From Frasseta to the sheepfolds at E Grotelle

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The E Grotelle Path

The only access route to the upper Restonica valley, this walk takes you to the famous sheepfolds of E Grotelle.

Following the storms last November, extensive damage has made the upper Restonica valley inaccessible by car from the Tagone Bridge (which was swept away by the flood).

Access to the E Grotelle sheepfolds is now via this walking route from La Frasseta (this is the same starting point as for the route leading to the Cappellaccia sheepfolds).

This trail can be taken either for a moderate-difficulty hike leading to the Grotelle sheepfolds, or to reach the start of the hike to the Melu and Capitellu lakes (which is now considered a challenging route). This trail runs along the upper Restonica valley and leads to the Grotelle sheepfolds.

Details

n°44526939
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.61 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,985 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,985 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,514 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,015 ft
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Photos

Signpost at the fork
Start of the path at the Frasseta Bridge

Description of the walk

From 1 May 2024, we recommend taking the shuttle bus from Corte to reach the trailhead in the Restonica Valley. (Regarding the shuttle bus: check with the Tourist Office for details)
Shuttle bus stop: Frasseta

(S/E) The start of the trail, marked in red, winds its way up through the pine trees to a signpost.

(1) Turn off onto the path on the left (towards Grotelle) and continue to the Lamaghjosu Bridge, which spans the Restonica.

(2) Do not cross the bridge but continue uphill. It is another 2 km to E Grotelle and its sheepfolds.

(3) The return journey follows the same path back to the Frasseta Bridge (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,015 ft - Frasseta Bridge - Frasseta (point d'arrêt de la navette)
  2. 1 : mi 0.54 - alt. 3,363 ft - Signpost: Turn-off towards Grotelle
  3. 2 : mi 3.05 - alt. 4,163 ft - Lamaghjosu Bridge - Restonica
  4. 3 : mi 3.8 - alt. 4,511 ft - Sheepfolds at E Grotelle - Restonica
  5. S/E : mi 7.61 - alt. 3,015 ft

Worth a visit

Reviews and comments

4 / 5
Based on 2 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
2 / 5
Riri69
Riri69

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The sheepfolds at Grotelle are now a deserted hamlet. All that remains is a refreshment kiosk which, before the climb up to the lakes,
So it’s not particularly interesting.
The walk is mostly shaded (so fine in summer) but still offers some magnificent views over the valley and the chance to swim in the river at some lovely spots.
The round trip takes four hours at a leisurely pace.
From Grotelle, a sign indicates that the first lake is an hour’s walk away.
Shuttle bus must be booked in advance.

Machine-translated

Éric Camille
Éric Camille

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

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

This walk is a bit of a let-down. The main attraction is far too far away from the sheepfolds.

Machine-translated

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