Viru-Golo loop starting from Albertacce

Loop starting from the Genoese bridge at Albertacce, first following the Viru, a tributary of the Golo, to the Moulin de Muricciolu, then a pretty balcony path above the Golo to the footbridge over the Golo.

Details

n°4485572

Creation:
30 Dec 2020

Last update:
03 May 2026

Last review:
02 May 2026

Activity: Walking
Distance: 4.97 mi
Average duration: 2h 55
Difficulty: Difficult
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 738 ft
Descent: - 745 ft
Highest point: 3,143 ft
Lowest point: 2,707 ft

Country: France
City: Albertacce (20224)
Start/End: N 42.319481° / E 8.976038°
IGN map(s): Ref. 4250OT, 4250OTR, 4251OT, 4251OTR
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Photos

The Golo and the footbridge for the return option

The large, deep, cold pool at the 90° bend in the Golo

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at the Pont Génois on the Golo, west of Albertacce.

This hike takes place off-trail between (S/E) and (1). It follows the riverbed, hopping from rock to rock: do not attempt this if storms are forecast over the southern massifs of PAGLIA ORBA and CINTO. There isn’t even a fishermen’s path as the mountain plunges into the VIRU. This hike is reserved for experienced hikers who are not afraid of wading through water and are equipped with waterproof containers in case they slip into the water. During low water periods, you can cross on dry land, but if you undertake this hike early in the season, there may be more water and you may be forced to wade through the water for a few metres. Therefore, it is best to undertake this hike in late August, as there is likely to be too much water in spring.

(S/E) Cross the bridge over the Golo again, continue along the left bank and reach the confluence with the Viru. Follow the left bank of the Viru to quickly reach a large grey slab. Depending on the flow of the Viru, you may need to cross small streams, but the route is generally straightforward. Continue on to the Moulin de Muricciolu.

(1) Follow the Mare à Mare Nord path for a few metres, then very quickly let it branch off to the right and continue left along a sort of old cattle track. Initially heading south, it then curves westwards.
You’ll reach old cultivated terraces surrounded by low walls, suggesting a combination of chestnut cultivation and livestock grazing.

The U Ponte Muricciolu footbridge at Moulin was destroyed by Storm CIARAN: it is therefore difficult to cross in spring when the water level is high.

(2) Follow the Golo river as it flows below, along the cliff edge. You will later enter a forest and reach the junction with the path leading from the Mare a Mare.

(3) Continue left to reach a funnel, then turn left to reach the Golo at a sharp bend in the river.

(4) Then head back up the path and follow it until you cross the Golo via a footbridge. Walk along the right bank of the Golo to enjoy the beautiful pools.

(5) Return to the footbridge and turn left to quickly rejoin the D84 road.

(6) Here you have two options:
- either have a^second car waiting to take you back to the Pont Génois car park (S/E)
- or take the road on the left and finish the route on the tarmac to return to the Genoese Bridge car park (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,713 ft - Pont Génois car park on Golo West of Albertacce
1 : mi 0.64 - alt. 2,805 ft - Muricciolu Mill: view of Paglia Orba
2 : mi 0.94 - alt. 2,999 ft - Former shepherd’s settlement
3 : mi 1.77 - alt. 3,038 ft - Crossroads with the path coming from Mare a Mare
4 : mi 2.23 - alt. 2,890 ft - Vasque du - Golo (fleuve)
5 : mi 2.76 - alt. 2,930 ft - Golo pools below the footbridge.
6 : mi 3.05 - alt. 3,084 ft - Car park D 84
S/E : mi 4.97 - alt. 2,720 ft - Pont Génois car park on Golo West of Albertacce

Notes

Warning: This hike takes place along the banks of the Viru and Golo rivers: do not attempt it if storms are forecast.

The U PONTE MURIICCIOLU bridge was destroyed by a storm: we have been informed that it is difficult to cross in spring when the water level is too high. It is best to undertake this hike between the start and (1) during the low-water period in July and August, and to avoid the periods before and after storms in the CINTO & PAGFLIA ORBA massif. This should be considered a mini water hike.

Remember to take water with you.

Note: to avoid returning by road, you can leave a^second vehicle at the Golo footbridge (6).

Worth a visit

Between (S/E) and after the slab: the opportunity to swim in the morning is more than tempting.
(1) At the Moulin de Muricciolu, there is a beautiful view of the stunning Paglia Orba (2,525 m).
(4) Coude du Golo: enjoy this beautiful pool, perfect for swimming and picnics.

Reviews and comments

3.5 / 5

Based on 9 reviews

Reliability of the description
3.1 / 5

Ease of following the route
2.8 / 5

Route interest
4.6 / 5

Odji

02 May 2026 at 06:14 7200 • Edited: 02 May 2026 at 06:18 7200

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 02, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello, I went for a walk yesterday. As far as I’m concerned, the start is off the beaten track, but honestly, it’s doable. We went back up a bit to join the Mare-à-Mare trail up to the bridge we needed to cross. However, the big problem with this hike was that the footbridge had disappeared... the sign indicating it was damaged only appeared once we got mobile coverage. We looked for a passage that wasn’t too difficult to cross; perhaps in summer when there’s less water, but at this time of year it was dangerous. The current was strong, up to our necks, even though it didn’t look particularly deep at the spot indicated on the route where we were supposed to cross. I preferred to walk a little further up the river to get the dogs and the rest of the group across, with the water up to our thighs, but I wouldn’t recommend crossing at this time of year. Otherwise, the views were lovely and the walk was very easy, with no particular difficulties.

