The GR20 Corsica. Paddy Dillon

press in on either side and there are bouldery areas to cross. The path rises across slopes of broken rock, and is well wooded in places with birch and alder. There is a rugged little climb around the head of the valley, with a turn to the right and left, before the Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu is reached, within 1hr 30mins of leaving the Bocca a u Bassiguellu.

      The PNRC Refuge d’Ortu di u Piobbu is perched at 1570m (5150ft), occupying the site of a former bergerie, on a tongue of sloping, open land surrounded by high mountains, overlooking a forested valley. It has two dormitories offering 32 beds, a kitchen/dining room and the gardien’s quarters. Hot meals, food supplies and drinks are on sale. A toilet and shower stand away from the building. Hire tents and camping spaces are dotted around on the slope below the refuge. Although there is water in the refuge and a water trough near the refuge, the water is not suitable for drinking. Water should be drawn from a source signposted 200m beyond the refuge.