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Start at the Maison Forestière de Poppaghia (altitude 1076m), on the road (D84) from the village of Albertacce to the Col de Vergio.
Yellow markings missing in places
(S/E) Take the path that enters the forest (east) towards the lake (sign). Walk gently uphill, skirting the Crête d'Orsu Longu. Near a river (Ruisseau de Colga on the map), the path joins a forest track.
(1) Cross the track and continue south through the pine forest, following the river. Be careful not to lose the trail. Join a perpendicular trail (Chemin de Ronde de Valdu Niellu on the map).
(2) Take the Chemin de Ronde on the left for about 50 metres. Leave this path and take the trail on the right that continues south. Pass near the Bergeries de Colga (sheepfolds, on the right).
(3) Head south-east. The landscape becomes very rocky, the slope steepens considerably and you walk across slabs of rock. Keep an eye out for cairns, which are more visible than the signposts.
(4) Take a rocky corridor (no difficulty) and continue south to a pass called Bocca â Stazzona.
(5) Lake Nino is close by and clearly visible to the south-east. Descend gently towards the lake and reach its end by skirting around its eastern shore.
(6) The descent is via the same route as on the way up (S/E).
Alternative route - It is also possible to go around the lake via its western shore (GR®20) and then join the Bocca â Stazzona pass by turning right. This alternative route should be avoided in foggy conditions.
The description and previous reviews are perfectly accurate: a fairly easy climb through shady woods to the Colga sheepfolds. After that it's a steep climb with a few easy sections where you have to use your hands, but nothing too dangerous or strenuous. Don't hesitate to take your time and climb slowly, pausing regularly to take a breather and observe the scenery. The signposting is quite good and there are plenty of cairns, so there's no need to worry about orientation, but you need to keep your wits about you and once again take your time. I also got caught out on the way back to point 2 by staying too far to the right (see elway22's comment).
Visorando member
Moderate 
Easy 