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cazzola

20 Aug 2025 at 08:52 7200

Overall rating : 2 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Although this hike looked very appealing (natural pools at the start and finish), it was impossible to find stage 1, resulting in an unlikely detour thanks to a marked trail that initially seemed identical to the one indicated, with the river below, but after an hour and a half we gave up and turned back, not knowing how long it would take to reach the finish, which was very different from what was indicated on the Visio Rando website. AVOID, unless the ONF or another organisation decides to signpost this site.

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Laurianne*

16 May 2024 at 10:16 7200

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Between the start and point 1, it is not possible to follow the river in May (too much water), but it must be pleasant in summer. We rejoined the Mare a Mare trail on this section, a little higher up.
The Genoese bridge at the mill (point 1) cannot be crossed, but cairns have been placed to allow you to wade across.
The footbridge does not exist at the indicated location (there is a masonry base that may correspond to an old footbridge). In May, there is too much water to cross safely. However, there is a footbridge much further downstream, near the start/finish point. This makes for a much shorter loop (route to be reviewed after point 2) but without removing the main attractions of the hike (the riverbanks, the Genoese bridge, the mill). The route should be modified accordingly.

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cricribar

25 Oct 2022 at 09:11 7200

Hello
It would be a real shame to remove this superb hike from Visorando's suggestions.
We know that it is not signposted! It is true that you need to take the time to study the route on the map and read the description carefully before setting off!
Enjoy your hike, everyone...

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ROUX Bruno

24 Oct 2022 at 23:57 7200

hello
sorry, I'll either specify that it's an off-trail hike or remove it
i'll see what I can do. Have a good day

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BAMX

11 Oct 2022 at 19:36 7200

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 06, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

At the start, there were no signs until we found the Mare a Mare. Then, from point 1 to point 2, there were no problems. We couldn't find the MaM trail junction. So we couldn't find the footbridge and had to cross the Golo on foot. I think the descriptions and landmarks need to be reviewed.

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Dofel

19 Sep 2022 at 10:00 7200

Overall rating : 3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 10, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The hike is superb with beautiful scenery, but we confirm the previous review. The route is too vague and very difficult to follow, even with GPS. We couldn't find the path after setting off, despite our best efforts along the Golu/Viru. You probably need to follow the river bed, but this isn't made clear and isn't practical! We actually started the hike further east on the Mare a Mare north path and joined the route at point 1.
The trail is also very difficult to follow between points 4 and 5, with little or no markings... and it's not easy to reach the footbridge safely.
This hike is so beautiful that it deserves reliable markings. Then it would be perfect!
Thank you!

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Brucal

27 Sep 2021 at 12:18 7200

Overall rating : 3.5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 23, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : Not used / Not applicable
Very busy route : No

The trail is not marked and very difficult to follow. If we understood the route correctly, waterproof shoes are essential at the start as the trail begins in the river. We met other hikers who, like us, were desperate...

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Bastien Dom.Ser

17 Sep 2021 at 23:01 7200 • Edited: 23 Oct 2022 at 22:20 7200

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 12, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hello,
We went for a walk between showers and sunny spells, stopping for a picnic at the mill by the river and a swim in the cool water. On the plus side.

The downside was the lack of signposts and markings on the trail, which can sometimes make it difficult to find your way, especially in the rain and fog. Bring an IGN map.
Fortunately, cairns have been set up to help with orientation, for which we are grateful.

The arrival on the road is not very interesting on the way back to the car park. It might be more interesting to retrace your steps and cross the Golo footbridge.

Best regards!

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ROUX Bruno

05 Jul 2021 at 00:18 7200

Hello
thank you for your comments
yes, that's possible, but if you take the Mare a Mare trail from Albertacce to Le Moulin, you'll miss the hike on the beautiful grey and white rock with the lovely water pools of the Viru
Valdo-Niellu is such a charming micro-region.

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cricribar

05 Jul 2021 at 19:04 7200

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 08, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thank you for this beautiful itinerary, which was interesting and varied (Genoese bridge, beautiful mill, basins, footbridges)
- S/E: instead of going down into the Viru riverbed, you can follow a path on the left bank along the ridge that joins the Mare a mare, allowing you to descend to the Muricciolu mill (point 1).
- At point 5: To make a loop without returning by the road, we retraced our steps to point 3, took the link to Mare a Mare and then joined point 1 (mill) via Mare a Mare. from point 1, you can return via the same route or, as we did, return via point 2, from where you can take small paths descending south-east to a footbridge over the Golu, which takes you back to the starting point.
This loop of about 10 km can be completed in 4 to 4½ hours

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ROUX Bruno

13 Mar 2021 at 13:43 3600

Hello
yes, thank you for your comment
yes, I'm not very good with GPS tracking, so I trace the route on the map, and in a place like Corsica, it's always a bit hit and miss because the terrain is very rugged
yes, it's a hike to do especially in spring and summer without the risk of getting your feet wet

i'll try to do some of the walks again in September 2021, this time recording a GPS track

enjoy your walks, Bruno

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romu2b

13 Mar 2021 at 13:35 3600

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 12, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

At first, it wasn't easy to find the signs or follow the route that led us to the river. We had to follow the route from above, but once we arrived at the Old Mill, everything was fine

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