Paglia Orba
Get ready for an epic adventure to conquer the Paglia Orba, the island's third highest peak at 2525 meters. Recognizable by its distinctive tooth shape, this peak majestically dominates the Fango valley. Along the way, you'll follow the Golo, Corsica's longest river, which rises at the foot of Paglia Orba. The view from the summit is extraordinary, and without doubt one of the most beautiful on the island. The palette of colors in the rocks of the Cinto massif is magnificent. To the west, there's a breathtaking view of the Fango valley and the gulfs of Galéria and Porto.
However, this is a hike you have to earn. It really is! As far as Ciuttulu di i Mori refuge (1999 m), the route follows the well-marked GR20 path, without any major difficulties. But the rest of the route is of a completely different caliber! The route straddles the line between hiking and mountaineering. Navigation becomes tricky as the cairns are sometimes hard to spot, especially on the ascent, hidden in this maze of rocks. You'll also have to deal with several climbing passages in steep couloirs and steep chimneys.
As you can see, this route is an extraordinary experience, but only for very experienced hikers with no fear of heights.
More details on the hike
The start of this adventure is at the Fer à Cheval parking lot, on the D84 road. The start and finish of the hike form a small loop, with the GR20 and the Radule sheepfolds to the west, and a more intimate view of the Radule waterfall to the east. It's a good idea to start off on the path leading to the waterfall, so as to save the sheepfold for your return, where you can refresh yourself and sample charcuterie, cheeses and a well-deserved moment of relaxation.
The route then follows the GR20 along the Golo to the Ciuttuulu di i Mori refuge. From this point on, the trail is no longer marked and becomes highly technical. There are several small variants to reach the summit of Paglia Orba. On the map, you'll notice two possible routes at Col des Maures. The less difficult one is the one that goes further south to avoid a technical section. After several climbing passages on very steep couloirs, you might think you've reached the summit. In fact, it's only an antecima, separated from the real summit by the “Combe des chèvres”. The main difficulties of the climb are behind you. Make your way back down to the pass before making the final climb to the emblematic summit of Paglia Orba. Enjoy the breathtaking view before starting the descent to the valley.
On the way back, relax in the natural pools along the Golo and enjoy a refreshing drink at the Radule sheepfold. Follow the same route as the outward journey to the footbridge at the Radule waterfall, then continue on the GR20 towards the sheepfold to the parking area.
➡️ Hiking parameters
➡️ Hiking parameters
➡️ Hiking parameters
REMARKS
This route is only accessible without high mountain equipment between late June and early October, depending on the year. Before venturing out, be sure to check the conditions.
It's essential to remember that this itinerary is on the borderline between hiking and mountaineering, and is aimed exclusively at very experienced hikers. For the rest of you, however, it's still possible to enjoy some of the scenery, with easy access to the Col des Maures, at an altitude of 2152 meters.
REMARKS
This route is only accessible without high mountain equipment between late June and early October, depending on the year. Before venturing out, be sure to check the conditions.
It's essential to remember that this itinerary is on the borderline between hiking and mountaineering, and is aimed exclusively at very experienced hikers. For the rest of you, however, it's still possible to enjoy some of the scenery, with easy access to the Col des Maures, at an altitude of 2152 meters.
More details on the hike
The start of this adventure is at the Fer à Cheval parking lot, on the D84 road. The start and finish of the hike form a small loop, with the GR20 and the Radule sheepfolds to the west, and a more intimate view of the Radule waterfall to the east. It's a good idea to start off on the path leading to the waterfall, so as to save the sheepfold for your return, where you can refresh yourself and sample charcuterie, cheeses and a well-deserved moment of relaxation.
The route then follows the GR20 along the Golo to the Ciuttuulu di i Mori refuge. From this point on, the trail is no longer marked and becomes highly technical. There are several small variants to reach the summit of Paglia Orba. On the map, you'll notice two possible routes at Col des Maures. The less difficult one is the one that goes further south to avoid a technical section. After several climbing passages on very steep couloirs, you might think you've reached the summit. In fact, it's only an antecima, separated from the real summit by the “Combe des chèvres”. The main difficulties of the climb are behind you. Make your way back down to the pass before making the final climb to the emblematic summit of Paglia Orba. Enjoy the breathtaking view before starting the descent to the valley.
On the way back, relax in the natural pools along the Golo and enjoy a refreshing drink at the Radule sheepfold. Follow the same route as the outward journey to the footbridge at the Radule waterfall, then continue on the GR20 towards the sheepfold to the parking area.
Slideshow
Nearby hikes
Radule Waterfall
- Difficulty : Easy
- Duration : 2 h 15 m
- Distance : 4.3 km
- Elevation gain : 200 m
Capu a Cuccula
- Difficulty : Moderate
- Duration : 3 h 45 m
- Distance : 6.1 km
- Elevation gain : 650 m
Lac de Nino
- Difficulty : Moderate
- Duration : 4 h 30 m
- Distance : 9.7 km
- Elevation gain : 720 m
GR20 Stage 6: From Ciottulu di i Mori to Manganu
- Difficulty : Hard
- Duration : 8 h
- Distance : 24.6 km
- Elevation gain : 710 m
Hikes to discover
Let chance guide your steps: Each time you visit Horizonrando, you will discover a new selection of hikes in Corsica, chosen at random.