Ficaghjola loop

A family loop combining swimming and hiking. Set off to explore nature in the heart of the Bonifatu massif. Avoid in case of flood risk. The start of the Ficaghjola loop is at the bottom of the car park; first descend to the riverbank, then cross a footbridge before climbing up to the heights.

Details

12409792
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.25 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 268 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 260 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 750 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 489 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the Bonifatu forest car park.

(S/E) Reach the river at a footbridge.

(1) Cross the Lamitu stream and turn right at the next crossroads onto the path going uphill. Stay on this path and, following a series of tight bends, you will reach a crossroads of paths at the Melaghia stream.

(2) Turn right to begin the descent, following the left bank of the stream at a distance. You will then come to a ford at the Lamitu stream.

(3) Cross and turn right. Follow the left bank of this stream to return to the Bonifatu car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 527 m - parking forêt de Bonifato
  2. 1 : km 0.28 - alt. 489 m - Himalayan footbridge over the - Figarella (fleuve)
  3. 2 : km 1.79 - alt. 735 m - Crossroads, on the right - traversée du ruisseau de Melaghia
  4. 3 : km 2.77 - alt. 616 m - Ford
  5. S/E : km 4.25 - alt. 527 m - parking forêt de Bonifato

Notes

Good shoes.
Towel.

Worth a visit

Swimming in the Figarella pools.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 25 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
Jacques David
Jacques David

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Lovely walk, no problem crossing the fords.

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pbizet
pbizet

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely hike, mostly shaded. Beautiful views and, at the end, stunning natural pools that are difficult to access.

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Frederico
Frederico

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A fairly easy hike, the climb takes about 40 to 45 minutes. Follow the blue markings. On the way back, you can swim at various spots. Parking is free in September

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marie de floreffe
marie de floreffe

Oops... I completely agree... my friend and I found the rattle in the passages annoying, especially the second one... but superb

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Sam_
Sam_

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely short hike, with a steep climb at the beginning but no particular difficulty. Beautiful view of the Aiguille de Bonifato at the end of the climb. The descent is gentle, with a stop in the river for those who aren't afraid of cold water. No problem crossing the river during the hike. Not too crowded at this time of year.

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marie de floreffe
marie de floreffe

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

My friend and I, both 77 years old, had a bit of trouble crossing the fords and climbing certain rocks. You need to be in good physical condition for seniors. But it was very beautiful. It took us 4 hours

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brigitte cerone
brigitte cerone
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A panorama that has to be earned, the walk is well shaded. Hiking boots are essential. We came across a little robin that came very close to
us. There was little water in the river.
We met a few people, but it was very reasonable for the season.

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JJIMDU38
JJIMDU38

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A hike to warm up before tackling more challenging trails 😉
The climb is pleasant, fairly steep with beautiful scenery.
However, the return trip, especially after the bathtubs (point 3), loses some of its appeal (path)

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J38
J38

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A pleasant, easy loop trail that is mostly shaded. Magnificent rocks and cool water!

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Shay
Shay

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Easy hike, free parking in July.
Beautiful views and great little swimming spots at the end.

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User 15264504

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Route not suitable for small children (term "family loop" should be changed in my opinion)

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inconnu qui randonne
inconnu qui randonne

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,

a pleasant walk. The steady climb is easy to manage, and the descent is straightforward.
The two fords were easy to cross.
The trail is well marked, allowing you to follow the route without having to look at your app.
Thank you.

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Tinkerbell
Tinkerbell

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We loved this hiking trail.
We were looking for a route that was easy to do with a baby carrier and not too long, which was the case.
The scenery is superb. And the trail is well marked and clearly signposted.
The only downside is crossing the two streams, which can be tricky when there is a lot of water and, above all, a strong current, as was the case for us in October.
All in all, it's a great hike to do from June to September, otherwise you'll need to be prepared to get very wet!
Remember to bring a towel

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Gilloudu41
Gilloudu41

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Stunning landscapes

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Stenie
Stenie
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A two-hour loop, with the first 50 minutes spent climbing through the woods and the rest of the time descending through beautiful scenery. A pleasant and fairly easy hike, just make sure you have good footwear and plenty of water to stay hydrated. The route is very well marked and the information provided by Visorando was very useful, especially for the start. It's best to set off early in the morning in summer as it gets very hot by 10am.

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