Double circular route between Vescovato and Olmu

This walk forms a circular route linking the villages of Vescovato and Olmu. It starts in Vescovato, where the architectural heritage is well worth exploring for the curious, and passes through the village of Olmu, which will delight lovers of the ‘old stone’ architecture found in island villages. The landscapes you pass through are varied, ranging from woodland to oak groves and open, exposed areas such as the ridges. Thus, as you move from one slope to another, from one bank to the other, you will have the opportunity to enjoy views of both the sea and the islands bordering Corsica, as well as views of the mountains, which are sometimes snow-capped depending on the season.

Details

94219907
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.07 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 600 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 601 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 652 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 132 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Haute-Corse (2B)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 42.493752° / E 9.439036°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 4349OT
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

The route starts at the top of the village of Vescovato. Several car parks are available for visitors. Traffic in the village is one-way. Here, the route starts from the small car park at the bottom.

(S/E) Head towards the village square. At the end of the square, take the path on the right-hand side which passes in front of the old sign for Maison Orlanducci, and continue to the Paradiccio district. Follow Rue Marc Antonio Ceccaldi to find the start of the walk, marked by a green gate. The well-maintained path climbs gently up to the Cintrone stream.

(1) The path splits into several branches leading to the stream. On your right, find the one leading to a narrow passage which is easily passable even in winter. You will see the path continuing ahead. After this fording point, a steep climb will take you to a path junction: this path is well-maintained and easily accessible, but the climb can be tough.

(2) Take the path climbing up to the left. It is well-cleared but the gradient remains steep as you reach the plateau.

(3) Take the path on the left which climbs and is marked by a sign prohibiting access to motor vehicles. Follow the ridge to reach a junction.

(4) Continue straight on, towards U Stollu. The path on the right leads directly to Olmu and is passable. Reach a junction.

(5) Turn left and ignore the path signposted “Bocca di Calanchella”. Continue until you reach a track suitable for vehicles.

(6) Turn right, ignoring the sign on the left for “Route Impériale”. After several bends, you’ll come out onto a road (D10); turn right onto it and follow it until you pass through the village of Olmu, which is well worth a visit. You’ll arrive at the church.

(7) Continue along the road, pass the small car park and carry straight on to reach the Town Hall. Go as far as the last houses.

(8) Take a track on the right-hand side which joins the return route at the pass. You will find a fountain along this route.

(3) Take the path leading downwards, which you followed in the opposite direction on the way there.

(2) Carry on straight ahead to reach the junction at Pointe de Casaccie.

(9) Turn right. The descent is quite steep and passes a crucifix overlooking the village of Vescovato and, further down, some picnic tables. Continue until you reach a gap between two houses and rejoin the road.

(10) Cross it and take the street opposite to pass below the village and return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 157 m - Car park
  2. 1 : km 1.21 - alt. 221 m - Cintrone Stream
  3. 2 : km 2.23 - alt. 423 m - Junction of Circular Loop 2
  4. 3 : km 2.99 - alt. 551 m - Junction of Circular Loop 1
  5. 4 : km 3.72 - alt. 611 m - Junction, left
  6. 5 : km 4.54 - alt. 627 m - Turn left
  7. 6 : km 4.99 - alt. 628 m - Vehicle-accessible track
  8. 7 : km 6.16 - alt. 541 m - Olmu Church
  9. 8 : km 6.58 - alt. 525 m - Path on the right
  10. 9 : km 10.79 - alt. 335 m - Casaccie Point
  11. 10 : km 11.81 - alt. 137 m - Return via the road
  12. S/E : km 12.07 - alt. 156 m - Car park

Notes

In Vescovato and Olmu you will find drinking fountains. In Vescovato you will also find places to eat: bars, restaurants and other options depending on the season.

Alternative route: between (7) and (8), you can take a path on the right that leads directly back up to (4).

Other walks in the area

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.