule track. To do this, take the first road on the left after the Figari bridge coming from Pianottoli and follow this track along the shore (about 10 km) before heading up towards Bocca di a Testa on the left.

K) The Haut-Taravo (TOP 25 4252 OT)

7G. C. ***. The tour starts at Tasso ending at Ciamannace. In between is Sampolo, an excellent place to leave your car. The villages of the Alto Taravo lie just below the Col de Verde (FR-2A-1289) and above Zicavo. So we reach Tasso from Sampolo and take the cement road on the right as we enter the village and before the bridge. The track quickly becomes an R1. At the track junction, take the 2^e to the right via Bocca di Marcuccio (FR-2A-1085) 5 km from Tasso. Continue along the same track until you reach a T-junction. Take the track on the right (R2) which descends towards Ciamannace 2 km away. There is a fine view of the valley and peaks on the opposite side. You can continue on to the next section.
7G. C ***. From the village above, Palneca, There is also a track leading to the Col de Verde (FR-2A-1289). From Ciamannace, in Palneca, take the first road on the left, then the first road again, which is cemented and climbs steeply. This becomes an R1 track. Follow this obvious path to the first crossroads. Turn left at the second crossroads, then right and straight on at the third crossroads to reach the Col de Verde, some 11 km away. Opposite you is an R2 track, which is in fact the GR20 marked in white and red and which climbs steeply. You soon come to a wider track which you take to the right. At the first crossroads, take the track opposite downhill and then take the track opposite at the second crossroads. At the Saint-Antoine chapel (12 km), take the left-hand track. Further on, at the crossroads, take the track on the left that climbs up to reach the transmission tower at 1532 m, around 6.5 km away. At the end of the pylon car park, a faint path descends to join the GR20 on the other side of the ridge, a few dozen metres below. Take the GR to the left and after 200 m you will reach the Col de Laparo (FR-2A-1525b). An orange-marked path descends and joins the uphill track between the Saint-Antoine chapel on the right and the crossroads on the left. S ? Take the same track back down past the Saint-Antoine chapel and then take the track on the right, which shortly afterwards leads to the Saint-Antoine forest house and the D69 road. Turn right onto the road and after about 1.5 km you'll come to a crossroads with a track on the left that leads directly to Palneca. Turn right through the village to reach Ciamannace and Sampolo.

November 2004