From Calenzana to the Ortu di U Piobu refuge

(S) From the Calenzana stopover lodge, go up the D151 to reach the village church square. Climb up through the village, following the small signs indicating the start of^{the GR®20}. The actual start is located at the Sant'Antone fountain.

The trail starts climbing right from the beginning, and the slope is steady but quite steep.

(1) Leave a path on your right and continue straight ahead to reach the small pass via a few hairpin bends. This small pass is just below Capu di u Ravalente and bears the same name (616m).
Cross to the other side of the mountain and make a long, slightly uphill traverse through fairly open forest. Cross streams and reach the rocky promontory of Arghioa.

(2) From this promontory, the path winds its way up to Bocca à u Saltu (1250m).
Once you have crossed this pass, the path descends gently through the forest before climbing again, veering slightly to the right. You will need to cross a rocky outcrop; some sections are a little tricky and require you to use your hands, and one section is equipped with a chain. After this fairly long section, you will reach Bocca à u Bazzichellu (1486m).

(3) Cross this pass and continue along the contour line towards the east.

(4) Melaghia ford. After a short climb, you will reach the Ortu di u Piobbu refuge (1520m) (E).

There are very few supplies at the Ortu di u Piobbu refuge.
Plan to leave early and take plenty of water with you, as the climb is quite steep and it is the first day.